The Toronto Raptors will be looking to end a terrible run of form in the Eastern Conference on Wednesday night, as they look to re-emerge as a leading contender for a playoff spot this season. The Detroit Pistons have also been in less than ideal form, and they will be looking to end their terrible run of form at home.
Pistons vs Raptors Preview
Raptors Looking To End Barren Run Of Form
Things haven’t been going well for the Toronto Raptors recently, and they are falling down the league standings at an alarming rate. Toronto have needed to deal with COVID issues, which could be argued has had a negative effect on their results. Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Fred VanVleet have all been missing over recent weeks, as the Raptors have lost their last five either side of the All-Star break.
That run of form has severely hampered their playoff hopes this season, as they are now down to eleventh in the league standings in the East, and need to quickly get back to their best if they have any hope of catching the teams above them. All of the sides above the Raptors have won their most recent games, which means that this is simply a must-win game. Toronto lost their most recent game against the Chicago Bulls, as they fell to a 118-95 defeat. Norman Powell’s form has been the only blessing for the Raptors recently, as the forward scored 32 points in the defeat.
Pistons Looking To Avoid Finishing Bottom
Detroit Pistons have no chance of achieving a playoff finish in the NBA this season, and will instead set themselves the target of avoiding finishing bottom of the conference. Their chances of achieving that already look slim, as they have achieved three fewer victories than the side directly above them this season. Their form recently has also been pretty poor, as they have lost their last three games. Only the Orlando Magic and the Raptors are on longer losing streaks in the Eastern Conference at present. The Pistons have won just two of their last ten games, with their most recent win being achieved against Toronto.
That win came before the All-Star break, as Detroit held on to achieve a 129-105 victory. However, since then, they have lost to the New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets and Brooklyn Nets. The latter of those was their most recent game, as the championship-chasing franchise won 100-95. Jerami Grant top-scored for the Pistons in the defeat, as he had 22 points. Saddiq Bey, Mason Plumlee, Delon Wright and Rodney McGruder all scored at least ten points against the Nets.
Pistons vs Raptors Pick
It is likely that VanVleet, Siakam and Anunoby will all be missing for the Raptors again on Wednesday, which means that Toronto will once again be short on quality across the court. For that reason, we will give the pick for the game to the Pistons as they beat the Raptors for the second time in five games.
