All Signs Point To Celtics Blowout Win

The Boston Celtics are getting a ton of media love from all the same folks that declared them dead at the start of this NBA season. Yeah it is like that in this world. For myself the Celtics are still about the simple fact of how in Rajon Rondo playing? If the answer is good than so are the Celtics. If the answer is bad so are the Celtics. Rondo is now what drives the big three and so goes the circle of life. For anyone that thinks the Celtics are going anywhere beyond the 2nd round of the playoffs you are dreaming.

The Raptors would just like to remember what the playoffs are like? It has been a long time after all. But for now it is just another all expense paid trip to New Jersey for the NBA lottery. That is a fitting place to hold the NBA Lottery. Raptors are a banged up group with Calderon getting a second gash above his eye, Bargnani is out with his calf again, Kleiza has a sore knee and so does Amir Johnson or is it his back? Bayless gone for the season and you might have a guy on a 10 day contract trying to guard Rondo? Yeah this has every indication that it will be a complete blowout.

Against the NHL Playoffs and the Blue Jays playing down the street this could be a pretty small crowd of on lookers both in person and on T.V. The Raptors season is coming to a familiar ending and it lacks any reason to be interested. Safe to say the Raptors will be hard pressed to find a win in their next 3 games they play. After tonight with Boston it is a Sunday/Monday back to back with the Hawks.

Ed Davis will have lots of minutes to showcase himself to 29 other teams. A lot was made of his comment post game against the Sixers. I really didn't take much from it considering that Ed Davis had a father that played for several teams in the NBA and even as kid Ed was introduced to the business of basketball with his father having to change addresses. Should Ed be concerned about what the 29 other NBA teams think of him? Sure he should because if the ping pong balls come up with the name Anthony Davis that means someone is going to be voted off the island.

Will The Celtics Cause Another Raptor Embarrassment At ACC?

The Raptors have had a tough season obviously. Nothing illustrates how tough more than their performances against Boston which have been horrible. First there was a 96-73 loss on January 18th and if you thought that was bad there was the 100-64 embarrassment on February 1st. Both of those games took place in Boston. However, I don't think the venue is the problem as the Raptors have not exactly looked much different at home compared to how they perform on the road. You at least have the fact that this is a second half of a back to back for Boston. The Celtics had to go to overtime at home and lost to the Lakers 88-87. The Lakers are next up on Sunday at the ACC by the way. But one impossible challenge at a time. Rajon Rondo played in that first game and was injured by Linas Kleiza. The second game neither of those guys played. I would suspect with both back it will be a chippy battle at the ACC. Boston is a team that thrives on anything they can find to motivate them. Here are a couple things they will be hot about heading into this one. First will be that injury to Rondo and with him now back in the mix it should be a big night for him. Also the Raptors will have to play Jose Calderon a lot on this night with no Jerryd Bayless it would appear. If Rondo gets matched up on Calderon at any time it is game over. Also for the first time in a long time the Celtics are only sending one player to the All-Star Game in Orlando. That one Celtic is Paul Pierce who has been playing some great basketball of late. But for the players that will not be joining him like Rondo, Ray Allen and K.G expect all of them to perform well.

Obviously with any team coming off a back to back it is vital to get off to a strong start. This is something the Raptors have struggled with. The Raptors in both prior meetings got down early to Boston and the game was essentially over by halftime in both cases. So it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out if the Raptors fail to get the jump on Boston it is going to be a long night. As much as the Raptors have struggled to score, especially against Boston, it is the defence and it's regression that has Dwane Casey concerned. There seems to be a sense that the losing is starting to weigh on this team. Andrea Bargnani not being part of the mix has made the Raptors hard pressed to beat anyone let alone a good team. After a slow start you can consider Boston a good team. They are 8-2 in the last 10 games.

Normally this is where I would give the 3 keys to game. But instead I am going to pass the ball to the guys at the Round Ball Review to do that.



Thanks to the guys for doing the 3 keys to the game. If you have not checked the Round Ball Review out, that is a taste of what you can expect from them when you see them here in the blog. If a game vs the Celtics is not a need for some comic relief I am not sure what is.

From One Problem To Another.

Well I saw it live and in person and it was not pretty. The Raptors did at least get off to a decent start which has plagued them most of the season. But in the second quarter this game would slip away and like a snow ball heading down hill the Hawks lead would grow bigger and bigger. Josh Smith was the guy that did all the damage last time, this time it was Joe Johnson. He racked up 30 in 3 quarters including 8 points in 51 seconds to close out the 1st half. The Raptors stuck to the small starting line-up to begin this game and it was not productive. Just 40 points in all for the starters led by Bayless with 14 points. Demar DeRozan after a season high 27 had just 9. DeRozan has now not reached double figures in scoring in 3 of the last 5 games. Hawks won it big 100-77.

A few other thoughts on the night. Prior to the game had a chance to catch up with James Johnson, it was a interesting chat look for it in the DNB tomorrow. In a game of few positive Ed Davis finally got some minutes and took advantage of them going for a double double of 11 points and 11 rebounds. Last but not least Toronto still hates T-Mac or at least boos him. I personally get a kick out of it. However so does T-Mac who more than any player that has level gets is roll as the "Bad Guy" and embraces it. T-Mac fuelled by boos got 15 off the bench for the Hawks. While many will be critical of fans for still booing him. I am not one of them. I think it is fans right to do as they choose. It might not be the wisest idea against McGrady but I understand why some would never want to forgive him and always boo him.

Raptor spent about 36 hours back in Toronto and they are back on the road off to Boston to take on the Celtics. Another team that has never been a kind opposition to Raptors. The Celtics have been much improved since snapping a 5 game losing streak against the Raptors in Boston the last time the Raptors paid a visit. Boston played last night as well in Cleveland and had to hold off a furious Cavs run in the 4th to hang on for a 93-90 win and are back to .500 on the season at 10-10. Boston is 5-2 since crushing the Raptors by 23 back on January 18th.

Rajon Rondo played outstanding in that game before getting injured by Linas Kleiza with a hard foul late in the 3rd. He has not played since for the Celtics. So could we see a really chippy game tonight between the Raptors and Celtics? It would not surprise anyone if we did. Avery Bradley the Texas product has been playing in his spot but is no Rondo.

Still despite not having Rondo the Celtics have taken advantage of a soft portion of their schedule and been able to fight back from an awful start to the season. Paul Pierce has been playing well of late. Since that game vs the Raptors in which he only scored 8 points he has averaged 22.1 points per game including a season high 34 vs the Wizards.

So let's get the 3 keys for this one:

Be Aggressive: The Celtics are not a team that forgets much. The fact Linas Kleiza took out Rajon Rondo will not be something that they will. Expect a lot of chatter and a lot of heavy blows in this one. If there was one positive in the blow out loss to Celtics for the first time in a long time the Raptors were pushing back in physical stuff with the Celtics.

Pierce and Allen: Both have had big shooting games vs the Raptors in the past. Be aware of where they are and do not allow them open looks at 3's or it could be a long night for the Raptors. There is no reason to believe Pierce or Allen are not capable of doing the same thing Joe Johnson did last night if the Raptors do not do a much better job defending them.

Attack Attack Attack: Take advantage of the Celtics perhaps wanting to be the bully by attacking the basket. Demar DeRozan would be the man you would look to in leading this charge. If the Raptors can get to the line and get easy points, it will help them stay competitive on the scoreboard. It is not a secret the Celtics have the potential to produce a lot more offence compared to the Raptors. No offence to Gary Forbes, but if he is your leading scorer again tonight, as he was in the last game vs Boston with a season high 19 points for him, the Raptors have some problems.

DNB Game In Pictures II

So we had so much fun we decided to do it again. Unfortunately another loss for the Raptors but that does not stop DNB Pictures from having some fun. So let's get ready set ROLLEM!!!

Desperate Celtics Crush Raptors

On Twitter before this game ever tipped I said it was a case of need vs want. The Raptors no doubt wanted to win and snap their 5 game losing streak. The Celtics needed to win to snap their same 5 game losing streak. The Raptors entered this season with no expectations of success other than the ones the team had for itself. While in Boston the expectations are always high and have been that way pretty much forever. Certainly since the Big 3 arrived in Boston. When someone needs something as opposed to wants something always bet on the guy that needs it. That was the case early in this game and it was clearly the case in the third quarter of this game.

The Celtics came out and set the tone in this basketball game. The Raptors tried to battle them off but just couldn't. It was a new starting line-up for Toronto as James Johnson finally replaced Rasaul Butler in the starting line-up but Johnson struggled in the new role. He on the game was 1-7 with just 4 points and had 3 turnovers. Raptors other Johnson in Amir continued to revert back to old habits and found himself on the bench early with 2 fouls. The second foul was of the questionable variety but they count all the same. On that second foul it cost Demar DeRozan a bucket who early on was doing the right things. Driving to the basket and attacking. Made a three pointer but went right back to the attack. But as the calls did not come he reverted to shooting jumpers and forcing shots. There was one play where his lack of ball skills got exposed by Ray Allen quite nicely. This all with a story we have seen many times before as Rajon Rondo owned Jose Calderon for 3 quarters. Rondo would leave the game after taking a hard foul by Linas Kleiza that was changed from a flagrant two to a flagrant one.

This game was pretty much decided after the first quarter. In that quarter the Raptors shot just 30% and did not get to the line once. It gave Boston a 29-14 advantage that they would never give up. The Raptors did show some fight and cut the lead to 6 at halftime. But the Celtics would quickly turn that back to a 12 point advantage to start the 3rd quarter. Rajon Rondo who as mention left during this quarter with a wrist injury had a great line for a full game let along just 2/3rds of one. He had 21 points shooting 7-8 with 2 assists and 3 rebounds. The Raptors starting 5 did not have a good night. Just 37 points total shooting 13-40 (32.5%) as a group. Only two Raptors would make it to double figures in this game. Demar DeRozan had just 11 points shooting 4-16 and continuing to struggle to get things on the right track. The second Raptor lead the team in scoring and would not be someone you would guess if you had 3 tries and had not seen the game. Gary Forbes the new proud uncle as he reported on twitter had 18 points going 5-6 from the field and 7-8 at the line. He might be the only Raptor that could take anything positive away from this one.

The score when the beating ended was Boston taking it 96-73 as they end there 5 game losing streak. Raptors losing skid climbs to 6 the longest active streak in the league at the moment with no clear end in sight. Portland is a team that is playing good basketball and they will be taking on the returning home Raptors at the ACC on Friday. This road trip was always going to be a tough one but it proved to be even more ugly than many could have imaged. The Raptors are 2-7 on the road for the season and 4-11 overall.

Raptors Face The Struggling Celtics

The Raptors only division championship came in the last season the Celtics were struggling like this. Boston at the time was a lot like the Raptors are now. They like many Raptor fans are this year were hoping to hit the lottery. The big prize in that lottery was suppose to be a dominant big man out of Ohio State named Greg Oden. The Celtics would fail to win that lottery and in the end that was the genius for the creation of the "Big 3". The Celtics stripped away their young core to bring in Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett. It was enough to convince Paul Pierce to stay. The fact they lost the lottery had a dynamic impact on them and the entire Atlantic Division including the Ratpors. We can only guess how both teams futures would have been if the Celtics got their man in Oden. Something to think about for the people cheering for Raptor losses this season.

But at the time I had said the Celtics would have a 3-5 year window to win NBA Championships. The window is closing. That creation of the Big 3 in Boston is also credited for the creation of what we see in Miami today. Lebron James, Chris Bosh and D-Wade said one of the factors in them coming together was the fact as individuals they could not get passed the Celtics. Another thing that came out of those moves was the emergence of Rajon Rondo. At the time many people did not think Rondo was good enough to play with these 3 superstars. He has emerged as a superstar himself and now likely the most important piece of the Celtics puzzle. Despite that it was rumoured the Celtics were shopping him hard prior to the season. How the potential end of big three era may have started is with a trade with OKC. Kendrick Perkins who would be the other starter on that original cast was moved to OKC at the deadline last season. It seemed to cut the soul out of the Celtics and they have yet to be the same since. Health concerns have sidelined the big piece the Celtics got in that trade in Jeff Green.

All of that is the history behind how we got to where we see the 4-10 Raptors taking on the 4-8 Celtics both losers of 5 straight basketball games. When you look a little closer though the level of competition in the Celtics losses has been far greater. Losses to Dallas, Chicago, OKC and twice to the improved Pacers. Part of the Celtics decline has been the lack of presence in the middle. J.O who Raptors fans will remember is their starting Center. He is no spring chicken himself. Shaq who Boston brought in last year is now trade jokes with Barkley, Kenny and Ernie on TNT. A nice move the Celtics did make though is flipping "Big Baby" Glen Davis to Orlando for a more consistent Brandon Bass.

3 Keys:

It Is All About Rondo: Now the Raptors against a superior point guard in Derrick Rose were able to bust out a zone and use it effectively. Against Rajon Rondo that might not work as well. Not because Rondo is better than Rose but because of the weapons Rondo has on the floor with him. Ray Allen at the top of that list. While the Celtics don't have the depth of outside shooters they have had in the past they do have quality. Rondo in a 1 on 1 match-up with Jose Calderon is a complete mismatch.

Who We Got?: No Bargnani is the word for this one. But the Raptors could have Bayless, Johnson and Gray who all have practised with the team. That is right I did say practice. In a season that has had few of those Raptors were able to have one. This was a season made for Allen Iverson there will be so few practices it will not be funny. Raptors unlike A.I could sure use a few.

Demar DeRozan needs to be Demar DeRozan: Things have been tough on Demar. Even threw out a tweet about how in tough times you find out who your real fans are. Some of those people that may seem like haters might just be concerned fans. They also could just be fickle haters. But that is not the issue. What is the issue is, that Demar needs to get back to playing more like he has in the past. Stick to what you do well and don't go beyond it. Ray Allen has always been a tough match-up for Demar and maybe that will bring out the best in him. We can only hope. If not DeRozan could find nothing but haters and tough love until he finds the answer.

So someone has to win and to be honest the pressure to be that team is more on the Celtics than the Raptors. There were no Celtics fans cheering for their team to make the lottery this season. I just want to say the Celtics do have some great fans as well. I remember watching a game and Boston was down like 20 and the fans were cheering trying to fire them up to make a comeback. When is the last time that happened at the ACC? I have never once heard a Boston fan boo because they didn't get pizza. Something to think about. However should Boston some how lose to the Raptors tonight you may just hear some boos even from those faithful fans. Game starts at 7:30 and can be found on Sportsnet.

Raptors Tough Talk Will Be Put To The Test

The Toronto Raptors have been talking tough in this training camp. Much talk of a change in mentality and a focus on defence. Well all that talk gets put to the test nicely against the Boston Celtics. Ever since the Big 3 appeared in Boston they have been the Raptors school yard bully. Kevin Garnett has been at the forefront of that. We all remember some of the events that have happened when these teams have hooked up. From Garnett yapping at Jose Calderon to a well placed knee by Paul Pierce to Chris Bosh's southern region.

Rajon Rondo will also be a nice test for this defence. Can you actually hide a Jose Calderon in this system? It is a safe bet will find out fast. Rondo has flat out owned Calderon in the past and blows by him really at will. The Celtics issues might lie at the center position. Shaq has retired and J.O is really the only true center they have left on the roster. While the Raptors may not have added quality but they do have depth at the five spot. Jamaal Magloire , Arron Gray and a bigger Amir Johnson all will see time at the five spot this year. Ed Davis might even see some minute and you have the raw Solomon Alabi as well.

Doc Rivers seemed less than impressed with his team's conditioning coming out of this lockout. The Raptors should give them a good test in that regard with their run and gun style offence. Raptors did few things well last year but one of them was fast break points. Boston will get a good run if nothing else playing against the Raptors for two games in the pre-season.

At the end of this two game pre-season we should have a good idea if all this talk has any merit to it. Andrea Bargnani has been catching praise for his new found effort on defence and on the boards. Will see what happens when the likes of K.G is on the other side of the equation.

The time for talking is almost over. Raptors will be having a practice for the fans at Variety Village in Scarborough. it gets rolling at 6:30pm but you need passes to get in that were available at the ACC Box Office so safe bet they might all be gone at this point.

I won't be there but I will be there Sunday for Raptors and Celtics. Today is my mom's Birthday so that will be the main focus of my day. If you can't make it down to ACC for Pre-Season game it will be available on Sportsnet with a 1pm tip time. See you folks Monday with lots of good stuff from my trip to the ACC.

Boston Beatdown with A Touch Of Irish

So Bayless is a no go and everyone else on the trip that will play. But I still don't like the Raptors chances much. Boston after having a loss to Toronto earlier in the year is not going to sleep on them. Not to mention they are riding a high coming from beating one of the NBA's best in the Spurs. It makes the Raptors come from behind win in Cleveland not seem all that notable in comparison.

Boston wins the tip and like a continuation of the last time they met Paul Pierce opens the scoring. Kleiza answer with a foul line jumper and were off and running and tied at 2. Boston turnover on a 3 second call and a nice up and under move by Andre for a jumper for 2. Ray Allen an open 3 this is like a recurring nightmare for Demar DeRozan and the Raptors. Pierce like in the last game they met getting to the line and making a pair and Celtics led 7-4. Rondo jumper would add to the lead. Calderon responds hooking up Amir for an easy 2 and it was 9-6 Celtics just 3 minutes in. Bargs some decent D on Shaq leads to a stop and Calderon bucket on the other end. But Ray Allen strikes again he says it is 3, refs say it is 2 and they will review it. Replay says give that man a 3 pointer but for moment it is 2. Ray Allen would get an extra point prior to the review as he made a tech on an illegal defence call for the Raptors. Pierce a 3 and no dispute on that one. Celtics were up 15-8 pending review. Klezia hits a 3 to get the Raptors within shouting distance. Raps would get back to within two and then give up an easy slam to Big Baby Davis.

Back to back hoops for DeRozan would tie the game at 17. Celtics would reel off 4 points and a time out was called which should produce another point for Boston as that Ray Allen shot had yet to be reviewed. It looked like clearly a 3 to me. Yes indeed after the time out it was 22-17 not 21-17 so give Ray Allen another 3. An Ed Davis sighting it has been awhile since Ed had a decent game. Rajon Rondo with a move that I just don't have words to do just to what he did. It was an assist for Rondo and it was entertaining for everyone watching. Time Out with 2:11 left in the first and their lead was 9 with the score 28-19. Turnovers down the stretch and Boston had a 34-22 1st quarter lead.

Celtics shot 63.7% in that Quarter, the Raps were not bad at 56%. Raps open the quarter sticking a jumper and came out in a zone on D. Not a good idea against this team. Harangody nailed a 3 and was off to a great start off Boston bench. J.O takes Ed Davis to school and would score. Ed Davis would get some revenge with a block later on, but Raps were in trouble down 13 in this one with the score 39-26 in favour of green team. Barbosa steal and drop off for Andrea, but he is short on the 3 attempt and Boston makes them pay with 2. Bargnani on next possession steps out of bounds and turns it over. Ed Davis was getting in a individual battle with J.O and he was more than holding his own. He dunked one on J.O and given his short lack luster Raptor career I enjoyed it. But Raptors were still down 13. It was getting worse Nate Robinson nails a 3 and Jose Calderon was easily picked out of the play. Celtics were 6/9 from 3 and had a huge 51-34 lead with still over 5 to play in half.

A Kleiza turnover was not helping the cause. Can we just start Julian Wright I mean what do we have to lose? Rondo back on the floor and Raps were getting torn apart. Down 21 sure now let's call a time out Jay Triano. But honestly no time outs regardless of when they were called tonight. A Calderon 3 out of the time out was only and band-aid to a cut that needed about 18 stitches with was the Celtics lead. Boston was running Toronto off the floor and built the lead back to 22. It was 67-45 at the half and Celtics were putting on a clinic at the expense of the Raptors.

Could the Raptors offer anything in this second half. Well perimeter D was not better as Pierce hits a 3 to push the lead back to 21 and Shaq would make that 23. Nice bucket for Demar in paint a leaner over Shaq. Celtics were just getting to many easy baskets in this game another Big Baby slam. This was just ugly and the Raptors were just a team that looked out matched. In traditional Raptor fashion they would make a little push to get to down 15. But another 3 from Boston and it was back to 18. Raptors were having a long night and to be honest so am I watching it. But Raps would make another push and a Barbosa 3 would make it a 13 point. An Andrea "Air Ball" would not help matters, Jay Triano seemed convinced he was fouled. Jay seems to have a growing issues with calls. Why not blow a gasket and get booted to make a point. We all know that he knows the magic word and he could break a clipboard too. Squeaky wheel gets the oil just ask Doc Rivers who always has some words for the refs. Meanwhile the game was still in progress and Boston was leading 94-77 late in quarter. In fact that is what the score would end up being after 3.

Here was the Raptors were going fool you run started with a Kleiza 3 to cut lead to 2 touchdowns. If Raptors can sign Tom Brady to a 10 day contract they might have a shot. He does have a bye this weekend in NFL. But Instead Boston's other BIG STAR...Rajon Rondo nails a rare 3 for him. Raptors were still fighting as Bargs got what he would call a slam to cut it back to 12. Jack Armstrong had an excellent analogy for what was going on. It was like the Celtics were the big brother holding the little brother (Toronto) by the head and letting him swing wildly and miss. Raptors had back to back misses in form of turnovers with a chance to cut lead to 10. Out of a time out Ray Allen makes a 3 and that was that. The Raptors fools gold run was over and Boston lead 107-86 with under 7 to play. The Boston reserves were in and they were still kicking Raptor tail. Harangody was looking better than RUDY out there. He went to N.D for school if you didn't know. There really is no more to say about this that has not already been said. Raptors were digging a bigger hole. When the pain stopped it was 122-102.

Really there is nothing good to say about anyone's performance that comes to mind. I have some work for The Score to do on Sunday. But have no fear Ryan our DNB Intern is here. He will have your pre-game and post game for the Raptors vs Kings. I am only going to be able to see a portion of that one. Ryan will do a good job I am sure of that. I may get a blog in sometime tomorrow. This was an ugly one and the less said about it the better.

No More Celtics Hip Hip Hooray

Yes this is the last time the Raptors will likely see the Boston Celtics this season. Seems odd to say on January 7th but such is the NBA Schedule. They have already improved on their performance from last year against them with a win in three tries so far. Last season the Raptors with Chris Bosh were swept by the Celtics 4 to 0. All that being said the Raptors chances tonight in Boston look pretty bleak despite a come from behind blow out of the Cavs. Jerryd Bayless and Sonny Weems remain out. Bargnani and Johnson will go tonight for Toronto. Jose Calderon is going to play as well with Bayless on the shelf. The suggestion seems to be if Bayless was healthy Calderon would not be playing. Meanwhile in Boston they remain with out K.G, while Kendrick Perkins is still about a month away from playing. The Raptors should feel fortunate they will not seen Perkins, and to a large degree have not seen Boston at full capacity even minus him in all 4 games. Be it Rondo or K.G being out the Raptors have never faced the Celtics full blast this year.

The Basics: Toronto 12-23 ( 4-5 vs Atlantic Division) Boston 27-7 ( 21-4 vs East )

When Last We Saw Them: We saw the Raptors start slow allowing the Cavs to shoot 66.7% in 1st and take a 15 point lead. Only to see Julian Wright spark the charge back and the Raptors would eventually win by 15. Jose Calderon was excellent with 20 points and 17 assists and Bargnani looked good as well scoring 20+ points and leading the team in scoring on the night. Were the Cavs just that bad or did the Raptors play that good in final 3 quarters? It is one of those questions where the answer might be both.

Key Match-Ups: As good as Jose was vs the Cavs, Rondo is even better than that coming into this one off a triple double with 12 points 22 assists and 10 rebounds, vs the best team in league record wise in the Spurs. That is a little different from tearing apart the hopeless and Lebronless Cavs. Not to mention traditionally Rondo has always got the better of Calderon. Big Baby and Amir Johnson should be good to watch. Make Glen Davis a jump shooter and you should be ok. Davis has really come a long way but much like a Kris Humphries did in his Raptor days, Big Baby tends to forget he is not the 1st, 2nd, or even 3rd option on offence. Last but not least is Paul Pierce, who in the last meeting with the Raptors less than 7 days ago was pretty spectacular. Linas Klezia has his hands full or whoever they end up sticking on him. After saying all of this watch Ray Allen light up Demar DeRozan with about 6 makes from 3 point range. Allen has always been a tough match up for Dematr. The only advantage the Raptors have is Bargnani on Shaq or J.O it is no contest if Bargnani takes them away from the basket.

Other Things of Note: After a pretty nice honeymoon in Boston things may be going sour for Shaq. Jermaine O'Neal has been the O'Neal getting more minutes of late. A healthy J.O provides the Celtics a better defensive option. Although this story in the Boston Herald has a lot of quotes of people all saying the right things in terms of Shaq. I said at the start of the year that once Perkins came back you were going to have at least one unhappy O'Neal. I was just figuring it would be Jermaine and not Shaq. While our DNB Intern Ryan banged out his first piece in the blog yesterday. Talking about how Demar DeRozan is not getting the love he may deserve from the NBA. He isn't getting much love from the officials as well taking a knock on the head and staying down still did not warrant him a trip to the line. But Demar remains consistent in his effort to drive and draw contact. You just hope he starts to be rewarded in the way that a guy like say Paul Pierce does eventually. Demar was left out of the dunk contest and if he does not crack the sophomore line-up for the Rookie Challenge safe to say the Raptors will have no representation at the All-Star Game at all. Been a long time since that happened, as Bosh was a given to be an All-Star by the end of his time here.

Where is it on? TSN (Sources have informed me that World Junior Hockey Tournament has ended making this possible. Those same sources confirmed the Russians have finally left Buffalo)

Revenge Rondo Or Not On Minds Of Boston.

R-E-V-E-N-G-E that is what tonight will be about for Boston. After having a 8 game win streak vs the Raptors snapped last Sunday. Reggie Evans claims it is about revenge for the Raptors as well. Raptors have lost 4 straight in Boston. But with all due respect to Reggie that doesn't fly. Celtics felt embarrassed after losing to Thunder with no Kevin Durant then losing to the Raptors that most in U.S had pegged being worst in the East. That is a lot more motivation for them. They also were without Rajon Rondo who was obviously more hurt then I thought, as he still has yet to play with sore hamstring suffered late in the loss to the Thunder. His status with a sore hamstring remains up in the air. Delonte West will not be playing and could be lost until the playoffs for Boston with a broken wrist. Ultimately if the Raptors can beat the Celtics a 2nd time within a week and extend their winning streak to 5 games Rondo or not it would be somewhat impressive.

The Basics: Boston 11-4 (1st in East, 6-1 at Home) Toronto 6-9( 9th in East, 4 Game Win Streak)

When Last We Saw Them: Raptors had little trouble beating a Sixers team that was tired and on the 2nd half of a back to back. It was a positive debut for Jerryd Bayless and Reggie Evans had his first double double of the season and a career high in rebounds with 22. It included a Raptor record for rebounds in a half with 15 in the first half and 10 in the First Quarter.

Key Match-Ups: Shaq is coming off his own double doubles recently vs Atlanta and Nets while he has fit in very well with his new team in Boston. He had a fast start in the game on Sunday only to eventually foul out with a lot of time left in the 4th. Who and how the Raptors choose to guard him will be vital. If Rondo is in he would be the biggest issue for the Raptors. Bayless and his defensive skills might help the Raptors finally keep this guy under control. Ray Allen is always someone that needs to be watched for his ability to make clutch 3 point shots. While the Celtics biggest concern is likely how to deal with Bargnani who may be on one of his best streaks offence wise of his NBA Career. He is averaging during this Raptors win streak 27.2 points a game and shooting 56.3% from the field.

Other Things Of Note: Boston has won 2 straight since losing to the Raptors. They blew out the Hawks and then returned home Wednesday and were less impressive in a win over the Nets. Raptors all-time record in Boston is a pathetic 8-20. Did you know Andrea Bargnani is now 3rd on Raptors all-time list for 3 pointers made? He recently passed Doug Christie and now only has V.C and Mo-P in front of him. Odds are he ends on top of this list are high. Odds he makes top 10 on list for rebounds is low. For the last time the Raptors won 2 straight vs Boston you need to go back to 2006/07 season. Where the Raptors actually won 3 straight vs Boston that season with a win in December 2006 and 2 in January of 2007. It is also the last time the Raptors won the season series with Boston.

In Case You Missed It: We are into week 3 of our ticket giveaway with MGD. Here are the details on your latest chance to win a pair of Tickets to watch a game with me in the MGD Best Seats in The House on December 10th vs Denver. Also my Score schedule and Raptors schedule are once again not working in harmony so the Re-Cap of this one may again make that will have to be delayed. Also on last thing are weekly DNB Chats kind of fell off the map. Looking for a good time to have them so please vote and let us know what works best for you?

Thoughts For A Not So Manic Monday

I apologize for getting a bit lazy and not getting the blog up Friday. I have got interested in the World Cup a little bit. I am not really a soccer fan but for whatever reason every 4 years seem to get interested in what the fuss is all about. Later this summer Canada will be in the FIBA not FIFA World Championships in Turkey. In fact Canada is going to have a team in all 4 levels of the World Championships. A great accomplishment for Canada Basketball. While Canada in soccer has made the Women's World Cup several times but only been to the male version only once in 1986 in Mexico. So one could argue our basketball future seems a lot brighter than our soccer future in this country. A bunch of things to get to today. I also have to get that interview up with Ed from NBA Draft Blog. It along with hopefully interviews with Ray Bala and Jack Armstrong should make their way into the blog this weekend.

Watch Canada's Future Tonight At ACC

The All Canadian Classic gets rolling at the ACC tonight with the best young ladies and men in the sport taking the ACC floor. Women get going at 5pm and the Men go at 7pm. It is the basket high school talent from around the country on court. It is for lack of a better comparison, the Canadian version of the McDonald's All American game that Raptors Demar DeRozan and many other top NBA Stars have played in. Tristian Thompson and Cory Joesph both heading to Texas played in that game this year representing the red and white of Canada. Here is an interview from Draft Express with the two from that game.

They won't be playing tonight but lots of great young Canadian kids will and the cost is only 10 bucks to get in. Well worth spending the money and time on a Monday Night in Toronto.

Raps Work Out Kids And Free Agents This Week

The Toronto Raptors will be back at it in terms of working out rookies this week. Will have a list of who is coming when the Raptors make it available. But according to Holly Mackenzie we could be seeing another Wildcat getting to know Canada. Eric Bledsoe of the Wildcats is expected to be here this week. Raptors also announced they will be holding a free agent camp as they have in past in the B.C era. That will be taking place on Friday and Saturday. The most famous thing of those camps is the discovery of Jamario Moon. Raptors could have a lot of holes to fill depending on how the summer goes. Will see if the Raptors end up finding a diamond in the rough.

Young Guns Have Invaded Toronto

Sonny Weems, Demar DeRozan and Amir Johnson along with Jarrett Jack all are in town working out in Toronto. The most positive thing in that is Amir Johnson is part of that group. Johnson is free agent and could go elsewhere. At least it this is a sign that he likes Toronto and would not be against staying. That being said Chris Bosh spent a ton of time in the city last summer and it hasn't stopped from him likely departing this summer. Still nice to see some of the players back in the city during the off-season.

4 Times I Got Rondoed?

I have not picked the Boston Celtics to win in any series these playoffs. After last season nailing the playoffs with in a game in the pre-season. These playoffs have not been kind to me. My pick to win the title is praying LBJ comes back and apparently trying to to steal Tom Izzo away from beautiful East Lansing to go to even more beautiful Cleveland. Nate Robinson has suddenly become a cult hero along with Big Baby. Shrek and Donkey are making me feel a jack@$$. If I am this upset about being wrong on a silly prediction, imagine how Kobe Bryant feels? The Lakers are not dead yet but they got a much tougher test from Boston then I figured they would.

Rajon Rondo should be the finals M.V.P if the Celtics should win. It has been a strange series in which the Celtics have been carried by their defense and been wildly in consistent on offense. You never know what your going to get and from who. The series shifts back to L.A for game 6 and 7 and Lakers will be happy about that. The Boston crowd went over the edge a bit last night. Which is to bad, because aside from that incident in which a small bottle was thrown narrowly missing Lamar Odom, the crowd was being a huge positive factor on the game. They were helping the Celtics and getting behind them and urging them on to victory.

Ron Artest has become the Black Hole in Phil's Triangle Offense. Lakers need some zen like advice and Kobe good old fashion yelling. Lakers have run out of tomorrows and need to beat Boston not once but twice. At least they will have chance to do it in more friendly surroundings

"Jiggly Bits"

"Oh what night. Remember back to '06 and '07, Phoenix beat L.A. and now it's time for revenge. Oh my Kobe, what a night." The Four Seasons never saw that remake coming. And I don't think the Jazz saw a Lakers series sweep coming either. This playoff round has been the round of sweeps: Phoenix over San Antonio, Orlando over Atlanta and now the Lakers over the Jazz. The only one left to be decided is the Cleveland and Boston battle royale. That's exactly what it is going to be. Rajon Rondo leading the Boston camp and Lebron James rallying the Cleveland troops. And with Steve Nash taking elbows and taking names, the 2010 NBA playoffs are looking more like a battlefield. I am loving every minute of it. Let's take a trip down memory lane to playoffs past, talk about the present and the possible future of former Raptors Coach, Sam Mitchell.

The Ghosts of Playoffs Past

So now we know the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers are dancing in Western Conference final. Both teams will have 6 days of rest and time to reflect and recharge for game one of the next round in Los Angeles. No chance of the Lakers hosting a tea party either. The 2006 and 2007 playoffs are forever etched in their minds, especially Kobe's. Do you remember how ticked off he got after the Suns beat them in the 2007 playoffs? Kobe demanded to be traded citing a lack of support. But now he has he has a solid team around him and he's not carrying the load anymore. I wasn't thinking it so much at the time but the Lakers made a good move stealing Pau Gasol from the Grizzlies in February 2008. Look at last night. Gasol had 33 points, 14 rebounds and combined with Kobe for more than half the Lakers points against the Jazz. So Kobe is happy now.

But so is Steve Nash. He also has bad memories of the 2007 playoffs. Not versus the Lakers, but the San Antonio Spurs. Remember how Nash ran into Tony Parker and got his nose smashed? He leaves the game momentarily to get patched up (it really looked like masking tape floating on top of his nose to me) and returns in full force to knock down a three pointer. Maybe it's that Canadian hockey-fighter thing in him somewhere but no one can accuse him of not being focused. He still proves he can take what the Spurs dish him in the 2010 series when Tim Duncan drives to the basket and clips Nash in the eye with his elbow. While Nash is out getting a few quick stitches, the Spurs let loose a little but Nash (as a good conductor always does) waves the Phoenix ensemble back into form and just dominates the fourth quarter. I would say based on how hot Phoenix is playing right now they have the advantage going into their next series with the Lakers. But I think the Lakers are too deep, still too sore from 2006, 2007 and too hungry. It's not just one guy conducting the orchestra. It's the pieces of that orchestra that keep stepping up and winning games for the Lakers. It will be close but the Lakers will take this round.

"And in this corner, Rajon Rondo..."

Do we need to talk about the Orlando and Atlanta series? Not really. Except to say the Orlando Magic beat the inevitable losers the Atlanta Hawks. I am not saying the Hawks are a bunch of losers before you barrage me with emails, just that the Hawks didn't really stand a chance against the Magic. Done. Let's move on to see who will meet the Magic in the Eastern Conference Final.

Man, what a series this has turned to to be. Sure, on paper the Celtics looked good but I don't think anyone expected them to be this good. Not even the Cavs. Remember when the Boston Celtics traded for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen back in 2007? (That's seems to be the year of active discussion today). Were you like me thinking who are they going to get to compliment these two? Rajon Rondo was really just working on his game then and now he's leading a team of future Hall of Famers and having nights with 29 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists like this series with the Cavs. And what are the Cavs really doing to shut him down other than throwing Anthony Parker at him? It worked once but now the Cavs seem to be getting stuck. In their last game, the Celtics scored 23 fast break points on the Cavs' seven. This shows the Cavs are losing the transition battle and not getting back into their defensive positions quick enough when the Celtics grab rebounds and haul it up court. If the Celtics win tonight they will likely break the cycle of series wins going back and forth between them and the Cavs and possibly take this series. As long as they keep the Cavs uncomfortable offensively and the Cavs don't figure out a way to shut down the RaRa Rondo train.

Sam Mitchell coaching in Philadelphia?

Possibly. The former Raptors coach has met with the Philadelphia 76ers to talk about a coaching job. They are looking at his four seasons with the Raptors and his NBA Coach of the Year accolades as reference points. So how do you feel as a Raptors fan when you hear this? Think about it. Your team may possibly lose Bosh and begin riding on the emotional roller coaster of rebuilding and the Philadelphia 76ers are doing the same and may acquire a former Raptors coach. Hmmmm. Before you get too excited, they are also looking at Avery Johnson, Doug Collins, Bill Lambeer, Phoenix Assistant Coach Dan Majerle and Portland Assistant Coach Monty Williams. A good coach can make or break a team. Philadelphia would be an interesting place if Sam Mitchell got the nod.

"Jiggly Bits"

I love the NBA playoffs. Not so much to see the stars do their thing because really, if you've made it this far, anything is possible. Look at the Oklahoma Thunder. Man, that city really rallied around their team and made us all believers at one point, even the Lakers. But our soldiers in the gold and purple pulled out a series win and moved onto their next battle: the Utah Jazz where the Lakers are leading the series 1-0. Phoenix is in the same boat, an edge up on the Spurs 1-0 in that series. Atlanta and Orlando begin their battle this week, too. Which leaves us to round out the final second round series match-ups with Boston and Cleveland. With all the talk about Cleveland riding their broom to the final and sweeping every last opponent out of the way, the Boston Celtics are out to prove MVPs don't win championships - champions do. We'll talk about this series, Lebron's legacy, the Lebron and Durant rumours and Vinny Del Negro packing his bags.

Boston Kicks it up a notch

You know, I had my doubts the Cavs were going to cruise to an NBA Championship this year. I think sometimes people forget the playoffs are not a sprint to the finish. It is a full - out marathon. And if any of you have put your body through the challenges only a marathon can provide, you'll know even the most experienced athlete can hit the proverbial wall and things can break down or another marathoner will simple have everything clicking at the right moment and literally whiz right past you. This is what happened to the Cavs in game two of this series. Congratulations to Lebron on his MVP accolades and I totally agree he deserves it. But the reason he got it is the exact reason the Cavs struggle sometimes. If the Cavs need to control their transition better, Lebron is there. If the Cavs need more force on the defensive end of their game, Lebron may not prefer to be there but he'll fill the gap. And if the Cavs need a half court jumper to beat the buzzer, Lebron is your man. Being all things to your team takes it's toll and Boston capitalized on that to tie up the series. And by a pretty sizable margin, too (104-86) so they didn't just get lucky. Rajon Rondo had twelve assists in the first half alone and just created Boston scoring opportunities everywhere. The Celtics really built a lead by moving the ball and hitting open jump shots. Looking at the stats, Ray Allen outscored the Cavs all by himself in the third quarter of game two by 17-12 and Rondo had a career high 19 assists on the night at this point. Unbelievable. From watching the Celtics all season, the key for them has been their real ability to claw their way to a win if they need to or to put it simply, working together as a team. If they keep this up, that MVP trophy will be the only one Lebron will have in his 2010 collection.

Lebron James and his Legacy

I know you probably think because I am critical of the Cavs, I am of Lebron, too. It's my job to present both sides and be critical. But don't take this as I am attacking his future legacy because that's what I know all the emails after this blog will be about. I think Lebron James is a true character and ambassador to the sport. He could have accepted his MVP award in a big hall with all the NBA dignitaries you can imagine but he didn't. He shared it with his hometown of Akron in a public ceremony and later celebrated at a party open to all. I really hope broadcasters don't give up and stop voting for him him out of boredom if no one challenges his game and what he gives to it. Remember back in 2000, a former ESPN broadcaster took some real heat for giving his vote to Allen Iverson over Shaquille O'Neal - that was huge since Shaq could have swept the voting that year. I like how Lebron remains grounded and remembers who got him to where he is: friends, coaches and especially his Mom. I think she'd like an NBA trophy rather than flowers for Mother's Day this year, Lebron. But you don't need me telling you that.

"Lebronzenator and Durantula" coming to an arena near you

Really? Do we honestly believe this? I'd believe Chris Bosh going to Oklahoma before I see Lebron and Durant on the same roster, so lets not get our hopes up. I think because the Thunder has a relatively small payroll and tons of room under the salary cap, various scenarios are getting tossed around and this can get fueled by emotions. Dinonation James touched on this while responding to Bosh's tweets about his future with the Raptors. This is business and you can't let emotions get the best of you - this is what happened to another Toronto team (Really Leafs? No first pickin's for you for two whole years...why, why, why). If you look at what the Thunder has done over the last three years, they focus on the draft, make some trades and then see what's out there in terms of free agents. Thunder General Manager Sam Presti has done a pretty good job of building a team that will grow together and last. Will Lebron make them last like the energizer bunny? Probably not. Will Bosh? Possibly. Will Durant look for another playground? Quite possibly. Though Durant is under contract to play for the Thunder next season regardless of what happens this summer, Presti will most likely have a discussion with his biggest asset come July 1st. Oh what a summer this is going to be.

Del Negro is Done

Pretty sad, really. The Bulls went 41-41 this season and made the playoffs in each of their two terms with Coach Vinnie Del Negro. We knew in December amidst rumours that he was on his way out after a Bulls slow start, that a "kinda sorta maybe - we like you" from Bulls GM Gar Forman was not going to keep Del Negro on the Bulls payroll. But the Bulls as a team rallied to the post season and sadly, that wasn't good enough. I don't think he was really given a chance and Bulls management seemed to have a sink or swim mentality with him. It's their own fault, too. Remember when Del Negro was hired? He got the job obviously not on coaching experience because he had none but because two other high profile candidates fell through. C'mon this isn't high school Prom. No one wants to start a season praying for it to be over already in December. So what happens now? The new coach will have the pleasure of working with Derrick Rose and gets to lead a team that has loads of salary cap space to offer a lucrative contract to an awesome free agency class this summer. Sweet. I really hope Bulls management does their homework this time because it would be nice to see this team enjoy some success next season.

Go Rondo Go..You Are Our Only Hope?

They say politics makes strange bed fellows. Well so does sports. How else can you explain Raptor fans cheering on the Celtics to beat the Bulls? When you look at things this is the Raptors best shot to make the most season. Now Larry Brown is on the record saying the Bobcats will play their full roster vs the Bulls on Wednesday. However forgive me if I don't see them being highly motivated to win, or for Brown not to pull the plug on his starters quickly. The Bobcats have nothing to play for. They have already qualified for the playoffs. Which by the way I predicted that they would and the Thunder too. How is that for an unlikely daily double? Anyway back to the point. Bobcats have no reason to win and the only things that can happen for them are bad ones.

Like the injury to Sonny Weems last night. Which by the way both Weems and I were up far to late last night on Twitter. In the wee hours of the morning Weems tweeted thanks for fans concern. He also tweeted there was no way he was going to miss the biggest game of his NBA Career. So as much as Larry Brown is preaching all the right things in terms of doing what is right for the game of basketball. Fact is even if his players do play how honestly motivated will they be? The answer is likely not all that much. If you want a Raptor example of it. How about when the Raptors won their Division Title and raised the banner. They had zip to play for and were easily defeated by a Sixers team that was not heading to the post season.

So that is why tonight for my money (Weems Nickname Pun Unintended) the Raptors hope lies with Boston. As I outlined in the blog the Celtics still have a slim chance of catching the Hawks for 3rd in the East. The main motivation in securing that 3rd spot is you would draw Orlando in round 2 instead of Cleveland. Who regardless of who wins the final seed, Bulls or Raptors, will be a massive favourite to advance. In fact let's be honest about this they are a heavy favourite to win the NBA Title. Which was also one of my pre-season predictions. However if you think I am gloating trust me I am not. You remember who I had for 6th man of the year award winner? Rasheed Wallace was my pick and he has not exactly lit it up in Boston. But Go Sheed, right? At least tonight it will be the case. That was all the buzz on Twitter today with Raps fans. Trying to come to grips with cheering for the team that has punked the Raptors on so many occasions. That knee to Chris Bosh's groin by Paul Pierce is now water under the bridge. K.G smack talking with Jose Calderon a simple exchange of ideas. It is all very odd and bizarre.

The one person I will have no issue with cheering for on the Celtics in Rajon Rondo. I believe I have told this story in the blog before but it is worth repeating. I was out at a social gathering in the Early fall after the Big 3 was coming to Boston. I was among a group of people and the topic of the Celtics came up. Someone expressed extreme doubt that Rondo was good enough to make this all work. He suggested that the Celtics needed to get a point guard in order to make this make over a success. I at the time said " No you just wait and see, Rondo is going to be fine,trust me". Not sure if that person did or remembered this conversation, but the results have been very positive. Rondo in the Big 3 era has become a star. While the Big 3 has got old, Rondo has gotten better. In fact I am willing to say that the Celtics are now more about Rondo then they are about any of the Big 3. As Rondo goes so go the Celtics. He is the only reason they were able to hold off the Bulls from what would have been an epic upset last year. That series for some was one of the greatest of all time.

This is good news for the Raptors if you want to be optimistic. These two teams fought in a sports version of a war. That leads to bad blood and people not liking each other very much. So beyond having their own reasons to win, sticking it to the Bulls would be a cherry on top. If it helps the Raptors in the process so be it. I don't think the Celtics are fearing they would see the Raptors in the post season any way. Even if by some miracle they did they swept away the Raptors in 4 meetings this season and have traditionally owned them.

It also doesn't hurt that everyone is doubting the Celtics, and some may even favour them to lose in the first round, depending on who they draw as an opposition. This is for whatever you make think of them a group that has a lot of pride. Celtic Pride is a real thing, and even for a team that has some questionable characters that means something. Yes they talk smack, drop f-bombs and at times play like they are God's gift to the world. It is very easy not to like this team. They give you lots of ammo to hate them. But for this one night forget all that and cheer for them anyway. I feel you have no choice, because I honestly see this as the Raptors only hope to make the playoffs.

If you are one of those folks that doesn't want them to get into the playoffs you can do what is natural and cheer against them. I understand that logic may dictate missing the playoffs makes the most sense for the Raptors. After all they get to keep a first round draft pick. The chances of Chris Bosh staying seem bleak for most. I just can never get behind wanting the team that I support/cover to lose. It is just not something I can go to bed and sleep at night over. Yes, the chances of advancing are remote at best. If Chris Bosh is not healthy, which we still do not know for the playoffs, they become even less so. What is the point to getting in?

I will give you three off the top. Jack, Weems and DeRozan, none of which have made the post season. It will be a great experience for them, even if the Raptors were to be swept aside by the Cavs. To get a taste of what the playoffs are like. Many pro athletes have experienced and talked about it. There is absolutely nothing that can prepare you for the intensity of the post season. Every possession counts, the level of defense is turned up and cranked to the max. Wild crowds out of control with noise. I know it has been a few years but we all remember that right? There is nothing like it. Be it from Vince Carter and A.I doing battle to Vince Carter no longer a Raptor returning. The Playoffs is a different animal and the more experience not just those 3 can gain, but everyone the better the Raptors are for it. Getting to the post season is like a drug, once you get there you want to come back. Once you get a taste you want more. It is the biggest natural narcotic in sports and every player wants it once they have had it.

So that is my take on what will be a very odd night in Raptorland. If you happen to be a fan of the RoundBall Review that I do on here, the cartoon hosts have their own Twitter account. I know it seems a little nutty, but I asked folks on Twitter if it was a good idea and got 3 fast replies with enthusiastic responses to the positive. So if you would like to follow the antics of J.B and Joey G on Twitter they have an account DNBsRoundBall is them. If you some how do not follow the blog on Twitter please do @dinonationblog and also Anas is on Twitter to @ThisisAnas as for Danielle, I am working on it. Eventually will get the DNB's Double D on there as well. Read her NBA Column that just went up as I was working on this. She calls it Jiggly Bits. I love all our little DNB Family from my cartoon employees, to the living breathing ones, and yes all of you that read it and support it.

So Go Celtics Go. Really? Yes REALLY!!!

Bad Things Come in Three's

First Bosh. Then Hedo. Then Johnson. Really? As if the Raptors needed anymore hoops to jump through. Chris Bosh stayed in Cleveland today to have surgeons repair a displaced nasal fracture. He will remain in Cleveland overnight and arrangements are being made to bring him home to Toronto as soon as possible. Once he's home, he'll be assessed for 7 to 10 days and then a decision will be made as to when he'll be back in the Raptors line-up. But it's safe to say he'll be out for the rest of the regular season. Eighth place is still up for grabs and if the Raptors continue down this road, Bosh's game against Cleveland may have been his last of this season, possibly as a Raptor.

Hedo Turkoglu's injury came in the first quarter after butting heads with Boston's Tony Allen. Hedo left late in the first quarter and never returned to the game. He was taken to Mount Sinai hospital for a C-T scan to assess the extent of his injury or nasal contusion as officials are calling it. Another hit to the face like this is no good for a guy who is trying to get back in the good books with fans. Plus, repeated blows to the head are no laughing matter either. This is serious business. There's nothing I can't handle but when people use terms like "just a little concussion", it really bothers me. No one is saying that Hedo has a concussion yet but it is quite possible considering the way he collided with Allen. And remember, concussion symptoms can show up weeks after the injury. I am just stating my observations based on experience. He just didn't look right going off court. The Raptors were counting on a few key players to step up tonight with Bosh out and Hedo was one of them.

The third Raptors injury as of late was suffered by Amir Johnson in the second half. Glen Davis of the Celtics fell to the ground hitting Johnson's leg in the process - it looked like it bent back. I was surprised to see him limping around at first as if he was going to walk that off. He eventually hobbled off to the sidelines and off to the dressing room. No word yet on the extent of his injury.

First Half

Right off the bat, Sonny Weems was playing confident and was really being patient with his shots. He scored a career-high 21 points for the Raptors on the night. Eventually, Ray Allen would take over as the stand out for Boston, but in the first half, Sonny Weems was averaging about as much playing time and points as Paul Pierce of the Celtics. At the half, both had 17 points and had played about 18 minutes. You could see Weems was playing with confidence.

Antoine Wright as you know twisted his ankle and was a game time decision going into tonight's contest. You would never have known it though. He worked hard tonight. At one point, Wright hits one from beyond the arc, ball goes to Boston and Wright gets it back. You know, the Raptors have pulled off wins without Chris Bosh before and based on how Wright and the others were playing in the first half, I thought this one would end in their favour. Late in the half, Bargnani hits one to get the Raptors up by one and this was where the turning point should have been. But alas, no dice. I also thought it may have been a good time to see what they can do without Bosh and multiple injuries say if Chris Bosh flies the coop this summer. Look what happened in the NHL when Gretzky left for the Kings? Mark Messier stepped up and the Oilers eventually got over it. I'm just saying.

Second Half

I wasn't really impressed with the Celtics in the first half. They were not playing as fluid as they normally do. But the decision to give extra rest to Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins and Kevin Garnet paid off in the second half because much to the Raptors demise, the Celtics took over. You could see the frustrations start to come out when Jose Calderon starts arguing with officials thinking he should have been going to the line but he made the mistake of stopping to do this while the clock was still running. He was really lucky that Wright got that basket or his little outburst with the officials may have been a bigger deal. Not that it really mattered since Boston ended up with the score in their favor, 115 - 104. Boston just seemed to be making all the important shots and were playing more relaxed in the second half. Ray Allen had a beautiful around the back move and makes the basket. This just highlighted how in control of the game they were at this point and how nervous the Raptors were playing. I hate to say it but the Raptors were not as consistent as their opponents in green and their defence seem to suffer as a result. They just didn't have enough stamina to sustain themselves to the end of the fourth quarter. A real shame, too. Now they are REALLY fighting for their playoff lives.

Raps Kick Off 2010 In Beantown

The first blog of 2010 as the Raptors begin the year in Boston. Celtics are banged up and coming off a west coast trip and losses to the Warriors and Suns. While The Raptors closed 2009 winning 5 in a row. If they could steal a win in Boston they would reach the .500 mark for the first time since near the start of the season. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett both question marks heading into this one. Raptors will be without Hedo Turkoglu, Jose Calderon and Reggie Evans. Antonie Wright is expected to get the start if Hedo does not go. He will be a game time decision. Wright has been in and out of the doghouse this season. He did play well filling in for Hedo against the Bobcats. This is the front half of a pretty nasty back to back as they travel home and face the Spurs on Sunday.

It is a challenging start to the 2010 schedule for the Raptors for sure. The Celtics will be back to face the Raptors again next Sunday back at the ACC. Also on the up coming list is the Orlando Magic who have owned the Raptors this year winning all 3 contests so far this year. Jose Calderon has said he is close to being ready to return and that will make for an interesting choice for Jay Triano. He was here as an assistant during the whole T.J Ford/Calderon situation. Sam Mitchell stuck with Jose over the returning Ford. He would later flip flop and go back to Ford as the starter based on his struggles in the back-up roll. This is going to be the biggest decision for Jay Triano in his short time as head coach of the Raptors. That is something for another day though as it will be Jack and Banks that will have to deal with Rajon Rondo.

Given the history of Calderon going against Rondo that may not be such a bad thing. Rondo is a point guard that can expose Jose on the defensive end. Depending on who is in and out for the Celtics Rondo will be a bigger part of the scoring mix for Boston.

This could be a good time for the Raptors to catch the Celtics and score what would be an unlikely win when you scan the schedule. Hard to know what to expect with so many players status up in the air for this one. However the Raptors learned a hard lesson earlier in the year about taking for granted a good team when they have guys out. The Spurs crushed them with no Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. Hopefully the Raptors learned from that experience. Boston is a tough place to get a win regardless of who the Celtics have healthy.

Can the Raptors keep the roll going? Will see but if the Raptors if they can make it through January and exit in about the same spot they are now things look bright. February is the best month of the Raptors schedule by a country mile. It is a point where the Raptors could make a run away from the pack and focus on positioning in the playoffs rather than just making them. But they have to be in position to do that.

Happy New Year to you all and thanks for supporting the Dino Nation Blog in 2009 and hope you will continue to do so in 2010.

If You Didn't Like Last Night- You Don't Like NBA Basketball

There was an announcer that used the line "If You Didn't Like That You Don't Like NBA Basketball". Well if that line every applied more to anything it is the Bulls vs Celtics series. I admit that I could care less about the Celtics or the Bulls. That being said the games and the battles they are having have been unreal. Another instant classic last night as the two battled in a triple overtime thriller. It was just as exciting as the 6 OT game between Syracuse and UConn and the way it was going it looked like it could go 6 OT's. Rajon Rondo and Derrick Rose have been both very special in this series.

If that was not enough for you. The Magic with no Howard who was suspended and Courtney Lee who was injured(By Howard) took on the Sixers and won in a blowout. At this time I would like to say sorry to Marcin Gortat. I joked around yesterday and said that he could not get it done. I doubted the new Polish Power for the Y2K. He had I think was 11 and 10 and that is about half of an average Dwight night in the playoffs. So the Magic move on and will get the team that survives Game 7 between that Bulls and Celtics. The Magic have not performed at a high level in round 1. Could the fact that the Bulls and Celtics are taking everything the other has to offer end up benefiting the Magic? Just a thought.

Ray Allen is getting it done when it matters the most for Celtics and is a big part of why this series has been as much a classic as it is becoming. Also it makes me laugh that there was talk earlier in the year if Vinny Del Negro was going to last as coach of the Bulls. I think win or lose in Game 7 it is safe to say that Vinny will have a job next year. That being said I am stunned the Michael Curry is going to remain as coach of the Pistons who went out in flames to the Cavs that will wait to get the winner of Hawks and Heat series. It is crazy to think that Curry keeps his job after the season the Pistons have had. I am much more willing to give Jay Triano a chance than I would be Michael Curry. It is not that I have been a supporter of the Triano return. I have not been. But Curry clearly was part of the problem in Detroit. However Joe Dumars was the guy that but him in that situation by trading Billups for Iverson. While Billups plays on with the Nuggets as they destroyed the Hornets. Allen Iverson was MIA for the playoffs. That was not Curry that was on Dumars. Still Curry just never looked like he had control or the respect of his team and that seemed clear to me. Triano for what it is worth had the respect of the Raptors and the endorsement of the star play. I think if you took a straw poll in the Pistons Locker Room I am pretty sure Curry is voted off the island so to speak.

Despite all of this excitement that has been going on the end of the story remains the same for me. It seems clear that we are heading towards a Kobe vs Lebron Final. That as far as hype will be an epic battle. That being said the Bulls and Celtics have put on a show that will be hard to top. Can Game 7 be as exciting as the first 6? Last year the Hawks pushed the Celtics to 7. The Game 7 ended up being a real stinker with the dirty birds getting destroyed. I do not think the Bulls will meet that same fate as the Hawks. They may not win but they will show up.

Fans of basketball have been rewarded with a lot of excitement in this year's NBA Playoffs. There has been a really nasty edge to some of it as well. I have liked that. NBA needs to let them play. The talk of guys getting suspended and being not in games like Howard last night and the whole mess with the Suns and Spurs a few years ago in my opinion takes away from things. The NHL finds ways to bend he rules to fit what makes sense. Why not do the same in the NBA. Unless it is something that is truly awful I say let them play. Rajon Rondo does not play in game 7 based on tossing Hinrich into a score table it will be fans that lose. Not just Celtic fans but all fans. Back in the 80's go watch some classic games and you will see lots worse things happen to players and I don't recall anyone being suspended. We become to hyper sensitive in the sports world today. If I sound like Charles Oakley so be it. The stars of basketball in the 80 and 90's must chuckle at what gets considered a big deal now a days. That reminds me Pros vs Joes is starting again soon what NBA oldschoolers will be on the show. Ex-Raptors Kevin Willis and Charles Oakley have been on the show. There are a few other I likely have forgotten. There is no better way to kill an hour than watch an episode of Pros vs Joes.

Raptor Rewind- Will The Raptors Get Rondoed? Edition

Rajon Rondo has struggled and so have the Boston Celtics.The Celtics will be without Kendrick Perkins for today's game which was reported by Paul Jones on Raptors T.V. So the Celtics would be down a man in their starting five. The Raptors we will have to see who they have for this game. Doubtful that we will see Jermaine O'Neal and Jose Calderon is again a game time decision. But whoever plays this is going to be a tough game for the Raptors. Do not be fooled by the Celtics struggles. They have only won 3 of their last 7 and are on a 4 game slide. But I think they look at this as a chance to get back on track at expense of the Raptors. I just am not ready to overlook this team in anyway. Jose Calderon was going to give it a go in this game and I am not sure that will be a good thing or not. Chasing around Rajon Rondo with a hamstring at anything less then 100% could be bad news. But I am not trying to be the voice of doom honestly. But one more note to share that is not optimistic. Since Garnett, Allen and Pierce have come together this 4 game slide is the longest they have ever experienced as a unit The task of making that 5 games will not be an easy on at all.

1st Quarter

So how will Jose do in his return to the court? That would be question #1 as we get this thing going. Rondo has struggled shooting but if he is allowed to get into the paint that will cause problems. Raptors won the opening tip and Jose got it to Bosh who hit a fading jumper. The Celtics would respond with a basket from Brian Scalabrine who was replacing Perkins in the line-up. Jose looking good early as he would get his first score of his day. Paul Pierce, who had already killed the Raptors once this year he hit his first attempt of this day. Chris Bosh mad his way to the line and made a pair. The two teams were exchanging blows early. Pierce came back with an answer for Bosh and they both had 4 early. Jamario Moon would dial it up from long distance. Celtics would have their first failed trip of the day and the Raptors would get it to Bargnani who was fouled and heading to the line for two. He could only make 1-2 and Raptors had a 10-6 lead early on. Moon would add to that with a two point shot this time around.

Ray Allen would give the Celtics a much needed three pointer. Paul Pierce just after that would get injured as it appeared he had banged his knee. But while the Celtics had a gimpy Pierce they would march on and take the lead 14-12. Glen Davis checked in as Pierce was on the bench and in pain. No wheel chair had been brought out yet. Ray Allen was healthy though and he made another three point and the Celtics despite a key loss in Pierce were taking over. Ray Allen would drain yet another 3 point that would 4 of 4 all from long range. If you are a Raptor fan you are not happy, if you have Ray Allen on your fantasy squad your thrilled. Raptors who lead early by 6 points were now down by 8 points with the score 20-12. Rajon Rondo would get to the line looking to extend that lead. He would make both and Celtic lead was 10. Chris Bosh would finally have an answer with a score for the home side. A nice driving hook shot for Bosh. Jose Calderon would extend his free throw streak to 74 in a row as he was fouled and sent to the line. Ray Allen was just hot as a pistol though as he hit yet another 3 pointer that was 5 in the quarter if you were counting. Kevin Garnett would miss a pair from the line after getting to know Jake Voskhul. Jake would whack him again but not be as fortunate as Garnett would make both in his second chance from the line. Celtics were allowed to have 3 chances to score but they would miss them all but still lead 27-18 with just over 2 minutes to play in the quarter. Calderon was getting beat bad by Rondo but he still had his free trow streak going. It was rapidly becoming as irrelevant as the Raptor 3 pointer streak that is somewhere over 800 games if you care. Both teams were a little chilly to close the quarter with Celtics holding a 28-20 lead. Rondo with no one in his way would get a easy lay up and the Celtics lead 32-20 which ironically was the same score after the first quarter when they visited the ACC. That would lead to a 118-103 thrashing that was on my birthday. It was not exactly the present I was hoping for. This was not what the Raptor Fans were expecting from their team on this day as well.

2nd Quarter

It would start much the same. The much talked about Boston bench would score just as easy as the starters to begin the quarter. Bargnani would answer with a basket. But we were rapidly reaching the point that exchanging hoops was not going to get it done. Andrea would try to hit a 3 pointer but miss and Celtics were slowly getting defense going. Eddie House would hit a jumper. He is one of about 40 players I have heard rumours about coming to Toronto. But today he was a Celtic and making his jump shot. Joey Graham would make it to the line for a pair and Joey would make them. But defense was the issue and the Celtics were owning the paint and able to enter it at will. The Boston lead had climbed to 15 points as they lead 39-24 with 8:46 to play in the half. Raptors were now struggling to get anything they would final get a score on a Graham tip in. He would get fouled as well but miss the free throw. It was 41-26. Andrea Bargnani would hit a 3 pointer and try to draw some life to a lifeless team and crowd at the ACC.

Doc Rivers needs a win for his team and was quick to call a time out and try to stop the Raptors from getting any kind of momentum at all. It would end up doing just that and Bargnani would pick up his 3rd foul and leave. But Anthony Parker would get a 3 pointer and get the natives a little excited in the stands. A slam dunk by Bosh and a scuffle between Joey Graham and Brian Scalabrine and the crowd was back into it and so were the Raptors with the score 42-34. Graham would in the game after the double technical fouls take the ball at the red head and score. Joey was fired up and flying around. The Celitcs would score a basket and it would not calm the crowd. Paul Pierce who was back in now would make a 3 pointer that would take some wind out of the crowd. The lead was back to 11 points with the score 47-36 Celtics. Brian Scalabrine would hit a 3 pointer in response to all the Joey G energy and it was a big one as the Celtics had a 50-38 lead. Ray Allen would make a jumper and lead was climbing again. Rajon Rondo would take Will Solomon to school just like Jose and he had a dunk. Calderon meanwhile was questionable to return at all. He had looked non existent on defense. He is a bad defender normally but he was showing the signs of not being at 100 percent. That will be the Raptors story and they will stick to it. But honestly with the type of injury he had going against Rondo was not the first game back you would prefer. The Celtics had re-established firm control as they would take a 54-41 lead into the half.

3rd Quarter

Joey Graham lead the Raptors with 8 points and had 5 rebounds and a block. Good for Joey and I do mean that, but without some help it would be a wasted effort. Meanwhile Ray Allen on the strength of a strong 1st quarter had 17. Jose Calderon was going to start the second half and I strongly object for what it is worth. But I am not making those calls. Celtics would miss a 3 pointer to start the second half but Bargnani would miss as well. Paul Pierce was back and scoring after he had a long break after hurting his knee in the 1st quarter. Jamario Moon got himself to the line and made a pair. Kevin Garnett despite all the Celtic success was shooting 1-10 after another miss. Rajon Rondo was back to form as he would just wiz past Calderon again and score. Chris Bosh was not able to throw down a dunk. He and Bargnani had struggled along with Granett for the Celtics. Rondo would have a spill and turn it over and Bargnani found Bosh for an easy score. Cue Mr. Allen to make a dagger 3 pointer. Kevin Garnett would follow that with a dunk and the Celtics lead 63-45 as the Raptors started the quarter shooting just 1-8.

Andrea Bragnani would try to change it making a 3 pointer. But this game looked lost and Rondo was able to get past Jose at will. It was leading to the Celtics being able to attack the Raptors from both inside and out. Bargnani to his credit was trying to fight through as he got to the line and made a couple free throws. Chris Bosh would hammer Glen " Big Baby" Davis. But he would not cry as he stepped to the line to take and make his free throws. Parker would hit a rare jump shot for the Raptors in this quarter. But this game had got out of hand with the Celtics on top big 67-51 with 5:31 to play to 3rd quarter.

Rajon Rondo found himself guarded by Bargnani, he would blow past him draw the blocking foul on Bosh, and head to the line and make a free throw to go along with his basket. Garnett would have a dunk and the score line was getting big with it now 71-51. Bosh would drive looking to tear the rim down but instead he would get fouled and sent to the line. The Celtics were not making anything easy for the Raptors. Bosh would make the free throws but mission accomplished for the Celtics. They did not want to allow a dunk and let Bosh get confident or this crowd to get excited. Bosh would look to take an ill advised 3 pointer and it was exactly what Celtics would like to see him do. He would miss the 3 pointer and Celtics grab the rebound and just keep motoring along. Doc Rivers was really into it on the bench and you would think it was a close game by looking at him. But given the recent struggles of the Celtics you can understand why he was keeping on his team to stay after it. Chris Bosh would block Rondo from getting another easy basket. The Raptors were just getting attacked by penetration and had no way to stop it. That is why the Celtics lead 73-55 after 3 quarters of play. That and a very solid defensive effort that you have come to expect from the Celtics since the arrival of Kevin Garnett.

4th Quarter

Some eye opening stats for you. The Raptors were shooting just 31% and had only 8 points in the paint. The Raptors would get a score from Bargnani and Kapono would have one decide to spin in for him followed by another jumper and the Raptors had a 6-0 run to start the quarter but they still were down by a lot. A time out from Doc Rivers to make sure his team got back on track with a 75-61 lead to defend with just over 10 minutes to play. The big three would return after the time out as Doc Rivers was not going to trust his bench to hang on. The impact was right away as the Celtics got Ray Allen to the line for a pair to end the mini run. But Kapono would score again. But the lead was still 14 points. Jose Calderon was not going to come back for any kind of comeback. Roko Ukic was in at the moment. He would try to hit a 3 pointer that could have cut the lead to 10 points. Rajon Rondo looked to heading to making the Raptors pay but Jamario Moon would Rondo....Rondo with a block. But it was still a long road back. But the crowd was trying to hold out hope for the Raptors.

They would get to the line and make a pair and Raptors had an 11-2 run going. But it was Ray Allen time as he made another big 3 pointer. He would then pick up his 5th foul on Joey Graham who was one Raptor that was going all out all day. He would make the foul shoots and Moon had a basket. Jason Kapono had another and Raptors defense had stepped up the lead was down to just 8 point with the score 80-72. This was all being done with Chris Bosh on the bench waiting for his time to check back into the game. I am still not buying it as far as a comeback but the crowd was and the Raptors seemed to respond as well. I will say this though comeback successful of not this was important for Raptors confidence as this was first half of a back to back that concludes tomorrow night in Boston. I will be live blogging that on for The Score so no Raptor Rewind by the way. But we have a game to finish. There was still time for the comeback with 5:52 remaining.

Celtics would split a pair from the line by Davis. Ray Allen after a failed Raptor effort would step inside and make a mid-range two ball and Celtic lead was back up to 11 and the crowd had been quieted once again. Garnett with a successful trip to the line built there lead back to 85-72. But the Raptors and this crowd refused to accept defeat. Chris Bosh would get a monstrous jam and it was 85-76. But once again Ray Allen had a long distance answer for the Raptors and the crowd. It was 88-76 for the Celtics and time ticking away. Raptors had 2 chances to cut the lead to single digits again but miss. But the would be given another change and Roko Ukic would score to cut it to an 8 point lead. But we were under 2 minutes. But don't tell the Raptors as Andrea Bargnani hit a huge 3 pointer and the lead had shrunk to 5 points. Raptors had a chance to cut the lead again but Moon would miss and Paul Pierce would use a Kevin Garnett pick on Moon to get free and score and I think end all hope of a comeback. Celtics led 90-83 with only 40.3 seconds to play. Raptors had the ball after a time out and it would end up with Bargnani on the line with 34.5 seconds to play. Not what Doc Rivers wanted to see from Davis. Bargnani made both with the clock stopped. Raptors would send Ray Allen to the line who is a good free throw shooter just like he is from beyond the arc. Jesus Shuttleworth AkA Ray Allen made both. A Kapono 3 ball and Raptors were not accepting their fate. 92-88. Allen would get the ball and be fouled again and make both. Just 7.2 seconds left and down six points. Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo were huge in getting their team a win. The Celtics would walk away with what ended to be a much harder fought win then you might have guessed. But the Celtics will take the 94-88 win and head home and look to do it again.

Raps/Celtics Boxscore

Give the fans at the ACC and the Raptors credit they never gave up. But the fact was the lead was to great and every time the Raptors thought they had a chance Ray Allen would come along and say not so fast. That along with Rajon Rondo running wild half the time against a less then 100 percent Jose Calderon. It was a mistake to let him play in this game and I don't know who's call it was but it was the wrong call. Raptors with or without Calderon would be back at it tomorrow night in Boston. I will be live blogging it and I will give you the details tomorrow. I look forward to it and the Raptors can take a bit of confidence into that game based on how they tried to fight back.