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Raptors 101, Pistons 87
Alan is an expert gambling writer who works as one of the chief editors for Basketball Insiders. He has been covering online gambling and sports betting for over 8 years, having written for the likes of Sportlens, Compare.bet, The Sports Daily, 90min, and TopRatedCasinos.co.uk. His particular specialisms include US online casinos and gambling regulations, and soccer and basketball betting. Based in London, Alan holds an MA in English Literature and is a passionate supporter of Chelsea FC.
All posts by Alan DraperUpdated5 hours ago on April 25, 2024
TORONTO — Guard DeMar DeRozan led the way with a game-high 25 points as the Toronto Raptors defeated the Detroit Pistons 101-87 Wednesday night at the Air Canada Centre.
Guard Kyle Lowry went 3 of 6 from 3-point range for 19 on the night while forward Amir Johnson was 8 of 14 from the field and 4-for-6 from the free-throw line for 20 points in the win.
The win is Toronto’s 15th in their last 19 at home and 10th victory in their last 13 overall.
The loss extends the Pistons’ (25-40) road losing streak to 10 games.
Guard Brandon Jennings had a team-high 24 while forwards Greg Monroe and Josh Smith each had 13 points for the Pistons.
The Raptors improved to 15-0 at home, and 27-2 overall, when leading after three quarters.
Toronto (36-27) opened an 18-point lead to start the third thanks to a 13-2 run led by Kyle Lowry and never looked back.
Led by Jennings and Smith, the Pistons went on an early second quarter 11-0 run tying the game 29-29.
However, Toronto, helped by seven points off the bench, took a 52-45 lead into recess.
The Raptors used an early 13-3 run, led by center Jonas Valanciunas and Johnson, to take 29-21 first quarter lead. Johnson finished the first quarter going 3-for-4 from the field while Lowry hit 2 of 3 from 3-point range.
NOTES: Detroit entered Wednesday’s game 4-10 under coach John Loyer, who was named head coach in early February. … The Pistons were three points back of the idle Atlanta Hawks for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference following Tuesday’s action. … With their loss in Brooklyn on Monday, Toronto’s Atlantic Division lead over the Brooklyn Nets shrunk to three games. The Raptors have won one division title in their 18 seasons prior to this, and have not made the playoffs since 2008. … NBA legend and former Raptors player Muggsy Bogues was in attendance for the game. … Detroit plays at home Saturday vs. the Indiana Pacers. Toronto continues its’ three-game homestand Friday against the Memphis Grizzlies and concludes against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday.
