Vince Carter called it a survival test, but the truth is the Raptors aren't finished with this grind just yet.

Following their longest road trip of the season - four wins and two losses in nine Western Conference nights - they're right back at it with no time to rest and no chance to celebrate. That's no cupcake parade upcoming, either, with the Detroit Pistons starting it off tonight at the Air Canada Centre.

After the Pistons, who carry a 6-2 record and the league's stingiest defence into the Central Division encounter, the Raptors host Milwaukee on Thursday, travel to Boston to face the improved Celtics on Friday then are back at home for a Sunday matinee against the Philadelphia 76ers. Only then, after playing 15 games in the first 27 days of the NBA schedule, will they finally get their longest break of the early season with three days off.