TGIF DNB Preview- Raps vs Nets

The biggest question for the Raptors before they even talk about the Nets is will Jose Calderon and Andrea Bargnani play? According to Jay Triano on the Fan 590 yesterday it is possible they might but not likely. He seemed to suggest that Calderon was more likely than Bargnani. If both don't play it could be another long night at the office for the Raptors. The Nets are struggling and are 2-11 on the Road and 2-8 in their last 10 games. They are coming in off a win over the Wizards at home. That being said the Wizards are 0-13 on the road themselves. We could see Sasha Vujacic who the Nets got in a trade that many feel is bulking them up to make a run to acquire Carmelo Anthony from Denver.

The Basics: Nets 7-19 (4-13 vs East) Raptors 9-17 (6-7 at ACC)

When Last We Saw Them: The Raptors were only 10 strong and it was not nearly strong enough. The Bulls bullied the Raptors all over the ACC. Carlos Boozer did anything and everything he wanted. The Raptors were without Andrea and Jose and they could have used both.

Key Match-ups: Devin Harris is coming in off scoring 29 against the Wizards last night. He made a living at the line making 14 of 17. Jerryd Bayless if Jose is not able to go will draw this tough assignment. If he can keep Harris under control that will go a long way towards a Raptor win. Brook Lopez would be matched up against Andrea Bargnani if he plays or rookie Ed Davis. If it is Davis and not Bargnani this will be a tough assignment for the rookie. But he can change shots and can battle on the glass which will both serve him well against Lopez. As for the Raptors advantages it may be at an unlikely spot. DeRozan and Weems should have the advantage over Farmar and Ross. The being said Jordan Farmar has been very good for the Nets so much so that they have been playing him at the 2 spot to get him in the starting line-up. He really took off replacing an Harris at the point when he was injured earlier in the season.

Other Things Of Note: This is the first meeting of the season between these two and Raptors have won 5 straight in this series and 2 straight at the ACC. Raptors have an advantage in all of the team stats you care to look at with the exception of free throw% but they do score almost 10 more points a game. Sam Mitchell returns to the ACC for the first time since he was fired by the Raptors. He took a job this summer as the lead assistant for Avery Johnson with the Nets. Tonight is also the first night you can purchase from Brooklyn To Toronto the Christmas album that Eric Smith and Jack Armstrong have put together. It only cost 5 bucks and the money is going to Charity. How do you get it? You need to track down Eric Smith at the ACC or after the game over by Real Sports. They will be selling copies of the CD at the Raptors 3 remaining home games before Christmas.

In Case You Missed it: I decided to have some fun and write a letter to Santa on behalf of all you Raptor Fans. I made some additions to this so even if you read it maybe you missed the additions I added when I checked my list twice.

My Game Plan: First to get my CD that I mentioned. After that looking to catch up with former Raptor Kris Humphries as well as Jerryd Bayless and who knows who else. Also might do a fun thing with a Christmas theme with anyone that I talk with tonight. Will see how it all works out. I will be in the house at the ACC for the last time this year looking to get some good stuff done.