Demar DeRozan returns to Los Angeles for the first time as a Raptor after averaging 13.9 points as a freshman at USC last season. (Ron Turenne/Getty Images)The Raptors open a four-game western swing Friday night at Staples Centre against the Clippers.
Toronto (4-4) avoided a third straight loss Wednesday with a 99-89 victory over Chicago. After getting out rebounded by 10 in the first half, the Raptors held a 11-rebound edge in the final 24 minutes while outscoring the Bulls 46-29.
Rookie guard Demar DeRozan gave the Raptors a huge lift with season highs of nine points and nine rebounds, seven of those coming in the third quarter.
The Compton, Calif., native returns to Los Angeles for the first time as a pro after averaging 13.9 points and 5.7 rebounds as a freshman at USC last season.
The Raptors have a three-game win streak over the Clippers at Staples Centre, and they will try to extend that run as they face a Clippers team that's dropped two straight following a three-game winning streak.
Los Angeles (3-6) shot a season-low 35.9 per cent from the field and were held to10 fourth-quarter points in Wednesday's 83-79 loss to visiting Oklahoma City
Eric Gordon, the Clippers' second-leading scorer at 18.9 points per game, missed his second straight contest with a sore left groin. The second-year guard is expected to be out a minimum of 10 days.
Raptors forward Hedo Turkoglu left Wednesday's game in the fourth quarter with a sore left hip, but he is expected to play against the Clippers.
The Raptors road trip will also see stops in Phoenix, Denver and Utah.
At the conclusion of the road trip Toronto will have already played 20 per cent of its road schedule for the season, despite having only played a total of 12 games.
