Toronto Raptors: 3 Keys For Rest Of Season

Feb 6, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) is congratulated by guard DeMar DeRozan (10) after making a basket against the Los Angeles Clippers at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Clippers 123-107. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 10, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 117-112. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

The Raptors must do a better job of managing the minutes of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan down the stretch.

While the Raptors shouldn’t completely shut down Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan in the final games of the season like the Spurs would, they need to make sure that they are not wearing them out just before the playoffs.

Lowry is currently third in the NBA in minutes per game while DeRozan is sixth. The Raptors are currently six games ahead of the third-place Atlanta Hawks and any team catching them seems unlikely. Keeping both players at around 30 minutes a game to maintain chemistry, but reduce the amount of wear and tear, could go a long way.

Keeping them on a minutes restriction would mean having faith in the team’s depth. That would mean even if they are giving up a lead or struggling, the coaching staff will stick with the reserves and give them that experience. The team is already setting the franchise record for wins, how high that number goes likely means far less than a meaningful postseason run.

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