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“Defensively, we have to account for [a lack of] size,” Raptors coach Dwane Casey said of the lineup. “Offensively, it speaks for itself. You’ve got three offensive players out there playing fast. We’re trying to take advantage of our strengths, which is offence at that time. But we do give up a lot on the other end, and that’s a concern.”

Yet, it is a lineup that has defied expectations. You would think that the Raptors would score more and allow more points when the three players share the court. Remarkably, they have scored 105.5 points per 100 possessions (compared to 107.7 overall) and allowed 102.5 (compared to 104.4 overall).

They have played just 157 total minutes together, but have had extended looks lately. Casey could use the final month to determine how much of a mirage that is.

Will James Johnson find his niche?

Johnson’s role has changed too many times to count this season. He played 71 total minutes in games against Boston and Detroit in January, and did not play by coach’s decision a week later. He has started 17 games, been an essential piece off of the bench on other nights, been squeezed into other games and never gotten off the pine on occasion.

Right now, Johnson finds himself at the end of the rotation. He has not played more than 20 minutes in nine games this month, and did not play at all in Indiana on Monday.

Here is betting, whether it is before the season is out or in the post-season, Casey finds he needs Johnson. The Raptors view Johnson as a role player, but his ability to lockdown scorers and bully his way to the rim with the ball are both important. Johnson will creep to the forefront again before the season is out.