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Game Day: Raptors @ Timberwolves

Matt Tierney - Raptors.com

Tonight is the final game before the All-Star break for both teams when Toronto (35-16) takes on the Timberwolves (16-37) in Minnesota. The Raptors will be gunning for their fourth straight win after toppling the Pistons in Detroit the other night. The Wolves had their own two-game streak snapped Monday at home in a loss to New Orleans.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Karl-Anthony Towns – It’s been an impressive rookie season so far for Mr. Towns. Last year’s number one overall pick has proved his worth averaging 17 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks a game in his maiden season in Minnesota. At 7’0” and 244 lbs, Towns entered the league with an NBA-ready body allowing him to battle against his peers in the paint. He also possesses a soft touch and the ability to shoot from distance. The Raps frontcourt will have their work cut out keeping the 20-year old in check.

Kyle Lowry</strong – Lowry has been a nightmare for opposing defences this season. Not only is he averaging more than 21 points and six assists a game, he also sits top five in the league in rebounding (4.9) for point-guards. The 29-year old is at the top of his game and the NBA community has noticed, naming him Player of the Month for January and the starting point-guard for the Eastern Conference All-Star team. Look for Lowry to be in attack mode tonight if guarded by Ricky Rubio who is not known for his man-to-man defence.

ONE MORE

Following a victory in Portland last week, the Raptors set a franchise record to open a season with their 34th win after 50 games played. Tonight they will try and do one better by entering the All-Star break sitting 20 games above .500.

Standing in their way is a Minnesota team that has struggled on and off the court this season. Prior to opening day, the NBA family received the terrible news that Minnesota head coach Flip Saunders had lost his battle to cancer. Former Raptors coach Sam Mitchell stepped in and has remained at the helm for this young Wolves team.

The Timberwolves were always going to find it difficult to compete in a deep Western Conference as they tried to develop young stars like Towns, Zach LaVine and Andrew Wiggins.

Lately they have been playing some good basketball and prior to their loss to New Orleans, had recorded impressive wins over the Bulls and Clippers.

Toronto meanwhile has bounced back nicely after their previous 11 game winning streak was snapped in Denver on February 1st. The Raps have since reeled off three-straight victories and with a win tonight, can add to their Eastern Conference best road record.

With the lure of some well-deserved time off just around the corner, coach Casey stressed to his team to finish the job during his postgame press conference against the Pistons.

“Like I told them (the players), the All-Star break doesn’t start until Thursday and let’s not start it tomorrow."

#WeTheNorth