Bobcats vs Raptors game preview

Tonight at 7 p.m. (eastern time, of course) the 14-50 Charlotte Bobcats take on the 25-40 Toronto Raptors. This is high-quality basketball, folks.

This season, the Raptors had playoff expectations coming into the season, but after a disappointing 4-19 start, the hope all but disappeared. Since the bad start, the Raptors have been 21-21 and have looked like a playoff team. At least in the Eastern Conference, that is. In late February, they started looking like they could make the playoffs, but went on a five-game losing streak and their hopes were once again dashed.

The Bobcats, meanwhile, are coming off of a convincing win against the Celtics after a dreary 10-game losing stretch.

The season series between the teams is split 1-1, the Bobcats winning 98-97 on November 21st and Toronto winning 99-78 on January 11th. In the previous games this season between the two teams, the Raptors have done well via their big men. One of the Raptors' big men, Andrea Bargnani, is out for the season, which seems like it could help the Bobcats, although on-off court statistics show it actually helps the Raptors more.

In the first meeting between the two (a Bobcats victory), the Charlotte guards scored a combined 57 points (19 from Kemba, 11 from Taylor, 14 from Sessions, 13 from Gordon), propelling them to victory. The entire season, the Bobcats have had to rely on their backcourt for offense and this game will be no different.

Another thing worth noting: This is the first time the Bobcats have played the Raptors in the Rudy Gay era. Kemba's going to have an easier time on defense (no Jose Calderon), but Gay might give Michael Kidd-Gilchrist some fits. We'll see, but I don't see it being too big of an issue.

Since both these teams are gunning for better draft picks, tonight's game might not be the most entertaining you'll ever see.

To make you feel better, here's a nice GIF.

You're welcome.