Quietly, Toronto is 3rd in the East. It's not surprising, per se, but the national focus seems to have shifted away from the Raps at the wrong time. The 2017-18 version of their usual, top-heavy squad features great depth + reliable star power.

Last night v. CHA, Charlotte got a double dose of both: Top DOGs Kyle Lowry (36 pts) & DeMar DeRozan (30 pts) accounted for 66 of TOR's 126 pts, while the bench contributed 40.

combined: 66 pts, 12 dimes & 9 boards

TOR (13-7) might easily featured its deepest roster in years.

The luxury of having K. Lowry & D. DeRozan for (possible) Top DOG performances + a reliable second unit = a recipe for success?