Dwane Casey is well-aware Tuesday's contest. against the Mavericks could easily be a trap-game for his Raptors. And Toronto's coach is also very much aware it's his job not to have the club let down at all following the Christmas holiday break against one of the worst teams in the NBA.
"Any team can beat any team on any given night if you don't bring the proper approach, a professional approach, in this league," explained Casey ahead of Tuesday's road contest in Dallas.
Following the holiday break, the Raptors reconvened Monday night for a light practice. Casey is intent on making sure that the Raptors have the right frame of mind on Tuesday.
"To be an elite team, consistency is the key word in how you want to approach the game," preached Casey.
MORE: DeRozan, Lowry believe Raptors deserve to play on Christmas Day
The Raptors own a six-game winning streak and the best record in the Eastern Conference at 23-8. Their .742 winning percentage is third-best in the entire league, trailing only the Warriors (.794) and Rockets (.781).
Conversely, the Mavs are only 9-25 this season, last in the Western Conference and owners of the second-worst record in the NBA. Dallas comes in losers of five of six and eight of their last ten.
"It's about continuing to do what we've done every night and for long periods of time," explained C.J. Miles, who missed the Raptors' last three games following a dental procedure.
"The biggest thing we have to do is approach every night like any team can beat us."
MORE: Lonzo Ball bought father LaVar a $400k Rolls Royce for Christmas
Both teams have defended well this season, but the biggest difference between the Raptors and the Mavericks is on the offensive side of the ball, where Toronto is the fourth-highest scoring team in the NBA and Dallas is near the bottom of the league, ranked 27th with struggling rookie Dennis Smith Jr. running the show.
The Raptors and Mavs are well-rested, both having last played on Saturday. However, Casey sees that as both a good thing and a bad one for his club which won eight of ten entering the holiday break.
"Body-wise, we probably needed it," Casey said of the break. "When you're playing pretty good basketball you prefer to keep 'em coming, though."