Jerryd Bayless Out For The Season

Raptors just released that Jerryd Bayless will be out for the rest of the season. Here is the official Release:

"The Toronto Raptors announced Tuesday guard Jerryd Bayless is expected to be sidelined the remainder of the 2011-12 season with a partially torn left oblique muscle. He underwent tests today at Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital. Bayless left Monday’s game versus Orlando at the 5:25 mark of the second quarter and did not return."

It will be interesting to see what becomes of Bayless in the off-season the debate will begin if we have seen him play his last game for the Raptors or not. A great kid and wants to win more than anyone. Regardless of if he is back or not I wish him well. It must kill him how bad this season has been for him in terms of injures.

Raptors In The Land Of Tebow Miracles May Be All Out Of Them

Before we get to the game tonight in Denver as most of you probably saw we have an injury update from the Raptors on Andrea Bargnani. An MRI has revelled no significant damage to Bargnani's re-injured calf, however he is out indefinitely. These two things don't seem to go together. But what it means in terms of the here and now is don't expect to see Andrea Bargnani any time soon. Which makes what would have been a tough task with him, next to impossible now. It is one thing to scramble and out play a team for a 5 minute overtime without him, it is quite another to play a full 48 minutes without him. Matt Devlin dropped a pretty amazing stat in our interview yesterday. The Raptors without Bargnani the Raptor are 3-19 over the last couple seasons. I don't have the numbers for the Raptors in the past without Bosh or without Vince Carter but they can't be much worse than that.

It will be another Italian front and center tonight in the form of Danilo Gallinari. When I hear people talking about most improved player in the NBA and making the All Star Game don't hear much talk about him. But there should be talk. He is having a break out season in Denver and for a time in Fantasy Basketball season was the number 1 ranked player in all of the NBA. Like Bargnani he can make the three, you can argue for his position he is a better rebounder and he has nicer overall floor game. Stopping him will likely fall in the hands of James Johnson for most of the evening.

Denver is likely to be without it's point guard in Ty Lawson as he is listed as doubtful. Rookie Julyan Stone could see some extensive minutes playing behind Andre Miller. Speaking of rookies the Nuggets have two good ones in Kenneth Faried a beast on the glass and a shot blocker, along with Jordan Hamilton who played on the wing at Texas with Canadians Cory Joesph and Tristan Thompson. The Nuggets also of course have Nene back resigned in the off season. Along with an experienced yet like Al Harrington.

Raptors without Bargnani what they will do is up for debate. The last time he went down they turned to Ed Davis who has since gone deeper into the dog house of late. After his 25 point performance and given his skill set many feel a move to Kleiza at the four against his former team makes a lot of sense. I would agree and remind folks that he played a significant amount at the 4 in his time with the Nuggets. So it is not like he is unfamiliar with the position. In fact of late he has been playing there for the Raptors more than in the past.

Safe to say for the Raptors to make it 3 wins in a row it would be a minor miracle. If Tim Tebow is walking out on that floor he would be wearing a Nuggets Jersey so he is no help. How the Raptors make up for the 24 points that Andrea Bargnani provides will be the biggest issue moving forward with out him in the line-up.

3 Keys:

Start Strong: We can just leave this as a key until the Raptors actually do it. As I stated in the interview yesterday with Matt, no matter what level of basketball you care to talk about, playing from behind is not desirable. It makes a team have to expend far more energy than they would like too. In the thin air of Mile High Country you need all the extra energy you can find.

Compete on the Glass: Another common theme in the keys to the game. But against Denver is is vital, adding Faried made a team that already was decent on the boards that much better. This kid is an impact rookie. I remember a reader mentioning him as a fantasy sleeper and a dark horse for rookie of the year. He may not quiet be that Rookie of the Year but he is extremely solid and a difference maker on the glass.

Defend the Arc: Denver have some weapons from long range. Identify who is on the court and wear those shooters are. The Raptors ability to use the zone effectively should be greatly reduced against this team. Gallinari is only one of several capable long range strikers.

So no matter how much tebowing Raptor fans do tonight it would seem will be next to impossible to get a third win in a row. That said wins in Phoenix and Utah were not forecast either. However minus Bargnani is a big difference as we have seen the Raptors this season are close to a .500 team with him and without him might be the worst team in the league. Now that is POWER!!

An Eventful Long Night In Salt Lake City

Based on how this game started it sure didn't look like it would be a significant night. The Raptors continued the not so great tradition under Dwane Casey of coming out flat in the first quarter. Given the fact the Jazz had been off since Saturday this was a terrible sign. But the Jazz were short handed as Al Jefferson would be scratched prior to game time. The Jazz seemed to have a game plan to run the Raptors into the ground. A sound strategy given they were the fresher team. They would push the ball at every opportunity and the Raptors looked like a tired bunch early in this one. Raptors would rally after being down by as much as 18 in the first to make it a 32-23 game after one.

The little Raptor train would not stop chugging. As I was all a long thinking I don't think they can, I don't think they can, they would keep on saying yes we can. Eventually this would have to catch up with them right? They would get close and knock on the door to taking the lead many times only to have the Jazz answer. The Raptors had never led in this game and I was convinced it would remain that way. Andrea Bargnani was off to a slow start but like the night before would get things going eventually. Demar DeRozan was fairly erratic throughout this game. We saw some good moments for Demar and some bad ones. Jose Calderon was having a terrible scoring night but that would change later in the night. Andrea Bargnani would finally give the Raptors the lead with three to put the Raptors up 50-48. Jazz would tie it and look to take the lead before the half but James Johnson would have one of his 6 blocks on the night which was 4 more blocks than he had points. But he was a defensive difference maker. Raps and Jazz were all even at 50 at the halftime break.

It may have been 50/50 at the half but you didn't think that was the Raptors odds of winning this one? Jazz were the rested team and you figured eventually that would show. A fumble and turnover by Andrea Bargnani and a bad foul by DeRozan was part of the Jazz having a 7-2 run to start the half. But the Raptors would score the next six and take the lead again at 58-57. Jose Calderon would finally score with 7:40ish left in the 3rd for his first points of the evening but he would get more later and some key ones. It was a hard fought 3rd quarter but when it was done the Jazz had a 75-69 lead and you had to figure would pull away and finally put this to bed.

Amir Johnson baby steps to getting of Dwane Casey's doghouse began with a block on Kanter to start the 4th quarter. Kanter by the way is God awful he has a Hoffa like game. Raptors would battle hard and in the late stages were down 86-83 in a rough and tumble 4th quarter. Linas Kleiza would make a couple free throws to make it a one point game with a minute to play. Jazz score and a Bargnani answer and it was 88-87. Jazz reestablished a three point lead but then with 13 seconds left Jose Calderon nails a three ball to tie this game up at 90. Raptors would get the stop they needed and unexpectedly this game was going to overtime.

Last time the Raptors were in an overtime game it was not even in North America. It was a triple OT thriller with the Nets in London England. Which was a loss if you forget. Calderon tied this thing at end of regulation and on a drive would give the Raptors the lead. Then Calderon dropped a dime to Linas Kleiza in the corner for 3 and Raptors had a 95-90 lead. Calderon turnover later on would give the Jazz a break away dunk and the lead was back to just 2. Millsap a tap in over Bargnani tied it. You think that is the bad news but it wasn't the Raptors had to call a time out. Andrea Bargnani had re-injured his calf and would be done for the night. After this game was over he would say that this time the injury to his calf was in his words "much worse". But Raptors would fight on without him as Kleiza out of the time out hit a dagger three. But the Jazz would nail their own 3 with just 3 seconds left in the 1st overtime and tied this game at 100.

Raptors heading to a second OT and Bargnani not an option? At this point they had to be done right? Not exactly the Raptors who in games without Bargnani in first injury were terrible, would be at least for the rest of this night inspired. A Linas Kleiza air ball in the start of OT sure didn't give you an indication that is what would happen but nothing was sticking to the script tonight. A Demar DeRozan free throw would but the Raptors on top 104-103 and they would not trail again. A long two from Kleiza and a huge 3 from Calderon was in the end enough to seal it. Raptors get the thrilling 111-106 win in double OT.

Bargnani had 25 points and Kleiza the same 25 points off the bench. But this was a team win through and through. Unfortunately the loss of Bargnani which on surface seems for an even longer stretch hangs over this win like a dark ominous storm cloud. But let's reflect on what the Raptors have done in the last two nights snapping a 14 game losing streak to the Suns and 12 game losing streak to the Jazz. That is pretty amazing. The biggest part to both of those wins though will be getting an MRI in Denver and is not going to be around to try and make it 3 in a row. It will be interesting to see if the rest of this team can still rally from the confidence gained from these two wins. Maybe not as much in Denver on Friday but in New Jersey on Monday where the Raptors could actually make this a winning road trip. They could in Denver as well but that seems more unlikely.

Reminder we have Matt Devlin scheduled to join us sometime to be a guest in the Starting 5. I am assured he still has his voice after last night. So make sure to be on the look out for that. Maybe a guest tomorrow too. Will see.

DNB 2011-12 Season Predictions

So it has reached that time of the year where I must become a educated guesser on what will happen in this NBA Season. So if you are ready we will begin with the guess work.

Your Playoff Teams in the East:

1. Miami

2.Chicago

3. New York

4. Atlanta

5.Boston

6. Indiana

7. Philadelphia

8. New Jersey

Obviously a Dwight Howard move to New Jersey could mess up the order of this quite a bit. But think these are the 8 teams you see in the playoffs the order I could see changing based on moves and injuries could make it tough on teams the biggest of those could be Boston.

As for the Raptors they will not be in the Playoffs yet again but no one is expecting them to be. The big question for most is will they be the 15th team in the East and likely 30th in the NBA. That answer is no. Detroit will be worse than the Raptors. Think the Wizards will be as well. Also the Bobcats will not be up to snuff. So that would leave the Raptors finishing 12th with more wins than expected at 20-46. I think the Raptors will hang around in enough games to steal a few here and there. They also have the advantage of some young players that will be able to handle the grind of this crushing schedule.

Now on to the West:

1. OKC

2. Dallas

3. Portland

4. L.A Clippers

5.L.A Lakers

6. Denver

7. San Antonio

8. Memphis

The West is a lot tougher to figure out. I am convinced that OKC is the class of this conference now. Dallas got worse, Lakers got worse and the Thunder stayed the same for the most part but have a Kendrick Perkins that looks in fantastic shape and a year of experience at playing as an elite team. The Clippers are the real wild card with Chris Paul. Think 4th is a conservative approach as to where they will end up.

What Raptor Fans really care about is your Lottery Top 5

1. Detroit

2. Washington

3. Charlotte

4.Utah

5. Toronto

Now on we go to the Awards:

Defensive Player of the Year: Chris Paul

Dwight Howard has owned this award for years but with the issues of getting out of Orlando and how long that takes think it will be a Destraction and a less focused Howard. Chris Paul will rack up a ton of steals and get the Clippers running. I thought about going with Dwayne Wade or Lebron James but decided to go with Chris Paul and I am sure David Stern will be on hand to give him his award. Tyson Chandler in New York would have been a more conventional pick to make.

Rookie of the Year: Kyrie Irving

I wanted to say Tristan Thompson but that would be my Canadian Pride talking. You may say that picking Irving is going the easy route but it is not a lock the number one pick always gets the award. Irving has the opportunity and the ability to cash in and win the award. He is starting from day one and has little challenge for minutes in Cleveland.

Coach of the Year: Scott Brooks

The first time I picked him people thought I was nuts. He ended up winning the award. This time my pick will be viewed in a lot different light. Eric Spoelstra will not get the credit for the Heat dominating. While same will be true for Vinny Del Negro with the Clippers. Want a long shot? Frank Vogel will have a nice group with Pacers and they should be much improved.

6th Man of the Year- Taj Gibson

Boozer has been losing favour in Chicago and in a season that has injury issues at the forefront given the schedule it is not looking good for Boozer given his history. All this says to be big things for Taj Gibson. Think that is a good a guess as any. Want a total shot in the dark. Norris Cole the rookie in Miami. They love him and getting to play with the Big 3 in Miami can only help him wrack up some impressive numbers off the pine backing up Chalmers.

M.V.P- Lebron James

People have started to hate him a little less and he has had a extended off-season to get upset how we were all mean to him and his friends. So Game On. Kevin Durant, Rose the defending M.V.P will be in the conversation. Chris Paul could also get a serious look if he is able to make the Clippers the better team in L.A

So what is left to do? Oh right who is going to win it all? Last year I picked this and it almost happened so this year I will pick it again with the same two teams and a different winner.

The OKC Thunder will defeat the Miami Heat in 6 games.

Your Finals MVP : Kevin Durant.

You can bet that I will brag about everything I get right and hope that you all forget everything I get wrong but those are my educated guesses for this season. If you want to share yours feel free to leave them in the comments or hit me up on Twitter @Dinonationblog.

Raps Lack Man Power To Finish On The Road.

It was the Raptors last Road game of the season and they were mighty thin in this one with just 8 healthy bodies and it was not looking good. But they would give a game effort as it turned out. Here is my audio re-cap of the festivities in Milwaukee.

Here is the boxscore if you still care about such things at this point of the season.

Triple OT Thriller In London

I kind feel bad that I am just not that excited about all this. But it has taught me the pain and troubles people go through in other time zones in the world to watch games. Thinking living the East coast we are spoiled sports fans to a degree. But it appears that over in London it has been a success. There is no question that these games in New Jersey where they would have been played would have drawn flies. So to play in front of sellout crowds is a much better atmosphere. Maybe it just the cold reality of the Raptors just playing out the string of the season is sinking in. While other teams have made changes and are in that life and death push for the playoffs the Raptors are not. It makes the individual not as life and death. I can't bring my sell to cheer for ping pong balls that is just not me. But regardless for the 2nd and final time the Raps and Nets hook up in England.

Demar DeRozan opened the scoring coming off scoring 30 last night gets the opening two of this ball game. Bargnani would drive and draw a foul on Lopez getting to the line and evened the game up at 6. A turnover and another DeRozan bucket and it was 8-6 Raptors early. Lopez would respond and tie it at 8. Calderon would answer that with a 3 and this was a start similar to yesterday. Hump had a big day yesterday and gets on the glass and gets a rebound and score. Much like yesterday a back and forth affair tied at 15. Also like yesterday Demar was on fire starting 4-4 in this one. Bayless was looking sharp early and it has been a long time since he has had what you could class a good game. Couple hoops and a steal. DeRozan a corner 3 ball...Really...wow. Raptors had a 26-21 lead DeRozan a huge jam and it is time we start calling this kid Heir Canada again also maybe.... the Franchise Player. 30-23 the Raptors lead on the strength of Demar DeRozan with 13 in the first.

Nets started the 2nd with a Hump bucket and another hoop and harm for Petro but no and 1. So Raptors lead was 30-27. Raptors with a lot of reserves in were not looking sharp at all a Barbosa turnover and Raptors were hanging on to a 32-30 lead. Barbosa made up for turnover with a bucket on the next possession. Jordan Farmar three pointer would get the Nets to with in one. But Barbosa answers with a 3 of his own make it 37-33 with a time out on the floor. Raptors after letting Nets get back to with in one but then got on a run and took a 46-38 lead. Barbosa after early struggles had 7 off the bench. Brook Lopez was abusing Ed Davis to get a couple hoops to draw the Nets closer 46-42 with a time out after a Sasha foul. Nets would get to with in on once more and this had a similar feel as to last night's game. 53-52 Raptors with just under 3 to play. Deron Williams starting to gel with Nets? Makes a big 3 to tie it at 55. He would give the lead to the Nets at the line making it 59-57 with just over a minute to play. Bargnani was getting to the line made two more and was 8-8 at line in half. A Sasha 3 and Jose matching 3 and it was tied at 62. The Machine was on fire another 3 and Nets led 65-62 at the half. Vujacic doing his best Matt Bonner impression 4-4 from beyond the arc.

More 3's to start the 3rd this time for the Raptors from Bargnani. It was just bombs away in London and Nets were 10-18 from 3 point Range as Vujacic and Williams helped create those numbers from 3. Nets only a 76-75 lead despite hitting all that. In a game with zero defence seems pointless to attack just Bargnani, and he was getting some boards 6 and had 22 points. Quietly getting it done and his latest 2 gave the Raptors the lead back 77-76 with 5:47 to play in 3rd. DeRozan meanwhile after the great start had vanished into the London fog. It was a tight battle and Bargnani even draws a charge on Hump. Later scores to give Raps a 83-81 lead with 3 to play in the 3rd and he has 24. I am hard on the guy and many are but you can't complain much about Bargnani today. He was keeping the Raptors in this game and still with a slight 85-84 lead. It would be tied at 88 after 3.

Raptors came out and took the early control with a 95-89 lead and Avery Johnson wanted to talk it over before this got out of hand. Nets would get things going and sparked by a Farmar 3 ball and it was 97-94. Bayless was having best game he has had in quite sometime as he scored on the break to make the lead 5 once more. DeRozan get a touch and gets into Davis for the dime for double d. Bargnani was resting during all of this and Raptors had a 101-95 lead with 5:29 to play. Demar after that huge first quarter has went silent and cold missing a hook in the lane. Hump on other hand brought his lunch bucket to London was great in first game and great today. Makes two at the line 101-99 Raptors. DeRozan finally gets on board scores the bucket and the foul and makes the and 1 his first points since the first quarter. that got him going he hits again and Raptors lead 106-101 with just over 3 to play.

Ed Davis got to line looking to restore 5 point lead and missed both. Hump a big dunk on other end and it was a 1 point game. DeRozan missed and Hump the rebound. Nets fail to Cash in and Davis a big rebound his 15th. Raps fail to take advantage and Nets call a time out with 1:11 to play down 106-105. Nets run a play for Lopez and take it right at Ed Davis and draw the foul. Lopez makes both and Nets lead 107-106 and Rators call a time out with just over a minute to play. Bargnani after being hot since checking back in the 4th had not been a factor and miss a jumper at top of the circle at the foul line. Nets go to Lopez again and he scores giving him 30 and Nets a 3 point lead. Caderon gets blocked but Amir cashes it in and makes it a one point game with 26.6 to play and Nets call a time out. Raptors decide to foul right away sending The Machine to the line for 2. Sasha would make 1 of 2 and Raptors got what they were looking for with score 110-108 in favour of the Nets. DeRozan had a quiet middle to his game but with pressure on drives and scores tie game at 110. Nets ball with 19.5 to play and Raptors out of time outs. Williams decided to take it himself and it doesn't fall. Were going to OT in London.

No clue why they did not go to Lopez on that final Nets possession but Raptors Live!!! DeRozan had last bucket of regulation and first of overtime. Shot clock violation for the Nets and DeRozan got blocked by Lopez. Hump ties it up at 112. More Hump and he has 4 straight points and Nets lead 114-112. DeRozan is learning and he shows it sucking the Nets into a foul and he makes both at the line tied at 114. DeRozan got called for touching ball in cylinder and Nets get the basket and it is 116-114. Bargnani had been silent since checking back in during the 4th. But he drives scores and draws the foul and makes that. Raptors in front 117-116. Barbosa would make 2 at the line and a charge on Hump Raptors were looking good to close this out. But Raps could not slam the door shut. Nets would get ball on a shot clock violation with 11.7 to play down 3. Anything except a 3 ball is good....Sasha for 3...NO...But Yes he hits it tied at 119. But still 9.2 seconds left. Bargnani took the shot to win it....but no....Double OT anyone?

Lopez opens scoring in OT #2. DeRozan to the line for a pair makes both and it is 121-121. Lopez fouled out and that was huge he had 34 points 14 rebounds and 8 blocks. Outlaw would score to give the Nets the lead though. Gaines the 11 day Raptor was in there at crunch time again and he splits 2 at the line. Jose drives wanted a foul call but didn't get one. Outlaw airballs a three that might have clinched this. Raptors eventual get a steal and Hump stops DeRozan on the break and swats it out of play but a foul on Gaines sends DeRozan to the line. Makes both and Nets lead 124-123 with 1:37 to play. Barbosa a terrible turnover but DeRozan got a steal on the other end and Bargnani with a 3 and after Raptors looked like they had blown it now were up 2 all of the sudden with 31 seconds to play in 2nd OT. Nets get a shot partially blocked and it goes right to Williams who sticks a simple jumper. This was looking like it might go 3 overtimes. This time DeRozan had a chance to end it but NO!!! Triple OT BABY!!!

DeRozan gets swatted trying to go for the slam to start the 3rd OT. By the way last time Raps were in Triple OT they were also on the road in Sacramento and lost that one. Nets get a score and the foul and lead 129-126. Nets would make a pair at the line for 5 point lead think that is largest lead for either team since OT got going. Nets would get lead to 7 and with under two to go I am thinking 4th OT is not in the cards. Raptors were down 5 with a minute to go. Bargs drives and draws a foul as he makes the basket. Hold the phone this might not be done. Makes and 1 and it was 135-133 with 47.2 seconds left in triple OT. Nets a turnover and will this ever end? Honestly will it? Raps have a broken play off a Jose miss and DeRozan sucks everyone to him on the drive and kicks to wide open Barbosa and he hits the open 3...Raps lead 136-135. Outlaw got fouled with 12.6 to play and he makes both. This was looking like it was going to end but who was going to win. Bargnani with another chance to win it and NO!!! It is over.....What a game...I need a nap. Nets take it 137-136.

Not sure stats click on link to boxscore but this was a huge learn experience for the Raptors in a playoff like atmosphere and lots of key moments. They can learn and grow from this. But don't tell them that right now that is a heartbreaking way to lose.

Happy Bosh Armageddon Day

This is not going be your normal DNB Preview. No one cares about records in this game. No one cares about anything other than this game. I have talked about Chris Bosh and what he did and didn't do pretty much the entire week. But basically this is his judgment day. People who think Bosh will be welcomed back to Toronto might be as delusional about this as Bosh himself.

This is not about the choice he made it is not about the 7 years he spent with this franchise. He did give all he had in his 7 years here. People who question that were honestly not paying attention. But what he also did was find a way to exit Toronto in perhaps a worse way then Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter. There was no social media back in those days. Chris Bosh is widely credited for being one of the first players to embrace the social media era and use it to market himself. It is very ironic that same social media is how he buried himself. Tonight he will understand just how badly he did. Chris Bosh took his 7 year legacy and flushed it down the toilet 1 tweet and 1 interview at a time. If he doesn't believe that or if you don't believe that just watch tonight.

Bryan Colangelo failed in two ways. 1st he did not build a team around Chris Bosh to win in Toronto for the long term. Second he never should have called Bosh's effort into question. Even if he knows it was the truth he should have stayed quiet.

MLSE has failed as well. Bosh made one valid point in the very early days of all this. Bosh said the Raptors never were a tax team in his time here. You can not honestly say that you are committed to winning and spending money if you never went beyond that tax threshold. Also MLSE has failed in terms of television. Chris Bosh made point about Raptors not being on national t.v in the states. But how about here in Canada. The fact this game is on TSN 2 is an utter disgrace. It really is. This is your biggest game of the year and it has been shoved on a B network. Shame on them for allowing this to happen.

For the young Raptors team this is a night that will be very important. This is a big game environment and they need to step up. This is a big night for the futures of Andrea Bargnani and Demar DeRozan. How they perform will go a long way on what we can learn about how they play in big games. For everyone on this roster this will be defining game for how fan perceive them. If they do not go full out or show Bosh any kind of love they will bury themselves with many in this fan base.

For a team that has no playoff chances in any real terms. This is a one game playoff for this team and it is a game that means far more to the fan base than it does for the players. They need to realize that and step up to the plate.

For people that say they will cheer Chris Bosh. Go ahead if you like but how he has disrespected this city and acted like an idiot all summer. He didn't show any thought for his legacy for his legacy in how he left so why should you.

As for here in the DNB. We have are (UN) Welcome Back Bosh Bash at St. Louis Wings. Prizes and fun all night long as I will be liveblogging the game For The Score from the party. Also here on the Dino Nation Blog we are going to set up a Raptors Speakers Corner here on the site from the Party. So tune in all night and see what fans are saying from our party. Will have the Ustream feed up for the entire game if all goes well.

But if you are at the ACC, at our Party, At home or anywhere else enjoy this game because after this one is the hangover of what is a very disappointing season. Win, Lose or anything else that happens tonight that reality will not change.

Bad Break For Raptors In Boston.

I was busy working for The Score last night so I am watching the game the morning after. As you can tell by the title I am well aware of what happens in this one. If you are not and missed the game as well it will become obvious by the time were done. Celtics looking for revenge and they will do it with Rajon Rondo who was a game time decision. He will play was the decision.

1st Quarter

First possession of the game for Raps is a turnover and first for Boston is a K.G basket. He would score another before DeRozan would get Raps on the board. But a bad mistake by Demar on D leaves Ray Allen open for a 3 an early 7-2 Celtics lead. Ray Allen was not done as he starts 3-3 from 3 point range and is torching the Raptors as he has done in the past. Boston had a huge early lead 19-5 over the Raptors. Alley to a very big opp that is Shaq and Rondo hooked hum up for the easy 2. Boston was still up big 22-9. Rondo was tearing apart the Raptors with easy lob passes for his big guys. Calderon with a confident jump cuts lead to 10 briefly. When Rondo hit the bench for a breather his Celtics were up a dozen with the score 28-16. Once the dust settled it was 31-20 Celtics after 1.

2nd Quarter.

Given the events of Sunday and fact Rondo is playing and wasn't Sunday are the 2 driving forces behind this lead. Bayless learns fast...pass it to Bargs and he hits for the east 2 on the jumper, Erden from Turkey has worker out better then the Raptors Turkey venture in Hedo. Bayless a drive and score and with the and 1 and cut lead to single digits at 40-31 Celtics. A Kleiza would get Raps within a touchdown and that would cause Doc Rivers to call for a time out. Raps kept coming a nice hook-up for Bargnani from Bayless. Then a drive and Bayless missed lay-up but Amir cleans up on the glass and makes lead just 3. Fact make that 1 as Bayless made a pair at the line. Celtics finally get it together and get a basket. Pierce follows up the K.G slam and lead was back to 5. Rondo was making it look all to easy as he was lob passing the Raptors to death. The Celtics ball movement in this game was spectacular. Jay Triano need to find answer to Rondo he called for a time out with Raptors down 6. Out of time Demar DeRozan comes to life with a jumper. On defensive end a steal and drop off for Jose for the 3 that he makes. Raps briefly closed to with in 3. Celtics were getting Kevin Garnett easy looks and he was making them. Bargnani nails a jumper and Reggie takes one on the numbers and will shoot 1. Missed it though and the lead was 4. Weems got blocked by K.G earlier and forced a missed lay-up had been a rough night for Sonny. K.G draws a foul at end of the half. K.G would make both and have a 6 point lead after 24.

3rd Quarter.

Calderon hits a basket and Shaq answers with score and 1 that he actually made. Turnover and another Celtics score. 1:40 in the Celtics lead was 11 with the score 65-54. K.G was having his own personal slam dunk contest. Both teams had a bad case of the sloppies at the moment. Teams had 7 turnovers between them so far in Quarter and Celtics had a 12 point advantage. Reggie Evans limping off with what at the time it was thought to be a sprained foot. We would learn post game it was a foot fracture. More bad news ask a basket the Raptors were credited for was taken away after video review on Shot Clock Violation. Raptor all the sudden were down 16 and with out Reggie Evans with score 74-58. Peja came off the pine to nail a 3 but Raptors were still in a deep 15 point hole. Raptors were shooting 2-17 in 3rd and Boston had a 21 point lead and Jay Triano finally decided to call a time out. Back to his old time out habits. You are not Phil Jackson and the Raptors are sure not the Lakers. Sorry was talking to television and Jay Triano. When the music stopped after 3 it was 86-67.

4th Quarter

Honestly the Raptors were not coming back in this one they would cut the lead to 10 but you never got the feeling they could win. Despite all the 3 point shooting of Peja and a little Barbosa on the side. Raptors were trying 3 ball their way back into this one. While it was an impressive display the chances were not high the Celtics were going to blow a 19 point lead. Ultimately they would not losing that basketball game 110-101. The loss itself was not a big deal. If you were honest with yourself prior to this game you knew the Raptors chances were slim. However the loss of Reggie Evans is a huge one for this team. He was a leader in the locker room and leader on the floor on the glass. This could be very ugly with no Reggie on the boards. Another game against Boston and another foot injury the irony is painful. Technically the last time was in Hartford not Boston But still a tough night for Reggie that will lead to tougher nights ahead for the Raptors.

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?

Bargs Big As Raps Sink Rondoless Celtics

Not that the Celtics will ever admit it but did the fact they played the Raptor play a role in Rondo being missing in action? Barbosa was reporting back for active duty and based on the Raptors trade he really didn't have much choice. Gone was Jack, Gone was Banks and the Raptors were left with only Jose. Peja and Bayless will make their debut vs Philly so the Raptors were 11 deep with Barbosa their only real option at back up point guard. Celtics came in off an embarrassing loss the the Thunder minus their best player in Kevin Durant. Everything was set up for a Boston Massacre of the Raptors. But it seems fitting to say, that on any given Sunday, or in the case of the NBA any other day of the week, anyone can win.

It sure started off the way one might have expected. Boston got the first 5 points and took a quick 5-0 jump start with little Nate in for Rondo. It would continue as Robinson was playing well in a rare chance to make a start and before the Raptors got a chance to realize Jarrett Jack was gone they were down 22-9 and the ugly beat down was underway it appeared. Raptors were being lead in scoring by Reggie Evans at this point and no that is not a joke. Raptors would find a way to the lid off the basket and at least stop the bleeding but it was the Celtics leading 31-23 after 1.

Bargs would hit a 3 early in the 2nd Quarter and he was BALLIN. Screw Like A BOSH where is LIKE A BARGS. That would spark the Raptors and before the Celtics knew it they were in a basketball game. A Reggie Evans free throw gave the Raps their first lead 43-42. The Raps and Celtics would swap the lead a few times. Bargnani will still not rebounding with just 1 but he was getting a lot of trips to the line. A lot of those being and 1's as well. when the dust settled on the first half it was Raptors leading 61-58 and Bargs and Nate Robinson the games high scorers with 18 points a piece.

The Celtics were playing defence very Raptor like. After a Doc Rivers/K.G verbal beat down at the half the Celtics would surely pull it together. Not so much the plucky Raptors refused to give up the lead. They couldn't really get away from Boston but they would keep a 1 to 3 point lead for a big portion of the 3rd. Celtics would take the lead on a pair of Shaq free throws a rare event. But a couple of Jose free throws would give the Raps the lead 73-72 and from there the Raptors would build a lead it got as high as 9 points. Raptors would end the quarter with a 7 point lead and an 82-75 lead after 3.

Raptors would continue to keep it rolling and it was 90-79 and Raps were cruising to an unexpected win. But this is the Raptors do you really think they were going to make it easy? That wouldn't be the Raptors. A turnover here a Ray Allen 3 there and the once 11 point lead of the Raptors would be gone in a flash. Raptors would get stuck on 94 and were firing up nasty air balls and Demar had perhaps the ugliest and it was a rough day for Demar today. Boston would pass the Raptors by and took a 98-94 lead. Finally Amir Johnson at the line would get scoreboard off 94.

Hope in the live blog I was doing for The Score was fading and it appeared so were the Raptors. Raptors would hang around though and with 21.3 second left were down 101-98. Weems would settle for a quick 2. Raptors need to foul now and hope for a miss. No they wouldn't they got a steal instead and whistle blew with 2 7 seconds left what was the call? A foul sending Amir to the line. Wasn't on Shaq though he fouled out early in this one with still about 8 and change to play I think. Amir steps to the line. makes the first and were tied....2nd counts as well..Raptors LEAD 102-101..WOW!!! But Boston had one last chance. Pierce a fading jumper......BUT NO IT DOESN'T FALL. Raps get the win.

The Raptor get the 102-101 Win. Calderon in his debut as the undisputed starting point guard was good not great with 11 points and just 2 dimes but actually played a little D today. The Classic Bargs 29 points and just 2 rebounds line. Amir with a more tradition big line with 17 points and 11 rebounds and game winning point at the line. Demar and Kleiza struggled with 6 points and 2 points in that order. Reggie Evans was 1 point shy of a double double with 9 points and 16 boards. Raptors are on a roll to welcome their new team members winners of 3 straight. Boston meanwhile is on a bit of a mini slide.

Angry Celtics Come A Calling

The Raptors will be undermanned today as the take on the Celtics. Gone are Jack, Andersen and Banks. The new Raptors are expected to be ready for action on Wednesday. So the no brainer of the day is Jose Calderon will start at point guard. Leandro Barbosa could return today and given the trade made I would almost guarantee he will. Why I say that is the Raps would have no experienced point guard to back up Jose if he doesn't. Rajon Rondo is a game time decision but he did travel to Toronto and I am betting he plays as well.

The Basics: Boston 9-3 (4-2 Road Record) Raptors 4-9 ( 2-3 at Home)

When Last We Saw Them: The Raptors looked good and rebounded from a bit of a 3rd quarter meltdown to re-take the lead and get a win over Houston. It was a great performance from the bench with Calderon, Klezia and the now departed for New Orleans David Andersen all having good performances.

Key Match-Ups: Shaq and whoever the Raptors decide to put on him. Shaq in a loss to the Thunder had a retro performance early in that game and was able to get easy scores in the paint. I am saying Rondo will play and if he does Jay Triano would be a crazy man if Jose Calderon is guarding him so it would probably be DeRozan or Weems matched up with Rondo. Anytime Calderon is on Rondo he will get beat it is that simple. If there is one point guard who has taken Jose to school more then Rajon Rondo I am not aware of who he is.

Other things of note: You can check me out liveblogging this game for The Score.com and Mobile. The Celtics as mentioned are coming in off a loss to the Thunder who were without K.D and Boston was without Defence for 3 Quarters of this game. Glen Davis thinks he is a jumper shooter and he is not. Along with Rondo, both K.G and Paul Pierce were banged up vs the Thunder but I expect all 3 to play and play well. Just in case no word on if Paul Pierce's wheelchair made it through customs.

DNB Scavenger Hunt Clue # 2- This DNB guest was historic as she was the first female we had in the Starting 5. I even mention it at the start of the Interview

Raptors Start Fast But Fade Away.

So as I mentioned this morning the Raptors record in Sac-Town sucks. Only 2 wins in 14 tries for the Raptors at Arco. A tough task with Tyreke Evans the Rookie of the Year and in any other year a leading candidate to be Rookie of the Year DeMarcus Cousins. Also as mentioned this morning this is the Kings home opener. Not as much the cowbell crazy place it once was but still a tough building to play in given the circumstances. Raptors have been in Cali since Saturday so no excuses. Raptors had a great win Friday and should be well rested to start this trip.

So with that said off we go from the Cali Capitol. Reggie Evans gets 2 offensive boards and the bucket. Raps after giving up a bucket roll for 7 straight points and slams from Kleiza and Bargnani, who will not be in the dunk contest anytime soon but Raps lead 9-2 early. Bargnani hits a 3 and has an early 8 points and Raps lead is 14-5. Kings go on a 5-0 run but then a break for the Raps as Tyreke Evans picks up his second foul. Demar with a block and a score the other way and Raps lead 20-12 and have never trailed to this point. Is this the year the Raptors follow through on their promise to play better D? Maybe it is... 23-14 with 2:42 left in the first. Demar has 10, Bargs has 10 ...28-14 Raptors.

Jose a drive and score and 1. The Raptors can do no wrong in this first quarter. Reggie Evans has 10 rebounds in the first quarter. That is just plain insane. The Raptors have quieted the crowd to a whisper and lead 33-16 after 1.

Kings start the second on a 7-2 run and make this game a little closer. Kings get called for a charge and they get teched up for disputing the call and that broke Kings momentum. Jose pushes the ball leads to Andersen Jam and Raps lead 41-26. The beat goes on for the Raptors as the bench is keeping this lead with score 49-36 with 5:15 to go in half. At the end of it all Raps take an 11 point lead to the half shooting 58%. Andrea has 17 points and Demar 15 points along with Reggie Evans 6 points and 12 rebounds. Raptors lead at halftime 62-51.

So the Raps had a good first half. Can they finish it off here in the 2nd? A good start as Bargnani hits a long 2 to open the scoring. Klieza a 3 ball and Raps keep the hot shooting going. More good news as Tyreke Evans is not on the floor and is suffering with an upset stomach. The Raptors were taking advantage and with no Evans built up a 77-61 lead. Finally that was enough to get Evans off the bench. It would lead to instant results with a Kings score. The Kings after falling behind and getting beat up by Reggie Evans stormed back to get the lead to single digits at 83-75. Kings would close to with in 5 then a little retro Jose Calderon with a clutch 3. Raps got a steal and Barbosa missed a chip shot that would have got lead back to 10. Raptors would have to settle for a 86-78 lead after 3.

Kings come out and score the first 5 points of the 4th and suddenly this was a 3 point lead and the closest it had been since the very early going of this one. Teams trade 3 pointers and the lead remains at 3. Raptors are on the ropes and trying to hang on for dear life. The Kings would tie it with 6:42 to go at 93. a Bargnani 2 point answered with a Kings 3 and their first lead of the night at 96-95. DeRozan draws a foul missed both at the line but Reggie to the rescue with board 19 and it leads to Kleiza 3. Raps back on top 98-96 and Cousins would tie it at 98. But after that picked up fouls 4 and 5 in short order. The Kings Evans gets the drive and score plus a foul..but he missed the and 1. Kings lead it 100-98. Bargnani despite a great scoring night, late in this one was getting bullied by Cousins who was playing with 5 fouls. Kings were taking advantage and pulling away as the Raptors looked out of gas. Bargs may not be able to rebound a beach ball but he can hit a 3 and nailed a big one late to make it 109-106. Kings turnover and Raps basketball. DeRozan a big dunk with 13.3 to go Raps down 1. Raps forced to foul with 12.2 second left. Kings make the free throws and Raps can tie with a 3.

Raptors inbounded the ball to Bargs who passed to Klezia who passed on trying a 3 for the drive to the hoop and left it short and the Raps could not come up with the ball and that was that. Kings come back from a long way down to dig out a 111-108 win.

A lot of positive things in the boxscore but a W is not one of them. Bargs had 28 points but the fact Cousins out battled him down the stretch made that seem kind of pointless. Bargnani had 2 blocks which is nice and 2 rebounds which is a joke. Reggie Evans had 19 though and as I tweeted during the game, is like a mother that eats for two, Reggie rebounds for 2. While Demar DeRozan happy to be back in Cali ties his career high with 24 points. Yet with all of those good things the Raptors still lose.

When you look at this critically the Raps really only won the first quarter and the Kings won the other 3. Full marks to Evans and Cousins in this one. I said those would be the key guys in this one and what do you know they were just that. Raps now face the tough task of the Utah Jazz who took apart a much better team then Toronto, when the creamed the Thunder the other day. After that the Lakers and that Kobe guy. Raps lone realistic shot left on this trip for a win might be Portland, who earlier in the night I saw some of their game with the Bulls and they looked pretty awful. Entertainment value was there, but like I have been saying to whoever will listen, that does not make it fun. Losing is just not fun, especially on these west coast trips when you stay up late to watch them.

Colangelo Speaks

Well we now hear from Byran Colangelo. What will he say? Let's find out together as his press conference is scheduled for noon and I would expect this will be covered live on Raptors T.V. So I am setting up a liveblog so you can hear what he has to say and react to it.

Time To Unleash The Beast- The Return Of Reggie

I am so happy today for Reggie Evans. When I traveled to Ottawa this year for training camp the first person I interviewed was Reggie. I was really upset when he went down in the pre-season vs Boston. I was so looking forward to the toughness and rebounding he would bring to the game. I don't think Reggie or anyone could have imagined that injury would end up keeping him out for so long.

The misfortune of Reggie has been the fortune for Amir Johnson. Johnson has filled the minutes that likely would have fallen mostly to Reggie. In conversations with Reggie I know he was happy for all the success Amir has had with that chance. As great as Amir has been there is something a little more in what you get from Reggie Evans in terms of rebounding and toughness. In terms of offense both guys are a bit challenged at times. But make no mistake about it Reggie will be a positive impact regardless of how many minutes he plays.

This has been the first time in Reggie's career he has had a major injury. In a interview here in the Dino Nation Blog he gave great credit to the Raptors training staff for keeping him positive. He also gave a lot of love to all of the fans that have been supportive towards him. When he is on Twitter on @ReggieEvans30 he can be seen talking with fans and giving away tickets to games. The Raptor fan base back in the pre-season loved Reggie and in both Ottawa and in London chants of REGGIE REGGIE were quick to start. This was the very first move of many that Bryan Colangelo made this past off-season. Now Bryan and all of us to see what Bryan had in mind for making this team tougher and giving the team a presence on the glass.

Some will say that I am not being objective when it comes to Reggie. I mean folks in the media seem to go out of their way to make sure they appear objective in covering things. I understand all of that but we are also human beings the same as anyone else. So, be it your reporting for a main stream media outlet, writing a blog, or just a fan of the team if you do not feel happy for Reggie you are heartless. Sometimes in sports the idea that these folks playing in the jerseys are people gets lost. So, I am not ashamed to say that I happy and thrilled to see Reggie back.

I am willing to wait a week or two to just be happy for a fellow human being (Who is a great person) and share in the excitement and joy in them working back to the point they can play, the sport they love and I love. Tonight the Raptors will take on the Sixers but for me it is all about #30 getting the chance to suit up and play.

Go Reggie Go......Unleash THE BEAST!!!

Super Bowl Sunday Double Header

Today I am working a doing a basketball double header for The Score kicking it off with the Raptors winners of 12 of 13 at the ACC taking on the Kings who are coming in off a loss to the Suns on Friday. The Raptors have enjoyed a rare break in the schedule and could see some of walking wounded return to the line-up. The most likely of those to return is Demar DeRozan. Sonny Weems has filled in well in the starting 5 in his absence in his last game recording his first career double double. Hedo Turkoglu and Jose Calderon could also be back. Hedo was making noise about playing without the protective mask to protect his fractured orbital bone. Calderon has a bad ankle sprain and I would tag him as the least likely to return but all 3 did practice Friday.

Join me on The Score for all the action and fun.

Raptors vs Kings LiveBlog

After that the Celtics and Magic to possible playoff match-ups for the Raptors will hook up in match-up against each other. Celtics have had major troubles of late and the Magic are learning the hard way about what LIFE IS LIKE WITH V.C. Sure Raptor fans could have told them so. So that game tips right after the Raps and Kings at 2:30. 2 great game all in time that you can not miss a second of the Superbowl. If you have a party to get to you can still follow the games on Score Mobile via your Blackberry or IPhone.

Magic vs Celtics LiveBlog

So that is how I am spending my Super Sunday before the big game. Make sure you drop in and say hello. A Basketball Party before the Football cause really do you need to watch 5 hours of Super Bowl Pre-Game Show? It's the Saints and Colts. Peyton Manning and Drew Brees are good, teams will score a lot of points and who knows if Dwight Freeney will play..Dwight Howard will and you can still have time to find out about the other Dwight long before kick-off. If you are going to a Super Bowl Party have fun and don't drink and drive. Go Raps and Go Saints!!!

Net Loss Or Net Gain?

Well here we go ready or not. The Raptors face the prospect of total meltdown should they not find a way to hand Nets loss number 25 of the season for them. If they don't the heat around this Raptor team will reach the boiling point. I listened to the show Hoops last night on the Fan 590. They took a ton of calls and you could hear the anger and frustration in the various calls. I can only imagine the posts on twitter should the Raptors drop this one. The Raptors have made some offensive units that were struggling look great. It is pretty sad when you lose count how many times teams have scored 60 points or more in a half against the Raptors. It is hard to recall a Raptors team that had this rough a time on the defensive end. There was lots of blame being handed out by the various callers. A lot of folks are on board with me in terms of having major concerns about Jay Triano. Some others went straight to the top and took aim at Bryan Colangelo. Credit to Paul Jones and Eric Smith for allowing fans to basically vent for 2 hours.

What was lost in all of the frustration was a pretty interesting interview with Chris Bosh earlier on Prime Time Sports. He was there in part to promote his recently released DVD "First Ink". Although that was interesting and in general people that have seen the DVD have had positive reviews of it. It would be the conversation after that would be interesting. The most of which, how Bosh expressed a feeling that Toronto has started to feel truly like home for him. It was very genuine and it seems to support something that I have felt. In the past I had suggested that I felt Chris Bosh was looking for an excuse to stay and not go from Toronto. I just got that feeling and impression. If you were hoping Bosh would declare his desire to stay in Toronto and with the Raptors it did not go that far. However it did offer some hope that if this basketball team could turn things around that Chris may be willing to stick around.

In terms of the team itself he did seem pretty calm about things. He said that it is taking time for this team to come together. He also said that you have to remain positive because regardless there is 50 or so games left in the season and they are going to be played regardless of what happens. The truth is though what happens will likely greatly define if Bosh is going to continue to enjoy Toronto as his home.

While this individual game in the grand scheme is not life and death for the Raptors. The fact the Nets have been so horrible and the fans are on the brink, it could be much like that game vs the Thunder last year that I referenced yesterday. If the Raptors can get past this one they have a schedule that should offer some opportunity to bounce back a bit. The Hornets, Pistons twice and Bobcats are all games that Raptors should feel they can win. It is not something to take pride in, but thanks to the fact the East is brutal the Raptors are really not in terrible shape in terms of playoffs. You can likely write off the idea of home court advantage in the playoffs but to finish 5th is still a goal with in range.

The Raptors have some things to sort out before we even attempt to consider playoff positioning.This game tonight can be the slow start to the slow road back or it could end up being the car going off the cliff. It will also mark the first time the Nets have rolled into town without Vince Carter. Let's hope there is no booing tonight because if there is it will be directed at the Raptors and not Vince. The Nets and Raptors Rivalry appears to be pretty much dead now. The Raptors did of course play their first ever game against the Nets and they won it at the Skydome. The Raptors will hope to do the same tonight at the ACC because it is badly needed not just for the players and organization but for the loyal fans of this team. They feel like they have been lied to again. They got their hopes up and have once again had them come crashing down. This would be the final insult to that. Raptors face a must win tonight for their fans personal sanity.

Good News For Some Folks I Know

I think it was Thursday last week when I first heard about this. When I heard it I was very excited because it involved someone who I know a little bit and has been a guest in the Dino Nation Blog. Adnan Virk is coming to Raps-TV. He will be replacing Paul Johnson who's contract was not renewed. I worked with Adnan in his time at TSN, long before he was "the baller" and before he was working in front of a camera, so I am thrilled for him and for all Raptors fans. Adnan is a very good broadcaster and has great knowledge and a tremendous sense of humour to go along with it. I contacted Adnan last week when I first heard this news to confirm it. He did confirm this was happening and said that it would be announced yesterday as it was. He also said that once he is done his vacation and begins his new role with Raps-TV. Which should be at the start of July. This would mark the 3rd time Adnan has been a guest in the Dino Nation Blog and given his new role it will definitely not be the last.

Also just yesterday I heard some great news for someone I know from Slam and Court Surfing on the web. Holly MacKenzie who is truly a great writer in my humble opinion is going to be going to cover the NBA Draft in NYC. She is a rising star at what she is doing and I am happy to know her. I had planned to finally bring her knowledge her to the Dino Nation Blog for an interview but given this latest news we both agreed it probably makes more sense to have her visit after she heads to NYC for the Draft. But till that time Holly did give her opinion on who the Raptors might select at #9 on the website Ridiculous Upside.

As for yours truly I hope to have an announcement on where I will be on draft night and how you can join me. Things are getting worked out and finalized but you can expect that I will be busy here online in some shape or form on draft night and you can join me. I also have wrote my latest view from the North that should be posted on Hoops Doctors sometime today. As well my article in the Industry Magazine for the June/July issue is out in magazine form in Toronto area and should be on the web soon if it is not already.

Also courtesy of Eric Smith in his blog "The Rap" a couple of news items. First here is a list of who is in town working out for the Raptors for the upcoming draft:

Toney Douglas - Guard - 6′1 - Florida State
Greg Gamble - Guard - 6′3 - Buffalo
Gerald Henderson - Forward - 6′4 - Duke
Jerel McNeal - Forward - 6′3 - Marquette
B.J. Mullen - Centre - 7′0 - Ohio State
Aron Baynes - Centre - 6′10 - Washington State

Second, the newest Raptor Reggie Evans is in town to meet with the media and Eric is hopeful that Evans can be a guest on Game Plan between 2-4 on the Fan 590. Eric is hosting with Jack Armstrong today as he fills in for Doug Maclean.

So even though it is the off-season there is still lots on the go as things quickly shift to the draft. If you want to submit a question or comment for my weekly view from the North for Hoops doctors drop me an dinonationblog@sourcecable.net

One late edition to the blog for you. Justin Walsh who just recently was a guest talked with Demar DeRozan when he declared for the draft. Given that he has been a big topic and the debate of if he will or won't workout for the Raps continues on felt people might want to check out this interview Justin did for Slam back in April.

Raptor Rewind- Beware The Bobcat Edition

1st Quarter

I was doing a little interview on March Madness on the radio in B.C. Doing my part for March Madness on The Score. So we will jump into this one with Raptors doing well and off to a nice start up 12-6. Raymond Felton scores and a steal and Boris Diaw who was part of the Jason Richardson deal he gets the dunk. Maybe I should leave things were going better before I started writing. Jose Calderon has got into early foul trouble and that throws Roko Ukic into the fire. Speaking of fire Bosh is vexed over a foul call and that was his second. Raptors no Chris, no Jose and just up 2 with score 12-10. So much for the Raptor lead a 3 pointer for the Bobcats. Back to back turnovers and the Raptors had 8 so far in the first quarter. Bobcats having a serious run of 9-0 and lead 15-12 and heading to the line after a time out. Gerald Wallace at the line drains a pair and the lead was now 17-12 with Bobcats on 11-0 run. Andrea Bargnani makes a jump shot to break up the Bobcat run. Pops had a block on Okafor and Okafor would block Pops on the other end. Diaw would score after the blog and Bobcats lead by 5. Bargnani draws a foul on Okafor. He makes a pair at the line. But Bobcats would string together a couple scores before Pops Mensah-Bonsu would answer. A.P would get the next score and Raptors had the lead down to 3 with the score 23-20. Bobcats were getting it done on inside as Gerald Wallace had the easy score inside. Pops would answer with a slam of his own. But a Bell score at the end of the quarter would give the Bobcats a 27-22 lead.

2nd Quarter

Kapono turnover to start the second. Bosh was in there with his 2 fouls and he would draw a foul on someone else and head to the line. He would hit both and Raptors were again down 3 points despite some pretty awful play on their part through a quarter and a bit. Parker drove to the basket playing at the point and he would be fouled by Diaw. He made a pair. Bobcats hanging on 27-26. Raymond Felton got a much needed basket for Charlotte. He would check out after that and rookie sensation D.J Augstin would replace him. Bosh is long on a jumper and Augstin makes the Raps pay nailing a 3 pointer. Bobcats lead was 32-26. AP was fouled taking a long 2 pointer from the corner. Parker perfect 2 of 2 and he was 5 of 6 from the line. Augstin maybe feeling it would take another 3 but this one was an air ball. Calderon has checked back in. He also with 2 fouls. Joey G who was on Raptor that struggled in the win over the Pacers would get basket. Bobcats would take and make another 3. Bosh would respond with a long jumper for 2. Pops tried to throw one down but could not and Raps wanted a foul. But they would not get it and they would trail 38-32 with a time out on the floor.

Gerald Wallace would get fouled and was back at the line. He would make both and the Bobcats lead had expanded to 40-32. Bosh missed on a jumper but Joey G would tip it back up and in. D.J Augstin made a jumper to keep the lead at 8. Calderon would draw a foul and head to the line. Calderon only has missed 3 times all year and this would not be the forth as he made both. But Bobcats answer back quickly and the Raptors defense was far cry from yesterday. Bargnani and offensive foul and another Bobcat score. Bosh would drive and score plus the foul trying to rally the troops. Augstin would hook up Gerald Wallace for 2 after the Bosh 3 point play the old fashion way. Calderon would find Bosh and he missed the easy 2 but he was fouled with a push to the back. He makes both and the Raptors trailed 48-41. Gerald Wallace was having an impact inside scoring again and he was fouled. Bobcats lead by 12 matching the 12 Raptors turnovers. Wallace was getting whatever he wanted as he scored again. Bobcats lead is 55-41. Just over a minute to play. Raptors would trail by that 14 point margin with score 57-43.

3rd Quarter

After a small effort of a push to get back in the game the Raps would see Bobcats go on a run of 14-5 and this game was off the rails. The Bobcats were abusing the Raptors getting easy scores. Bobcats lead 80-62. Raymond Felton took a shot on a screen set by Pops. That was the biggest concern for the Bobcats at this point. The game was pretty much well in hand. Gerald Wallace had a wide open look from 3 point range and The Raptors looked nothing like the team that was on the floor Sunday afternoon. Calderon was back to struggling as well after 2 games where some folks were thinking he was the guy that was advertised at the beginning of the season. But on this night he was back to the norm for this season which was not good.

Pops Mensah-Bonsu in a win or a loss gives all he has. That can not be said for everyone on this roster by a long shot. Not surprising the Raptors are struggling and Joey Graham is not. That has always been my thing with Joey when games matter where is Joey? A game like tonight with the game pretty much decided Joey Graham stands out and shines when there is little else to notice. That is why I would not offer Joey a contract this off-season. 89-72 after 3 for Bobcats.

4th Quarter

An Augstin steal and score starts us off and a score. Unless there is reason to be optimistic I will save you the pain of having to ready about the 4th quarter. I mean it is bad enough having to watch this I do not want to put others through the pain of reading about it. Safe to say if you were hopeful Sunday meant something more beyond a win. You were sadly mistaken. Just checking in to inform you the Bobcats lead 100-78. Yeah it is that bad. I remember asking Matt Devlin earlier in the year if someone had told you the Bobcats (his former team) would have a better record than the Raptors what would you say? His answer was not possible but unfortunately it has been possible and is happening. The Bobcats are a team that looks to have a future and direction. The Raptors seem to lack that direction and this for the future are cloudy to say the least.

Things are coming unglued even Jose would get a technical foul. He had 8 points and 8 assists but was only 2-7. If Chris Bosh is going to be part of the future of this Raptor franchise it is going to take an off-season of Bryan Colangelo's career. If Bosh is still willing to give Bryan the chance to do so. If not this thing is in serious trouble. The Starters were on the bench watching this one come to a conclusion with the Bobcats up 109-85. the good news was this one was over 112- 86 for the Bobcats. The bad news is the Raptors will need to figure out what they did wrong as they will see this same Bobcat team at the ACC on Friday.

Bobcats/ Raps Boxscore

I wish that I could say that I was surprised or shocked, even angry about what I just saw. But I am none of those things. It has been par for the course for what has been an awful season.

Round Ball Review-Trade Deadline Show Part 1

Here is the real deal. I am heading to Toronto for the day. But I figured why not have the guys from the Round Ball Review entertain you all. This is there first episode of a series of ones based on the NBA Trade deadline. We all know what a big deal that event has become in Hockey. Joey G thinks it should be the same for basketball and is committed to staying on the air from now till Thursday.



Well I am sure we will hear more from the guys as trade deadline approaches. But it is true I am heading down to Toronto. Depending on when I get back I may check in with a late night edition of the blog. But regardless I will be back tomorrow to set us all up for the debut of Shawn Marion as a Raptor. He is said to be taking the # 31 so run out and get a jersey as it may be a collectable if Marion is only here for a short time.

Raps Get A Win But Change Still Must Come To Raptor Land

O.K to start an apology as there were some issues with Raptors Rewind. It had started off o.k, but I ended up helping out on the live blog on The Score and I had planned on finishing it up but I was feeling a bit under the weather. I tried to finish it this morning but something happened and it was deleted so allow me to give you a Coles notes version of a Raptors Rewind.

1st Quarter:

It was the Joey G show and the Raptors road that to a lead after one quarter.

2nd Quarter:

Raps gave up a 15-0 run to close out the second quarter. They trail at the half.

3rd Quarter:

T-Wolves after A Raptor push would lead by 13. However the Raptors would fight back a bit and eventually both teams would score 32 in the quarter.

4th Quarter:

Raptors picked up the defense and got Jason Kapono going. They would out score the T-Wolves 37-22 in the final quarter for a 110-102 victory.

Things of Note and Boxscore:

• Joey Graham ties career high with 24. Was on fire in the opening quarter
• O'Neal had 22 and was a key factor taking rookie Kevin Love to school.
• Andrea Bargnani had a bounce back game made couple key baskets.
  
• A much needed win, But given schedule it changes little.

Recap From The Score

Boxscore

Colangelo Addresses The Masses Via Radio and T.V

A win is never a bad thing. That being said this game did nothing to change my opinion of where this team is at. Changes must happen and if you listened to Bryan Colangelo last night on Prime Time Sports it like is going to happen if he gets his way. Bryan was on for the entire hour and talked about a number of topics. The first and foremost was the future of Chris Bosh as a Raptor.

He stuck to his guns in saying that he and Bosh have not had a conversation about him leaving. He said that when they talk in the summer the future of Bosh will be the main topic. Technically speaking the Raptors could sign Bosh to an extension this summer. However that is not going to happen which even Colangelo admitted that it would make little sense for Bosh to do that from a business point of view. However it will allow the two parties to get together and talk about the future. Colangelo was clear that he was not entertaining any offers for Bosh at this trade deadline. He said he cuts of any inquires right away and has no desire to consider anything at this time in terms of Bosh. He also said that the plan is still to built around Bosh and has not changed.

He would not go into specifics but did indicate that there were teams that were interested in J.O. He even admitted to a few calls he had received on Jose Calderon. He would mention that last year at this time he took 16 calls on Jose Calderon that is over half the league for you math majors out there. The question is was one of those calls from the Suns and was Steve Nash the name Colangelo would say he wants in return. It is clear Nash is unhappy with the Suns. Calderon would be a fit for the system that Porter is trying to run. But will in happen? Won't take long to find out. Colangelo said it had been a very busy time on the phones for all G.M's this year and more so than in the past. If you think it is crazy the Nash move do not be so sure as the Suns are desperate to cut payroll and Nash is clearly not happy. What does adding a Nash do for a guy like CB4? It may just make him re-evaluate. Not to mention from a public relations and marketing standpoint it would be the biggest move in Raptors history. People love Jose, but Canada loves Nash more. It could happen and it could save Jay Triano his job if it does.

That was perhaps the one thing that was surprising the amount of support Colangelo had for Triano. It seemed clear that Mitchell and Colangelo relationship was not ideal despite Bryan take the high road on the subject again. He seemed clear he had no regret in the choice he made and seems to have a lot more faith in Triano than me. He would not rule him out as a candidate for the job in the off-season. He did however say that he would have to look at what else was out there. Maybe Colangelo is just being kind or maybe that whole Nash idea is not so crazy? Whatever the case it seemed Bryan has not been dismayed in the slightest by the performance of Triano. He in fact seemed happy in the job he had done despite the record.

The one thing Colangelo seemed to make very clear is that change was going to come by next Thursday if he had anything to say about it. He suggested it could be a few big things or a few minor moves. But the suggestion was very clear that the Raptors are open for business for the trade deadline. Colangelo needs a big deadline for a lot of reasons. First and foremost to restore the faith of his star player which no matter what you choose to believe as relates to him we all can agree on that. Restore some faith of him the fan base as well. I saw a poll last night comparing Babcock to Colangelo. That says all you want to know about the sinking of B.C's rep. The fact someone would have that poll and not expect 100% response in favour of B.C (which it was not) tells you all you need to know in how far he has fallen with fan base.

Is Bryan the god like figure he was made out to be when he first got here? No...He likely said that himself. However is that same man now the village idiot? No. In fact he was very honest when talking about his big trade for J.O and how he was taking a swing for the fences. This time Colangelo stuck out. However like all home run hitters he is ready to get back in their and hack away. He suggested that he does not feel the team is that far away. Given the record they have it seems hard to imagine but if you stop and think about it he could be right. A solid draft pick coming, some cap flexibility if you can make a deal for J.O. What is that expression? It is always darkest before the dawn? Bryan Colangelo hopes that dawn comes by next Thursday.

MVP and ROY Blogger Rankings

It has been a week of me not getting things to work out. I also was not able to get a ballot in for the ROY and MVP voting. But Lebron keeps in the lead with or without my support. Check out the rest of the list below

MVP/ROY RANKINGS

So tonight Matt Bonner, the Red Hot Red Rocket comes to town with the Spurs. The party over a win over Minnesota will be a short one I have a feeling. But hopefully change is on the way. It is clear we need it even after a win last night.