How the Raptors can avoid extinction

This was always going to be a tough battle.

The Wizards are very similar to the Raptors, growing steadily over the years to emerge as one of the tougher teams in the East. Culminating with a trip to the post-season last year, including a win over the Chicago Bulls, Washington has cut their teeth in a way the Raptors have yet to do. The addition of Paul Pierce added another veteran presence to help guide John Wall and Bradley Beal, and they bring a top notch defense every time they hit the floor.

But the Raptors shouldn’t be this close to extinction this early in the post-season.

Fantasy Spotlight: January 16th

Fantasy Studs

Brandon Jennings, Detroit Pistons: BJ put up one of his best performances of the season, helping the Pistons squeak past the Pacers. Jennings scored 37 points on 10-23 shooting, going 8-13 from deep and 9-9 from the line, while adding 3 assists, 2 rebounds, and a steal. Jennings has had a midseason push since Josh Smith’s departure, and should help the Pistons push for a playoff spot.

Fantasy Spotlight: January 5th

Fantasy Studs

Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers: Kevin Love was on his own with Kyrie and LeBron in street clothes, but even behind a vintage Love stat sheet, the Cavs found a way to drop their matchup with the Sixers. Love finished with 28 points on 8-18 shooting, going 1-6 from deep but 11-13 from the line, while chipping in 19 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Love has been focused on getting deeper in the post as opposed to relying on the 3-pointer, which should see his efficiency and free throw rate increase over time.

Fantasy Spotlight: January 2nd

Fantasy Studs

Rajon Rondo, Dallas Mavericks: Rondo received a warm welcome in his Boston return, and in the process put up one of his best scoring games in recent memory. Rondo finished with 29 points on 12-19 shooting, going 5-7 from 3-point land, while adding 6 boards, 5 assists, and a steal. Rondo made headlines by alluding to playing lackadaisical defense over the last few season, but it’s been his 3-point shooting this season that has been the biggest surprise.

Fantasy Spotlight: December 29th

Fantasy Studs

Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls: The Bulls have been the hottest team in the league over the past few weeks, and Butler has surpassed his All-Star teammates in the MVP conversation. Butler scored 27 points on 8-20 shooting, going 2-2 from deep and 9-12 from the line, while adding 9 boards, 4 steals, a block, and an assist. Butler has been the heart and soul of the Bulls, and has helped his injury prone teammates relax a bit so they don’t re-aggravate any nagging injuries.

Fantasy Spotlight: December 7th

Fantasy Studs

John Wall, Washington Wizards: The Celtics jumped out to an early lead against the Wizards, leaving John Wall with a nice stat line as a consolation prize in the upset. Wall finished with 17 points on 5-13 shooting, making 7-8 from the line while missing both 3’s, to go with 14 assists, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocked shots. While the ugly shooting percentages and 6 turnovers definitely didn’t help manners, Wall didn’t get that much support from his teammates either.

Fantasy Spotlight: December 3rd

Fantasy Studs

Pau Gasol & Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls: The Bulls frontcourt duo complement each other perfectly, and while Gasol’s return to fantasy dominance may have limited Noah’s effectiveness, the Bulls are clearly better with the both of them working together. Gasol scored 19 points on 7-19 shooting, going 5-7 from the line, to go with 15 boards and 3 assists. Noah flirted with a triple-double with 15 points on 6-9 shooting, making 2-4 free throws, while adding 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and a steal. While neither recorded a block, the Bulls starters, at full strength, have been nearly unstoppable.