The Toronto Raptors commence a seven-game home stand on Wednesday night against the Utah Jazz. I hope we’ll see some changes to the starting lineup, because what’s happening now isn’t working.
James Johnson has started a bunch of games in the absence of DeMarre Carroll, whose return date remains a mystery. JJ was expected to provide a sound defensive presence, and chip in the occasional bucket. Luis Scola has been the Raptors’ power forward by default, as Patrick Patterson fumbled away his opportunity to seize the role with poor shooting in training camp and pre-season.
To the great relief of Toronto fans, the season has been salvaged by the remarkable play of the backcourt duo of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan.