There are reasons why Lance Stephenson has played for six NBA teams during his eight years in the league. One of the reasons is he's a dirty, unlikeable player. That was on display last Friday when Stephenson's Pacers edged the Raptors, 107-104, at home. Stephenson bodychecked DeMar DeRozan twice - and got away with it both times. The NBA league office later admitted both should have been called fouls.

I bring this up because it's rematch time and the Raptors have strong, short-revenge motivation to bury the Pacers following that contentious game.

Indiana is better than I expected at 12-10. Victor Oladipo has emerged as a star guard. But I want the Raptors going for me in this spot.

Boston's great start has been the major topic in the Eastern Conference. Cleveland is never going to be underrated because of LeBron James. This leaves Toronto and Detriot somewhat underrated. The Raptors are in the argument for second-best team in the East. The Raptors shot 50.4 percent from the floor during their 14 November games, second-best in franchise history.

Following the loss to the Pacers, the Raptors have gone on a tear defeating the Hawks on the road and Hornets at home by a combined 47 points.

Toronto has won seven of its eight home games, including the last five. The Raptors beat the Pacers at home both times last season, winning those games by an average of 18 points.