Raps Face Atlantic Division Back to Back

Toronto Raptors are going to be some busy damn Dinos in the next little while. The NBA Sked offers them 5 games in just 6 days. It starts tonight at the ACC vs Nets. That means the most hated player in the NBA comes to town. What a joke that is. Kris Humphries is far from that. He is a good dude and I have been saying on Twitter Toronto Fans should cheer hump because we know better. He has become a much better player since his days in Toronto. All that being said with Williams banged up and Brook Lopez out it has been a struggle for the Nets. Even Hump himself has been banged up and missed the Nets last game on Wednesday. Deron Williams also practised with the Nets yesterday and will play.

In terms of the Raptors Jerryd Bayless did practice a little but I think is likely doubtful. Raptors might be wise to save him till Monday if he is ready. Given the way Jose Calderon has played of late it is not like he would get a lot of minutes anyway. After this one the Raptors travel to face believe it or not the Atlantic Division leading 76ers. But first thing is first let's give you three keys to tonight's Nets vs Raps Game.

1. Make It Tough On Deron- I have actually had cracked and bruised ribs. It is a terrible amount of pain. But the pain is not the really problem it is the fact it makes ever breath you take hard. So the Raptors should make sure to bump and bang Deron Williams as often as possible within the rules and hey maybe even outside of them a little. If he is not back to 100% (Which is likely) he will feel it.

2. Battle of the Boards- Humphries is a fantastic rebounder now. It is why he will survive this whole marriage gone wrong. But I meant on the basketball court. The Raptors despite the win vs the Cavs did lose the battle of the boards. It has been a team effort on the glass this year under Casey. So they have to do that tonight to have a chance at winning their 3rd in a row.

3. Lots of Bargnani- The Nets really don't have anyone that can match-up with Bargnani so feed him early and often and let him do his thing. Bargnani is like a player in NBA Jam on fire right now and the Nets have no fireman to put him out. So make sure you take advantage of that. It should be simple for Andrea to get 30 but against the needs be greedy and get him 40.

So that is all. If your heading down to the ACC #CheerHump because the idea of him being the most hated player in the NBA is a joke. Raptors are on a nice roll and if they could sweep this back to back might even go somewhere they haven't been in a long time. Sitting on top of the Atlantic Division. In a short season these games in the division take on more significance.

"Behind Enemy Lines"

Good news. According to my calculations, things look good for the Raptors this week. Coming off a 5-game loosing streak, they need all the help they can get. The Raptors will be in Orlando and Miami, then hosting Memphis and Philadelphia - all games look good for a win. Sonny Weems was key against Philly and Miami in their last meetings and even with him out on the Raptors inactive list, it is still possible for Toronto to collect four wins this week. Let's dive in.

Toronto Raptors @ Orlando Magic - Friday, January 21st

• The one and only time Toronto and Orlando met this season was on November 12. Raptors took it 110-106.
• DeMar DeRozan and Andrea Bargnani did well against them with 26 and 27 points on the night respectively.
• That night Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson experienced similar production values putting up 25 and 23 points respectively. Mickael Pietrus had 24 points off the bench.
• Orlando Magic Inactive List: Malik Allen and Daniel Orton.
• Raptors need to watch: Jason Richardson and J.J. Redick. They saved the Magic in overtime recently over the 76ers with 4 -point plays.
• Key for the Raptors: Watch for Magic attempting to draw the foul. They have a habit of doing this when it counts.
  

Toronto Raptors @ Miami Heat - Saturday, January 22nd

• The one and only time Toronto met Miami this season was on November 13th. Miami won 109-100.
• Miami came out strong in the first half and although the Raptors lead the 3rd and 4rth quarters in scoring, it was not enough.
• Top Three that night for Toronto: Demar DeRozan (21 points); Andrea Bargnani (22 points) and Sonny Weems (15 points). Calderon had 15 points off the bench.
• Top Three that night for Miami: LeBron James (23 points); Dwayne Wade (31 points) and Chris Bosh (12 points).
• Miami Inactive List: Chris Bosh is out with a sprained left ankle and likely won't be back until the end of January. Udonis Haslem and Dexter Pittman are also out for the Heat.
• Key for the Raptors: The Heat have been playing out of sync and like they did at the start of the season. They are coming off a 4-game losing streak with Wade (bothered by knee soreness) and James (just back after being off with a sprained ankle) not playing at their full potential. Capitalize on their off-game as of late.

Memphis Grizzlies @ Toronto Raptors - Monday, January 24th

• The Raptors met the Grizzlies once so far this season on December 27th. Grizzlies came out on top 96-85.
• The Raptors came out strong in the first quarter but were dominated in the 2nd and 3rd in scoring.
• Linas Kleiza and DeMar DeRozan were both productive that night - 22 and 18 points respectively.
• The Top Two for the Grizzlies that night: Zach Rudolph and Rudy Gay - 21 and 18 points respectively.
• Memphis Grizzlies Inactive List: Xavier Henry (out 12 games so far with a sore right knee) and Tony Allen (day-to-day with a sore left knee).
• Raptors need to watch: Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol - both putting up double doubles as of late and playing solid.
• Key for Raptors: They need to shut down the Memphis bench. Tony Allen and O.J. Mayo were both strong off the bench in their last meeting with the Raptors. With Allen questionable right now, this may be an edge for Toronto.

Philadelphia 76ers @ Toronto Raptors - Wednesday, January 26th

• Toronto and Philadelphia have played twice so far this season. The Raptors took both contests.
• During their last meeting, the first three quarters were pretty close in scoring with the Raptors exploding in the fourth to take it 94-86.
• Sonny Weems (25 points, 41:43 minutes) and Andrea Bargnani (30 points, 36:44 minutes) were strong during the 94-86 win. DeMar DeRozan was not (4 points, 32:21 minutes).
• Top Two 76ers during their last meeting: Elton Brand (27 points, 40:52 minutes) and Jrue Holiday (17 points, 38:05 minutes).
• Philadelphia 76ers Inactive List: Craig Brackins (re-assigned to the Springfield Arms in the NBA D-League) and Andres Nocioni.
• Raptors need to watch: Evan Turner - he's putting up solid points, grabbing rebounds and playing solid minutes lately.
• Key for Raptors: If DeMar DeRozan is given 30 minutes or more in playing time, he needs to be more productive than 4 points.

Thanks for joining me this week. As always, you can find me on Twitter (@ddegraauw) or on Facebook (Danielle de Graauw, purple jacket/ red microphone). I enjoy hearing your comments - keep them coming. Before we part, I need to tell you about LeBron James' new show aptly titled "The LeBrons". It is about a family with his name and personalities, including: "Kid", "Athlete", "Business" and "Wise" LeBron. Love him or leave him, this show looks interesting and has peaked my interest for at least one episode. It will be coming soon to a computer near you and only available online. Have a great weekend and see you on Tuesday for more NBA coverage in "NBAz in 7 Dayz" right here on the DNB.

"Behind Enemy Lines"

To measure the greatness of any coach or player for that matter, you need to look at what would happen to the team if he left. Based on the Raptors' record so far (3 and 9), I don't think the Raptors could get any worse if Head Coach Jay Triano left. Like Ron Wilson (the Head Coach of that other MLSE team), Jay Triano has a lot of talent but unless he gets his team back on track, he may have to start packing his bags. Raptors fans deserve more than what they have been given over the last 12 games, so something needs to be done before the slippery slope gets anymore slippery. The Raptors are at home this week hosting the Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers. I think this week we'll see the battle of the Head Coaches. Jay Triano has a lot in common with Houston Rockets Head Coach Rick Adelman in the player drama he's had to deal with. Doc Rivers, Head Coach of the Boston Celtics, is the major key to Boston's success. If the rumours came true and he retired at the end of last season, Boston would not be the team they are now. As for the 76ers, they have a Head Coach in Doug Collins, a guy who hasn't coached in 7 years, spending time as a TV analyst. So there is a lot to consider this week. Let's get to it.



Houston Rockets @ Toronto Raptors: Friday, November 19, 7pm.

• The last time these two teams met was March 1st, 2010. Houston Rockets 116, Toronto Raptors 92.
• Going into this game, the Rockets were 30-29 on the season with the Raptor at 31-28.
• During this game, the Rockets dominated the first three quarters. Toronto exploded and put 27 points on the board in the fourth but it was enough.
• Going into this week's match-up, Houston still has their starting five from this game and have added veterans Brad Miller and Courtney Lee.
• Like Jay Triano, Houston Head Coach Rick Adelman has had to deal with his fair share of player drama (Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady). Coach Adelman knows how to push players for all they are worth, likes to stick to his systems and is able to adapt.
• Player for Raptors to watch: Aaron Brooks - for his quickness and long range shooting. He plays major minutes and averaged about 20 points per game last season. But him being out has been a big part of why the Rockets have struggled.
  

Boston Celtics @ Toronto Raptors: Sunday, November 21, 1pm.

• The last time these two teams met was April 7, 2010. Boston Celtics 115, Toronto Raptors 104.
• Going into this game, the Celtics were 49-29 on the season with the Raptors sitting at 38-40.
• During this game, the Celtics lead three of 4 quarters in scoring. Raptors showed up in the second quarter but lost steam in the end.
• Going into this week's match-up, the Celtics still have their starting five and have added Shaquille O'Neal, Jermaine O'Neal and Von Wafer. They have lost Assistant Coach Tom Thibodeaux to a head coaching job with the Chicago Bulls.
• The Celtics have won 17 NBA titles - last one in 2008. The Raptors? None.
• Player for Raptors to watch: Rajon Rondo - for drawing fouls, being quick and finding ways to penetrate any defense.

Philadelphia 76ers @ Toronto Raptors: Wednesday, November 24, 7pm.

• The last time these two teams met was April 3, 2010. Toronto Raptors 128, Philadelphia 76ers 123.
• Going into this game, Philadelphia was 26-50 on the season and Toronto was 38-37.
• During this game, the Raptors lead the first 3 quarters with Philadelphia battling back to tie the game. The Raptors put 14 points up on the board in overtime to push for the win.
• Going into this week's match-up, the Sixers have 4 of their five starters from their last Raptors' meeting. However, they are without veterans Samuel Dalembert, Rodney Carney, Francisco Elson and Allen Iverson.
• Head Coach Doug Collins hasn't coached since 2003 when he was Head Coach of the Washington Wizards. Between then and now, he has been an analyst for the NBA on TNT.
• Will be a re-match of last night's game that the Raptors won in Philadelphia this time at the ACC. Will Iguodala be back will be a BIG Factor.
  
• Player for Raptors to watch: Evan Turner - for being able to hit the mid-range and jump shots. Though he is still proving himself as a rookie on a struggling squad.

The best chance the Raptors have at winning based on record and team dynamics alone, is against the 76ers. Both Toronto and Philadelphia are playing to stay relevant and both are trying to put the past behind them. Though, for that reason alone, some could say this will be their toughest game. No one expects them to win against Houston or Boston, so maybe they can go into these match-ups relaxed. Can you imagine? Raptors 98, Celtics 95. It could happen. Now James will definitely think I have lost my marbles. Remember, these are points to get you thinking outside the box for the Raptors' games this week. Have fun and see you on Tuesday for more NBAz in 7 Dayz.

"Behind Enemy Lines"

Today, "Behind Enemy Lines" takes on a whole new meaning. When I came up with the title for this feature, it was meant to highlight the rivalries and match-ups the Toronto Raptors will face throughout the NBA season. Today, on Remembrance Day, we remember the men and women who fought behind real enemy lines all around the world and how their ultimate sacrifice has changed the World we live in. In 1991, the late NBA great Manut Bol saw the war in the Sudan for the first time on television and said, "The Sudan government was killing my people. I say no, this can't be right. I have to do something". He kept this promise and returned to the Sudan where he saw the overflowing refugee camps and the devastation the war brought to his people. Manut Bol even entered the war zone to help some of the Sudan's "Lost Boys" who were starving, dying and being attacked by enemy soldiers and wild animals. Manut Bol was in the Sudan some months before his death overseeing the construction of a school and stayed despite his failing kidneys and lack of proper medication to encourage corruption-free elections throughout southern Sudan. Another NBA alumnus said goodbye to charter jets and big pay cheques for 130 degree afternoons, 12 hour work days and about $2, 600 a month. Tim James is now a soldier in the U.S Army at Camp Speicher in Iraq. In 1999, he was selected 25th overall, first round by the Miami Heat. He played only 4 games with Miami over the course of his 3 year NBA career. Yet since 2006, the Miami Heat have given a center court tribute to soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan at every home game through "The Home Strong Initiative" created by Miami Heat President, Pat Riley. My heart goes out to the soldiers still fighting and to their family and friends. My deepest sympathies go out to those soldiers (and their families) who have lost their lives standing up to corruption and injustice. These are the real heroes.

In today's feature, we will be looking at the Toronto Raptors' upcoming match-ups with Orlando, Miami, Washington and Philadelphia. All of these games are on the road, so the Raptors won't be back in town until they host Houston next Friday.

Toronto Raptors @ Orlando Magic: Friday, November 12th

The last time these two teams met was January 6th, 2010. At the time, the Orlando Magic were 24-11 on the season and the Toronto Raptors were evened out at 18-18. So with the better record and starters like Rashard Lewis, Dwight Howard, Vince Carter and Jameer Nelson, you would think this would be a cake walk for the Magic. Not so fast. Toronto won this contest by five points, 108-103. Not by much, but a win nonetheless. The Magic had Rashard Lewis and Dwight Howard putting up 24 and 20 points respectively and playing close to 40 minutes each. The Raptors had Hedo Turkoglu and Chris Bosh also playing close to these minutes and putting a respectable 17 and 18 points on the board. Now, things have changed. The Raptors are currently 1-7 with Orlando at 5-2. Orlando still has their four big starters, although Jameer Nelson has a sprained left ankle and is day-to-day and still played against Utah Wednesday. The Raptors are minus their two big contributors from their last match-up and on this week's play alone, seem to be in serious trouble against Orlando. Unless the Raptors switch to real contender mode instead of a "re-builder" mode, they have absolutely no chance to beat the Magic.

Toronto Raptors @ Miami Heat: Saturday, November 13th

How good do you think the Raptors feel about this game? In the pre-game interviews you will hear things like "We are ready play" and "Looking forward to a great game". Translation? Holy macaroni. This will be the first game the Raptors will play against Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat since Bosh left. Now the media attention will focus to Bosh and he'll get the limelight over the other big two, LeBron James and Dwayne Wade. The last time these two teams met was March 28th, 2010. Chris Bosh was playing alongside Andrea Bargnani, Atoine Wright, Jose Calderon and Sonny Weems to start for the Raptors. The Miami Heat had Dwayne Wade, Joel Anthony, Quentin Richardson, Michael Beasley and Carlos Arroyo. But if you remember this game, the Raptors held the Heat to only a 3 point win (97-94 Miami). Both had reserves putting up respectable numbers (Jarret Jack with 18 points and Udonis Haslem with 23 Miami Heat points). With a score that close and Dwayne Wade putting up 32 points that night, this game was about capitalizing on mistakes and turnovers. Will the Raptors have the same success this time around? Well, with Miami going into this game with a 5-3 record and with Bosh now on their side, it doesn't look good. On the flipside though, call me crazy, but the Raptors have to win sometime. If they choose to play to win instead of survive this game, anything is possible.

Toronto Raptors @ Washington Wizards: Tuesday, November 16th

So now Brian Colangelo and Jay Triano can have a first hand look at what might have been. John Wall of the Washington Wizards was the guy every team was gunning for and wanted on their roster. He just posted his first NBA career tripple double with 19 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists and so far has 71 points and 31 assists to start the season. He is the 6th player in NBA history to do this in his first six games besides Oscar Robsinson. Pretty impressive right? Yes, but it gets overshadowed by his team's record so far 2-4. The Washington Wizards have a relatively new coach, although one with a lot of experience. Head Coach Flip Saunders joined the Wizards in April 2009 and has spent 14 seasons in the NBA. Before coming to Washington, he lead the Detroit Pistons to a 176-70 record from 2005-2008, the highest winning percentage of any coach in their franchise history. Should the Raptors be worried? Yes and a little no. Yes because of John Wall's hot hands and a little no because history is on the Raptors' side this time. When the Raptors and Wizards last met on February 20th, the Raptors had a 31-24 record, the Wizards had a 19-34 record and the score ended in the Raptors' favour (109-104, Raptors). I know this is still in the past and the Raptors are not starting off well but neither are the Wizards and if the Raptors have any chance of snapping their loosing streak, its with the Wizards this Tuesday.

Toronto Raptors @Philadelphia 76ers: Wednesday, November 17th

Here's another game where history is on their side but I'm not sure it will produce the same result. The Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers last met on April 3rd with the win going to the Raptors (128-123). The Raptors had a 38-37 record at the time with the 76ers struggling with a 26-50 record. The 76ers still have starters Andre Iguodala, Jrue Holiday, Elton Brand and Jason Kapono from that game and have now added Rookie Evan Turner who in his last three games has averaged 33 minutes and 11.3 points per game. Not bad. Do we consider the Gilbert Arena factor? And whether or not he decides to show up in mind, body and spirit? Currently, the 76ers are really no better than the Raptors with a 2-6 record. They have won one more game - big deal. If the Raptors play at full strength against Philadelphia, this will be their second real chance at winning on this road trip.

Thanks for joining me this week - see you on Tuesday for more NBA coverage in "Jiggly Bits".