NBA 2018-19: Toronto Raptors Vs Golden State Warriors preview

#4 The bench strength

Atlanta Hawks v Golden State Warriors

The Raptors bench is a factor almost every game. Tuesday night they produced 51 points. Fred Van Vleet led the bench scoring with 18 points. However, their contribution is much more than points scored.

Fred Van Vleet averages 24.3 minutes per game. Pascal Siakam is up to 29.2 minutes per game. Valanciunas is playing 19.5 minutes per game. The second unit produces, but also plays significant amounts of quality minutes to keep the starters rested.

The Raptors are deeper than the Warriors and that depth could factor into this match up. After the starting five, the Warriors rely on Shaun Livingston, Andre Iguodala, Alfonzo McKinnie, Jonas Jerebko, and Kevon Looney.

Only Iguodala averages more than 20 minutes a game off of the Warriors bench. DeMarcus Cousins, who the Warriors signed, in the off season, to a one year deal, is not available to play until after the new year, due to injury. The Warriors should be rested for this game, as they, last played on Monday. While Iguodala can still play at a high level, the Raptors have more options, than Golden State off of the bench.

No matter which team you are cheering for this game will be intriguing. The best team, in the West, and the best team, in the East. The Raptors are the team, with something to prove, and they do have home court advantage.