Event of the Day: Toronto Raptors versus Golden State Warriors

Our event of the day is the NBA clash between the Toronto Raptors and the Golden State Warriors at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. The Raptors sit in second-place in the Eastern Conference with a 29-11 record, while the Warriors lead the Western Conference with a 34-9 record and the league’s best winning percentage of 0.791. After losing the home match against the Miami Heat on Tuesday, when conceding last second points (89-90), Toronto returned to winning ways with a rampant 133-99 home win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday – their sixth triumph in the past seven games, including two wins in overtime. Golden State broke their five-games winning streak with a 125-106 home defeat to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, however they bounced back with a victory against the Milwaukee Bucks last night, with a 108-94 victory. The Warriors and the Raptors met in October in Oakland, and the champions came out on top 117-112. 

 

Toronto’s point guard Kyle Lowry is likely to miss the game with a bruised tailbone, so the hosts will rely on shooting guard DeMar DeRozan, leader of the team with 25 points on average and scorer of franchise-record 52 points in a New Year’s Day 131-127 overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. The Golden State star players are all currently shining in every department: point guard Stephen Curry scores 27.9 points per game, small forward Kevin Durant scores 26.3 points per game and has 76 blocks so far – second most in the league, power forward Draymond Green averages 7.8 rebounds and 7.6 assists, while shooting guard Klay Thompson has scored 140 three-pointers so far (second in the league) with 45% accuracy. The Warriors have the best away record in the entire NBA (18-3), while the Raptors are the second best home team (15-2 record). It is all set-up to be a thrilling duel at the Air Canada Centre.

 

Honourable mentions around the globe go to the Big Bash League match between the Adelaide Strikers and the Perth Scorchers at the Traeger Park in Alice Springs. This is a top of the table clash as both teams have 10 points each, the Strikers from six games, the Scorchers from seven. In the NFL, there are the first two divisional round playoff games - in the AFC, the New England Patriots face the Tennessee Titans at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough; while in the NFC the Philadelphia Eagles meet the Atlanta Falcons at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. New Zealand and Pakistan play their 3rd ODI at the University Oval in Dunedin. It’s the opening day of the 2nd Test of the Freedom Trophy between South Africa and India at the SuperSport Park, Centurion. It’s Day 2 of the EurAsia Cup at the Glenmarie Golf Country Club in Maylasia. At the BMW SA Open golf tournament at the Glendower Golf Club in Edenvale, South Africa, it’s the third day; and it is Day 3 of the Sony Open in Hawaii at the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu. In tennis, it’s the final day of the Sydney International at the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre in Sydney; and it is Day 6 of the ATP Auckland Open at the ASB Tennis Centre in Auckland. In the NHL, there is a New York derby between the Rangers and the Islanders at Madison Square Garden in New York.

 

Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!

 

Fixture

 

Photos by NBA