The Toronto Raptors take on the Houston Rockets for their second and final meeting of the season after taking care of business on Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Jonas Valanciunas took control for the Raptors scoring 19 points and grabbing seven boards, leading the Raptors to a 94-83 win over the Lakers.
With the win on Friday night, Toronto clinched their second straight Atlantic Division title and third in franchise history.
Casey had some things to say after the huge win: “We had three goals: One was to make the playoffs, two was to win the division and three was to continue on in the playoffs. We’re not doing it the conventional way right now. Tonight’s a good start defensively, clamping down the way we did. But we’ve got to continue it and make it a habit.”
The Rockets are coming into Monday's matchup with a win Sunday afternoon over the Washington Wizards. James Harden continued to make his case for MVP, dropping 24 points, six assists, and three rebounds as the Rockets went on to win, 99-91. Dwight Howard was available for the Rockets, but his minutes were limited as he continues to recover from a knee injury. He added 11 points and 10 rebounds in 19 minutes of play. Howard won't be available for Monday's meeting against the Raptors, as he's not allowed to play on back to backs just yet.
Kyle Lowry, who has missed four of the last five contests with back spasms, is questionable for Monday's contest against the Rockets. Lowry is averaging 17.9 points per game, 6.9 assists, and 4.6 rebounds this season.
The Raptors will look to even up the series after being embarrassed late February, losing to the Rockets, 98-76. Dwane Casey will look to James Johnson to keep Harden in check after doing a swell job in their last meeting, holding him to just 20 points. Casey said Johnson will be one of several defenders who will take a swing at guarding one of the best in the game.
The Rockets will come down to Toronto for their final meeting of the season, but it won't be easy as they've dropped seven straight at Toronto. As Houston is in a tight race with the Memphis Grizzles in the Southwest division, this game couldn't be more important for them. Check out the matchup Monday night at 7:30 pm Eastern Time.