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The Toronto Raptors enter January with a great deal of momentum after reeling off an impressive 11-4 record in December.

What makes that run all the more remarkable is that they've been without the services of guard DeMar DeRozan, whose been out of action since Nov. 30 with a left groin injury.

The team will finish 2014 as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference for 57 consecutive days, the longest streak in franchise history.

Their favorable early-season schedule (11 of their first 16 games at the Air Canada Centre) helped set them off on the right foot. They have maintained their winning ways away from their homecourt with a 10-5 record on the road as well.

They're also 9-3 against the dreaded Western Conference, including victories over the Memphis Grizzlies (22-8) and Los Angeles Clippers (21-11).

Of their 16 games in January, only five come against opponents with winning records through Dec. 30. A six-game stretch at home in the middle of the month against teams with a combined record of 68-111 (.379) should help pad one of the best home records (14-3) in basketball.

DeRozan's return to the lineup will likely come at some point in the coming weeks. He's traveling with the team during their current five-game road trip against the West, a sign that his recovery may be nearing its completion.

Having exceeded expectations during a tumultuous period without one of their top scorers, the Raptors can only hope that the next 31 days bring them similar fortune (and a healthy All-Star).