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It will be interesting to see how this group looks once Lowry and Ibaka return and whether Nurse can find minutes for his newest contributors.

The week will also include the Canadian debut of star New York rookie R.J. Barrett, of Mississauga, on Wednesday, another quick trip to the South (for yet another meeting with the depleted Orlando Magic), and then Sunday’s game against a quality Utah Jazz team that is starting to find its form.

CHANNELING THE WORM

As mentioned, Boucher is on a nice little run for the Raptors. He’s scored in double figures in three straight and in 5-of-7 and he’s blocked some shots and gotten to the free throw line. But what has really stood out is his relentless effort on the glass.

Boucher had four offensive rebounds in the win over Atlanta, six in the win over Orlando and a career-best seven in the victory over Charlotte. That’s one heck of a week. Boucher is averaging 2.3 offensive rebounds in just 12.3 minutes per game and 4.7 boards per night overall. Only Hollis-Jefferson is averaging more offensive rebounds amongst Raptors. Boucher’s 15.7% offensive rebound percentage is the second-highest in the entire NBA by players who have appeared in at least seven games this season. It’s similar to the likes of Andre Drummond, Derrick Favors and Mitchell Robinson.

What’s gotten into Boucher, who used to try to emulate former Golden State teammate Kevin Durant because they have similar size and builds and both like to shoot the ball? He switched up his viewing strategies.