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Toronto has done a nice job of keeping pace with the Cavs and Celtics and the only way to match wins is by taking care of business.

The schedule, road dominated as it has been, will eventually turn with the Raptors playing a better calibre of opponent, but the team has to maintain its focus by not playing down to the level of the competition.

Charlotte, for example, is in transition with its head coach dealing with a health issue.

The Raptors’ record in Charlotte over the years has not been good and Kemba Walker, who wasn’t available to the Hornets when the team visited Toronto late last month, is back and his offence has always been an issue to contain.

Dwight Howard has been flexing his muscles of late and even called out the team during an ugly stretch that has seen Charlotte unable to win the close game.

“I said this earlier,” Raptors head coach Dwane Casey began following Tuesday’s practice. “The East is up for grabs. From first to eight — and whether it’s us, Cleveland, Boston — no one can take a week off or you’ll be feeling the pressure. Every game is important, which makes it a great conference race.”

By extension, every possession becomes important. One failed trip on offence or one missed assignment on defence could loom as the margin of difference.

Casey did his best to impart to his players the need to stay focused and bring that necessary mindset into games against the Hornets and 76ers, regardless of record.

“Whether it’s home or away, you have to make sure to take care of business because these games now will tell a story come April and May,” Casey added.