Toronoto Raptors (13-3) at Los Angeles Lakers (3-13) 6:30 PM Pacific The Lakers and Raptors have for the most part experienced extremely different seasons. After losing four straight, Los Angeles is back into the thick of a battle for the best draft pick. The Raptors have been battling for home court advantage in the playoffs. They will have to continue that quest without their leading scorer, DeMar DeRozan, at least for the foreseeable future. DeRozan is out indefinitely with a torn tendon in his groin. The teams split the series last season, with the Raptors winning the first 106-94 and the Lakers taking the next one 112-106. Even factoring out DeRozan's offensive production, the Raptors have plenty of firepower against the Lakers. In the two meetings between the teams last season Kyle Lowry averaged 22 points and 8.5 assists and out of nowhere Amir Johnson averaged 22.5 points and 9 rebounds. Playing with an ineffective Kobe Bryant who was trying to get his legs back, the Lakers starters struggled mightily against Toronto. After their starters scored a total of just 23 points in a loss, the Lakers turned it around to beat the Raptors thanks to 29 points off the bench from Nick Young. LA newcomer Jeremy Lin averaged 23.5 points per game against the Raptors while playing for Houston. Projection: Raptors 112 Lakers 101 Image: John E. Sokolowski USA TODAY Sports
