Raptors snap 5-game skid with 111-97 win over Pistons, improve playoff chances

Raptors beat Pistons 111-97 to snap 5-game skid

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Andrea Bargnani had 33 points, Amir Johnson scored a career-high 26 and the Toronto Raptors improved their playoff prospects by snapping a five-game losing streak with a 111-97 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Monday night.

Toronto moved within a half-game of the Bulls for the final postseason spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Raptors, who close the season Wednesday at home against New York, will earn a playoff berth if they end the season tied with Chicago, which finishes against Boston and at Charlotte.

Detroit’s Charlie Villanueva guaranteed a victory on his Twitter account Monday afternoon, then scored 16 points in the loss. Ben Gordon had 24 for the Pistons, whose miserable season ends Wednesday at Milwaukee.