Arsenalist asked me why I was so upset last night over the loss to the Hornets, and if I expected the Raptors to win. I didn’t expect a win, but I thought it was possible given the Hornets were playing their 4th game in 6 nights, on the road. Could they have come out with lots of energy and stole one against the best team in the West given those circumstances? Yes. Should they have? No. Continue Reading

Technorati Tags: Byron Scott, New Orleans Hornets, Raptors Video, Sam Mitchell

The Toronto Raptors (37-36) hit the road Monday night to take on the suddenly hot Charlotte Bobcats (28-45). The last time these two clubs met the Bobcats out rebounded the Raptors 50-37; including 18-6 on the offensive end, en route to a 110-98 win. Continue Reading

Hard to keep interested when New Orleans got every shot they wanted, and hit em. The Raptors made a game of it in the 4th with a serious run. The second unit got the Raptors within 10 points, the Hornets called a timeout, Byron Scott Countered with Paul, Peja, Chandler, West and James; Smitch left Bosh on the bench. Continue Reading

The Toronto Raptors (37-35) host one of the best teams in the NBA Sunday when Morris Peterson and the New Orleans Hornets (49-22) visit the ACC. The Hornets are tied with San Antonio atop of the extremely competitive Western Conference. Continue Reading

You have to give them credit, the Knicks are fighting the good fight…somewhat. I mean, they are doing the best they can with the wrong philosophy, system, coaching and players. Sad to see them so playing so rough. Thank G*d we caught them at this point of the season though. The next gimme-game is Miami, and that can’t come any sooner. Continue Reading

The Toronto Raptors (36-35) host their Atlantic Division rivals tonight when they take on the New York Knicks (20-51) at the Air Canada Centre. If the Raptors want to build momentum for the playoffs and make a run at either the 5th or 6th seed, then the time is now.

The Raptors are coming off an impressive win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. Coach Sam Mitchell inserted TJ Ford and Rasho Nesterovic back into the starting line up for Jose Calderon and Andrea Bargnani and it seemed to work out. Ford finished the game with 13 points and 9 assists while Nesterovic had 15 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks and logged a team high 46+ minutes.

The Knicks are a terrible basketball team. Isiah Thomas still has a job for some odd reason and the team has only mustered 20 wins in a weak Eastern Conference. There has been a few bright spots for the Knicks as of late. Since the injury to Eddy Curry, David Lee has stepped into the starting line up and recored 5 double-doubles, including three straight. Wilson Chandler is also starting and has scored in double digits in five straight.

Starting 5:
Jamal Crawford/TJ Ford
Wilson Chandler/Anthony Parker
Jared Jeffries/Jamario Moon
David Lee/Chris Bosh
Zach Randolph/Rasho Nesterovic

Key Match-ups:
With Marbury and Robinson out because of injury, the Knicks dont have a true point guard running their offence. The Raptors need to use this to their advantage. Crawford is an abled body, but is a shoot first style guard. If TJ Ford and Jose Calderon can pressure Crawford to pass the ball it should lead to turnovers and easy baskets for the Raptors.

Chris Bosh should be able to do what he wants in the post. Randolph is one of the laziest defenders in the NBA and the hardworking Lee is simply out matched. Bosh should look to drive to the basket and get Randolph into foul trouble.

Game Notes:
Donnie Walsh has signed a three year deal with the Knicks to become the teams new President. Walsh was signed to clean up the once great franchise; Nate Robinson has missed the last 3 games because of and ankle injury; the Knicks have lost 7 straight in Canada; the Knicks are 7-27 on the road this season.

Raptors signed Linton Johnson to a 10 day contract on Thursday. In order to make room on the roster the Raptors waived point guard Derrick Martin; Delfino ended his mini scoring slump, scoring 10 points against his old team on Wednesday; the Raptors are 21-14 at home this season.

Scoreboard Watching:
Suns vs 76ers; Wizards vs Kings

Technorati Tags: Carlos Delfino, Chris Bosh, David Lee, Jamal Crawford, Jose Calderon, Linton Johnson, New York Knicks, Rasho Nesterovic, Sam Mitchell, TJ Ford, Wilson Chandler, Zach Randolph

I have to give the Raptors credit for a win against the Pistons. This was their 3rd win against a better team in 2008 (Boston and Orlando the other other two). The Raptors grinded out a win. Don’t let the score fool you, the Pistons twice came within 4 points of the Raptors, both times, battling from deficits of 17 and 15 points. The fact that the Raptors were able to whether the imminent attack(s), and maintain the lead in the 4th quarter, in crunch time, well…I’m not accustomed to that. It was almost a perfect game for me: the crowd was pumped, hotties were popping out of their tight tops, my roast beef sandwich was perfect, the half-time show was impressive, and I almost didn’t have to hear Chuck/Leo’s voice the whole night until Leo got Jose for the post game. I have to be honest, I was actually deflated a bit…but I digress… Continue Reading

The ACC will be at full capacity Wednesday night when the Central Division leading Detroit Pistons (50-20) visit the Toronto Raptors (35-35). If the playoffs started today the Pistons would host the Raptors in the first round, a match up that Raptor fans do not want to see. Continue Reading

The article that was the inspiration for this video podcast.

Technorati Tags: Chris Bosh, Jose Calderon, Kenny Smith, Sam Mitchell, TJ Ford, Yahoo! Sports