The Toronto Raptors have the best defense in the NBA over the last 7 games, led by Scottie Barnes' All-Defense level play -- but can it sustain? In Episode 1796, Sean Woodley is joined by Es Baraheni (The Athletic NBA Daily) to talk about the Raptors' newfound defensive structure, the impact of Davion Mitchell, Jakob Poeltl and Scottie Barnes and how sustainable this run might be, especially once Immanuel Quickley eventually supplants Mitchell in the starting five. Can Barnes and Poeltl do enough to keep the defense stout when that happens? Next, they chat about Scottie Barnes' leap on defense, his case to make an All-Defense team, the ideal scheme for his talents and the skillsets that could make sense next to him on the defensive end as the team looks to add more talent. Lastly, they chat about the Marc Stein reporting loosely tying the Raptors to Pelicans wing Brandon Ingram, why it doesn't really pass the smell test, and their hopes and dreams ahead of next week's trade deadline.

Discord: https://discord.gg/WKeT2dE9

Newsletter: https://newsletters.lockedonpodcasts.com/nba/raptors

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Show Theme Music: Keep Fallin' / The Passion HiFi on SoundCloud

This episode of the Lockdown NBA Squad Show East features a panel of NBA podcast hosts discussing recent developments in the Eastern Conference. The conversation covers the Cleveland Cavaliers' defensive struggles, highlighting the impact of injuries to players like Caris LeVert, Isaac Okoro, and Evan Mobley. The Detroit Pistons' surprising success is attributed to Cade Cunningham's stellar play and improved team defense, particularly with Ausar Thompson in the lineup.

The panel debates the Orlando Magic's offensive woes, noting their league-worst three-point shooting percentage and discussing potential trade options to improve their offense without sacrificing their defensive identity. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are mentioned as key players for the Magic's future.

The hosts also explore the Philadelphia 76ers' situation, debating whether the team should continue competing or consider rebuilding, given Joel Embiid's injury history and the team's struggles this season.

0:00 Intro and discussion of Cavs' recent struggles

5:06 Pistons' surprising success: Cade Cunningham's impact and defensive improvements

11:10 FanDuel odds for Eastern Conference: Celtics favored, Bucks undervalued

16:47 Magic's offensive struggles: Worst effective field goal percentage in NBA

22:04 76ers' dilemma: To tank or not to tank

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Show Theme Music: Keep Fallin' / The Passion HiFi on SoundCloud

The Toronto Raptors picked up their sixth win in seven games with a 113-104 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, as they continue to be absolutely monstrous on the defensive end. In Episode 1795, Sean Woodley goes solo to recap the Raptors' win, talk about what's been going into the Raptors' having the league's best defense over the last seven games, the offensive struggles the team is going through as the defense has reached new heights, and more from the Raptors' 14th win of the year. Off the top, Sean talks about Scottie Barnes playing at an All-Defense level, Jakob Poeltl providing a backbone, and Davion Mitchell's impact at the point of attack. Next, Sean gets into the Raptors' struggles scoring both against the Pelicans and over this seven-game stretch, where despite being number one on defense, they're just 21st in offensive efficiency. Lastly, Sean runs through The Good (Barnes' in-game adaptability), The Bad (Three-point shooting) and The Hmmm (just keep Bruce?) to round out the show.

Discord: https://discord.gg/WKeT2dE9

Newsletter: https://newsletters.lockedonpodcasts.com/nba/raptors

Turbo Tax
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Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
Super Bowl 59 is here, And there’s no better way to make every play more exciting than with FanDuel Sportsbook. New customers can bet just FIVE DOLLARS, and if you win, you’ll score TWO HUNDRED BUCKS in Bonus Bets. Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of Super Bowl Fifty-Nine.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Show Theme Music: Keep Fallin' / The Passion HiFi on SoundCloud