Raptors' Kyle Lowry will start Friday; Amir Johnson still out

Toronto Raptors fans may soon, finally, be able to exhale a sigh of relief.

Point guard Kyle Lowry will start Friday against the Orlando Magic after playing just 11 minutes since March 18, and the news couldn't come at a better time for Toronto. 

The Raptors' performance has slipped as of late and questions have arisen as to whether they're still a competitive playoff team after a ridiculously hot start to the season.

At the very least, Lowry can shake off some rust Friday before the playoffs. Lowry had missed nine of the team's last 10 games due to back spasms, but was able to go through shootaround with no setbacks. 

In 66 games, the first-time All-Star has averaged 17.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.5 steals - strong numbers, but posted at a far worse efficiency than similar stats recorded a year ago. 

Thanks in large part to an extended cold stretch from long range - Lowry is shooting 33.7 percent on threes after hitting 37.4 percent over the last four seasons - his true shooting percentage is at a career-low mark of 53 percent, right around league average.

Lowry's defense has also slid noticeably, but the Raptors remain 1.5 points per 100 possessions better overall when he's on the court. More importantly, their upside is appreciably higher with him than without him, and if he's healthy, the Raptors move from a potential first-round out to a potential second-round threat.

Lowry won't be joined by Amir Johnson, who will miss a third consecutive game with a sore ankle. Johnson is averaging 9.4 points and 6.1 rebounds while shooting 57.5 percent, but has been slowed by a myriad of minor ankle issues over the past several seasons.