Raptors vs Sixer In Rematch From 7 Days Ago

Since these two teams last met the Raptors have been on a roll and made a trade. Toronto entered last Wednesday in a tie for last in the East with Philly. Raptors would win and have not lost since with wins over Houston and Boston. Tonight is also the debut of Peja and Bayless. There was some talk that Bayless may take #4 upon his arrival to the Raptors but has decided to go with 5. The CB4 legacy safe for now. Well other then what he did to trash it leaving for Miami and all. Raptors sit a full 2 games in front of Philly heading into this one at the ACC. So win or lose the Raptors will not drop to the basement in the East. That being said Philly is definitely one of those "Winnable" games that the Raptors must get this season to remain competitive.

The Basics: Sixers 3-11(1-7 on the Road) Raptors 5-9 (4-4 vs East)

When Last We Saw Them: The Raptors shocked the NBA with a 1 point win over Boston. A Paul Pierce fade away did not fall and the Raptors pulled out the improbably win over Boston. This was after letting Boston erase a lead that climbed to 11 points. But the Raptors would find a way to pull out the win as Amir Johnson hit free throws to force Boston into having to score with 2.7 seconds left which they did not.

Happy to be here: Both Peja Stojakovic and Jerryd Bayless expressed their happiness to be in Toronto. Odd right? They just came off a team, that when they left was tops in the Western Conference. But truth is that they had little to do with that. Peja is happy about Toronto's Serbian community and his wife is Greek which also has a strong community.Sound all very Hedo like. Let's hope the play from Peja is not the same. From Bayless, it was all talk of opportunity and a chance to be part of this young core. Will it be long before the Young Onez had a 4th member to the group? If you listen to Jerryd chances are not that long. He also is said to be a solid defender at his position by most. Something the Raptors have lacked for a LONG LONG Time. Isn't that right Jose, Jarrett and T.J? Finally the Raptors may have an answers to stopping elite point guards.

Other Things Of Note: IGGY's Back. Andre Iguodala (who did not play last week) returned to the Sixers line-up in a 2 point loss to the Wizards who welcomed back John Wall. Iguodala has always been a Raptors killer since entering the league. His last game vs the Raptors last season he lit up the Raptors for 33 points. The all time series between these once heated rivals is at 30-28 in favour of Toronto. Raptors hold an edge in all the team stats this season with the exception of 3pt % and A
assists. Philly who struggled shooting the 3 ball last year under Eddie Jordan have improved this year shooting 35% from 3 point range under Doug Collins to this point. Peja if he plays a role, should help the Raptors poor 3 point % which is below 30%. Remind me again why that 3 point streak is important? Which for those that care sits at 956 consecutive games with making a 3.

Key Match Ups: Jose Calderon avoided Rajon Rondo but will not be able to avoid Jrue Holiday tonight. If he gets matched up on Holiday that could be ugly. But maybe this is where we get to see Bayless shine in his debut? Will see. Andre Iguodala will make it a long night for whoever is on him. That we would assume for the most part will be Sonny Weems. While for the Raptors, as it was shown the last time these two teams hooked up in Philly, have a huge advantage with Bargnani. The Sixers have no one capable of stopping him and it showed in that last meeting.

In Case You Missed It: Yesterday was my birthday. Late gifts are always welcomed. But I was so touched by all the birthday greetings I received that I felt the need to write this. Also you are running out of chances to win our Contest for The Best Seats In The House with MGD. Check out your latest chance to win tickets and join me for Raptors and Nuggets on December 10th. Congrats to our Latest Winner Mary Anne who I believe is from Toronto. If not my bad but congratulations to her and Good Luck to all of you that enter.

Looks like I will be working another game for The Score tonight so good luck to the Raptors and your re-cap might be a bit delayed.