Raptors Travel To Face Bobkittens

The Bobcats are having their own problems with consistency and getting wins as well. Larry Brown even admits his team has taken a step backwards in Charlotte Observer. Raptors will still not have Jose Calderon in the line-up against the team that didn't want him in the summer. Calderon hopes to suit up against Chicago tomorrow back in Toronto at the ACC. Turning back to Bobcats, there was even talk that Michael Jordan recently addressed the team. Whatever was said at halftime of the Raptors/Pistons game might have helped Jordan out. The Raptors had their largest comeback ever. That being said I am pretty confident in saying the Raptors will be looking to get off to a much better start.

The Basics: Toronto 9-15 (3-8 on Road) Charlotte 8-15 (3-7 in Last 10)

When Last We Saw Them: Raptors pulled off an early Christmas Miracle coming back from 25 down to beat the Pistons. The largest comeback in franchise history. Raptors for the 2nd straight game gave up 70+ points in the first half. Jerryd Bayless had 31 points lead the rally as the Raptors had at one point a 32 point turnaround.

Key Match-Ups: Jerryd Bayless vs D.J Augustin. Bayless is getting a chance to show is stuff as a starter but really is not playing with a ton of pressure on him. Being a point guard for Larry Brown is stressful regardless of anything. But D.J Augustin it may be even more so as Raymond Felton left and it was no secret the Bobcats were shopping for a replacement. But in the end they found no one and it elevated Augustin to the starting spot. Should be a fun match-up. Also Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace will give all that Sonny Weems and Demar DeRozan can handle and perhaps a bit more. While Andrea Bargnani vs Mohammed should be a huge advantage for the Raptors.

Other Things of Note: Raptors trail the season 1-0 losing a game they should have won in Toronto back in November. Bobcats had balanced scoring in that one with 6 players in double figures in the win. Tyrus Thomas is expected to be returning to the Bobcats line-up and will add some punch to their bench. If you think Demar DeRozan is struggling that is nothing compared to Gerald Henderson. There was talk in the Charlotte camp that they are considering sending him to the D-League. Prior to the season a lot of folks thought Henderson could have a breakout year with the Bobcats but it has been the exact opposite of that.

Where Is It On: 7pm Tip Time on TSN.