TheToronto Raptorssurvived a dismal start, a second straight poor game from its top scorer, and some crummy free-throw shooting to steal a win. Toronto’s struggles would have doomed them most nights. Fortunately for the Raptors and their fans, the opponent wasn’t a league powerhouse, but a bumbling collection of New Orleans Pelicans. The home team’s chances worsened when Anthony Davis didn’t return for the second half.
The ongoing absence of Kyle Lowry has forced Raptors coach Dwane Casey to put on the floor some odd combinations, and that trend will likely be more pronounced should DeMarre Carroll’s ankle injury prove stubborn.