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Toronto in a bit of a crisis

The Canadians recorded three straight defeats for the first time since 2015 but a much bigger problem for them today is DeRozan's absence

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The Raptors were mostly injury free, at least when it comes to key players, and the competition had been just weak or powerful enough for them to always find a win to get out of any potential crisis with a few wins. 

It seems like it's finally their turn to face some problems. They are on a 3-game losing run, the worst of which was the one to the Suns (115-103) home. 

- Everybody is panicking but it's not time for that. We are going through a tough patch. That is part of this job. It's how we respond that matters. We put ourselves in a good situation. We are the second-best team in the conference and we cannot say it's critical. We are simply going through a bit of a rough patch - Casey said. His team had the lead for the most part of the game but then allowed the Suns a 18-6 run down the stretch.

The fact they recorded three straight defeats for the first time since November of 2015 says it all about Toronto's consistency. They lost their top scorer DeRozan (27,9 points per game) on Sunday as well. He had to leave the floor with a sprained ankle. 

Lowry will have to take more responsibility. His usage rate goes from 23,3 to 27,2 when DeRozan is not there. Powell and Ross will split the minutes and Carroll is also to get more responsibility in offense. 

- They will not score points the way DeMar does. We'll have to change the game a bit. We'll try and get under the rim and run into transition - the coach said. The Raptors are 15-7 home.

San Antonio will try and take advantage of DeRozan's absence. They are on a 5-game road trip during which they won't be able to count on Gasol and Parker. Popovich rested Ginobili and Leonard yesterday but not even that helped the Nets avoid the 112-86 defeat. 

- I just told the guys that I think we did a good job. Getting every away win is tough. We are focused on the away games all the time. We recorded a good win in Cleveland which we didn't want to ruin in the next game. I was a bit worried but the boys did a good job - Popovich said. His team improved to a 19-4 record away.

The Spurs will most likely be able to count on Leonard and Ginobili and they can also build optimism on the fact they beat the Raptors a few weeks ago home (110-82).