The
The Raptors are outscoring opponents by a league-best 10.6 points a game but just lost their leading scorer,
The Lakers will be without
Key matchup
The 28-year-old point guard is averaging 18.6 points, 6.4 assists and 5.2 rebounds a game, helping to lead the Raptors to their tremendous start.
In the absence of DeRozan, Lowry (and his teammates) will need to do even more.
Where the Lakers, including Lin, need to improve is on the defensive side of the ball, which has been a running theme for the team most of the season.
X-factor
The Raptors have a number of players who can pick up the slack for the absent DeRozan.
Inside, center
The Lakers will counter with
Swingman
Again, the Lakers have had problems this season defensively. The Lakers perimeter rotation of
Outlook
Perhaps the loss to the Timberwolves was just a setback. The Lakers may make a game of it Sunday, but their track record doesn't exactly inspire confidence.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.