Playoffs Give You Hope As A Raptor Fan?

As we sit on the verge of the start of the Eastern Conference Finals do you feel a little more optimistic about the Raptors future? We end up with a final that was not an expected one as Boston slogged their way to the Eastern Conference Final. Facing the Miami Heat who would not be stopped by Chris Bosh injury or Indiana Pacers. The team everyone expected to face the Heat was the Bulls who had a injury of their own to deal with. Derrick Rose the former M.V.P might not even be back in time for next season. In fact he likely won't be. The Bulls without him were not able to handle the Sixers who are not exactly a juggernaut in terms of an opponent. Boston limped there way through a seven game series to finally finish them off. Honestly though the Sixers are offensively challenged at best. The Hawks did their typical chocking in the first round. The New York Knicks had nothing for the Miami Heat and are in need of a good off-season to scare anyone. Problem in that is Amare and Carmello are making most of the money and have still yet to find a way to be good together. Orlando fired a good coach and lousy G.M and Superman still likely wants out of town.

The point of all of this is beyond the Miami Heat is there any team in the Eastern Conference that really scares you. The Bulls if Rose is back and playing at the same level would. After that it really is wide open for the most part. The Pacers are a good team but they are far from world beaters as the Heat at less than 100% proved. Boston will be a year older and not that much better. Although they will get Jeff Green back potentially who they acquired in the Kendrick Perkins trade last season. He say out the entire season with heart condition. If you are a non playoff team in the East you should feel like you have some hope unless you are the Charlotte Bobcats.

If you are the Raptors, with a lottery pick to come and your first round pick from last season making his debut in Jonas Valancuinas, also some cap space to play with to add some more pieces you have to feel even better right? While this past season was only marginally better in terms of record for the Raptors it was a success in terms of culture change. The Raptors actually can play some defense. Casey even refers to it as playoff style defense in terms of it's effort and intensity. That might be a stretch but it still does prepare the Raptors nicely for the grind it out painful to watch at times Eastern Conference Playoffs.

Bryan Colangelo still has to make the right moves and some luck of any kind in the draft lottery on Wednesday would be welcomed. Which by the way we encourage you to join us for our Lottery Chat on Wednesday Night here on the website. If Colangelo can make a few skillful trades and make a splash in free agency who is to say the Raptors can't be a playoff team. While the Raptors are a long way from ever getting out of the Eastern Conference to the NBA Finals. A quick rise to playoffs and even the second round which currently is the franchise best is not out of the question.

Nothing you have seen in the Eastern Conference Playoffs makes you think that the Raptors can not over take most of these teams given the assets they have to play with. It is just a matter of pressing the right buttons. The Division the Raptors call home can be classed as competitive, but the Atlantic is not exactly filled with a dominant contender anymore. Boston despite their appearance in Conference Finals isn't. The Knicks have issues and are on verge of hiring a coach that is good in the regular season and horrible in the playoffs in Mike Woodson. The Sixers do not have any truly scary weapons on offense and Nets be they in New Jersey or Brooklyn remain pretty much a joke and most likely will be losing Deron Williams to Dallas or someone else. It won't be easy but the opportunity is there for the Raptors to rise again as they did when Colangelo first arrived on the team.

It has been a dark couple years since Chris Bosh took his talents to South Beach. However the future or light at the end of the tunnel could be in sight.

We Are Talking About Pizza....Not A Game.

Earlier today I mentioned about the Raptor fans yet again cheering for Pizza. It inspired me to create this video:



Here is what SVG had to say referenced in our video:

Orlando's Real Magician Is Stan Van Gundy

You have a superstar that changes his mind on if he is going to stay or go on a daily, weekly and month basis. You have a G.M that your superstar has little faith in because he really has done a lousy job. Still you find a way to win basketball games. Just like George Karl did a fantastic job last season with the back drop of the Melo Drama, Stan Van Gundy has done an even better job with the Magic. It is so ironic that he was in fact the second choice of the Magic in the first place. Billy Donovan was Magic coach for about a week before he, or was it his wife, decided that he would remain coaching at Florida. So the Magic had to settle for Stan Van Gundy. Who at the time might have not even been considered the best Van Gundy coach in his own family. He had been pushed out of Miami, so Pat Riley could ride in on his white horse and win another championship. Stan Van Gundy is never truly respected for how good he is in reality.

Orlando's second choice as coach took them to an NBA Finals and lost to the Lakers. While this season under far from ideal circumstances has taken the Magic to a 24-14 record and they sit fifth best in the conference. He dealt with his G.M making stupid trades for guys like Vince Carter, Gilbert Arenas and a much lesser version of the Hedo Turkoglu that left Orlando for big bucks here in Toronto. Stan probably has little say in what ultimately will happen to Dwight Howard by March the 15th. Still he has done the best thing that anyone could do in convincing him to stay and that is win basketball games. Stan Van Gundy has done just that. I can't help but think he feels a bit upset with Howard for wanting to leave. If not with him than with Otis Smith for letting this situation get out of hand. In many ways Van Gundy is the man in the middle. He will also be the man that has to deal with the fallout of this situation no matter what it ends up being.

He also is one of the more entertaining coaches to watch on an NBA Sideline. He never looks completely happy even if his team happens to be up 20 or down 20. Howard in the past has said he wishes that Stan would be more positive with the team. I just think the chances of that happening are about as good as Dwight leading the league in free throw percentage. What Van Gundy has been able to do with a line-up that by Dwight Howard's standards is not good enough is pretty impressive. When Ryan Anderson is your team's top scorer behind Dwight that speaks to Howard's unhappiness and to Van Gundy's ability to coach. It is not meant to demean what Anderson has done at all. He has been one of the few players on this Magic roster, to show improvement and be worth more than what they are paying him.

While this could be the last time you see Dwight Howard in a Magic Jersey at the ACC you will still see Stan Van Gundy when the Magic return to Toronto on March 26th after the trade deadline. It makes you wonder when Stan Van Gundy will have enough and want to go to a better place that respects him for what he is. Which is one of the better coaches in the NBA. Doc Rivers cut his teeth in coaching in Orlando before landing the job in Boston. Van Gundy had his chance at title stolen from him in Miami, he had another chance to get a ring in Orlando with a group with less talent overall. His record overall speaks to how good a coach he is with a record in his 8th season coaching of 358-193 and a playoff record of 47-35. He has never missed the playoffs in a full season that he has coached. That would appear to be the case this season as well regardless of the fate of Dwight Howard.

The Raptors can only hope that Dwane Casey can someday have a record that looks as impressive as the one Van Gundy has in his career. He likely doesn't get the full credit he deserves based on the fact he has always had a star player to carry the load for his teams. However he finds a way to get the most from that and demands a lot of everyone, from the best player on the team, to the last guy on his bench. However the guy that Van Gundy is the most hard on is actually himself. He is one of the more under appreciated coaches in the NBA. Dwight Howard owes Van Gundy a ton of credit for pushing him to do more and be more. It would be very easy for a guy like Dwight to just get by on his obvious gifts and talents. But even in a season in which he has had one foot half out the door, Stan Van Gundy has still got the best out of Dwight Howard. Which is impressive and something the Raptors never could do with Vince Carter.

As for the Raptors chances tonight? They could be a lot better on March 26th after the trade deadline than they will be tonight. Last I checked Dwight Howard will still be showing up in an Orlando Jersey. He is a force that Raptor fans are all to aware of. He had some of his best games in the NBA battling against his friend Chris Bosh, with both having some pretty memorable battles. Now his Magic team face a situation similar to one the Raptors had with Chris Bosh. The Raptors ultimately never traded Bosh and went all in for a push for the playoffs. Bosh would get injured and the playoffs never came. He would exit stage left for Miami. The Magic should make the playoffs no matter what at this point. However, do they do it with Howard and risk watching him walk like Bosh and James did in Toronto and Cleveland? That is a question that Otis Smith needs to have an answer for by March 15th.

New Year But Same Old Problems For Raptors

I am getting the reputation of being a negative person. Shocking I know. So let it be said the Raptors played for 3/4 of this game about as good as you can ask. Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon who often take a lot of shots in this blog were both fantastic. Bargnani added to a solid performance in Dallas with 28 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists tonight in Orlando. While Calderon had one of his best shooting nights in recent memory with 18 points, going 3-4 from 3 point range and 6-9 overall. This along with 13 assists which pushed him past 3,000 in his 7th year in the NBA.

The Raptors from the start got the jump on a Magic team that clearly looked like they had enjoyed to much fun ringing in 2012. Hedo likes to party as Raptor fans well know. Dwight Howard started the game with a great offensive rebound and slam but seemed to have his interest level drift in this game. Raptors went on a 8-0 run after that and continued to pound on the Magic to the tune of 21-8 at one point in the first. The Raptors lost a little ground with the second unit but still had a healthy lead of 27-18 after one.

In the second the Magic's leading scorer got it going after sitting out most of the first with two fouls. If you think we are talking about Dwight Howard, we are not. Hedo? Come on now? No Ryan Anderson is that guy and he was fantastic matching the solid performance from Andrea Bargnani. In an ironic twist it was Anderson making the 3's with Bargnani driving to the basket getting 2 at a time. Anderson has much the same type of game as Bargnani but not nearly has skilled. But still the Raptors would take a 52-47 lead to the break.

Here is why you should love Dwane Casey if you don't already. If this was a Triano coached Raptors you would expect the Magic to continue to climb back and crush the Raptors early in the 3rd. But the Casey led Raptors were the ones that came out swinging. The Raptors got their double digit lead back and they would hold it to the end of the 3rd with an 11 point lead heading to the 4th.

But no matter who the players are or who the coach happens to be the Raptors have had a history of 4th quarter failure. This not so happy tradition was on full display in Orlando. The Magic as if they finally shook of there "rust" from New Year's Eve came alive in the 4th. Dwight Howard had a massive rejection of Bargnani that you will no doubt see on the highlights of this game. The Raptors offence hit the skids and the lead would evaporate as fast as Canadian snow on a warm Orlando night.

While we gave praise to Calderon and Bargnani. There was blame to go around as well. Demar DeRozan is making some awful shooting choices and despite his 17 points he shot just 4-12 and had 3 shots blocked. Lone positive was 6 boards from Demar. James Johnson provided nothing on offence and was only slightly better on defence from the game with Dallas. Also starting to be a point of worry is Ed Davis who after a solid opener vs Cavs has been on the steady decline. Just two points and only 1 rebound? Hey if we are going to slam Bargnani...Ed Davis hello. Ed Davis has to be a contributor on the glass.

Raptors defence which has been the great story to this point got progressively worse in this game. When it was all done the Magic shot just a shade under 50% easily the best performance by a Raptor opponent this season. Raptors have little time to figure it out as they hop a plane to head to NYC and a Monday meet up with the Knicks. Raptors end up fumbling this one 102-96 to the Magic. Magic outscored the Raptors 32-15 in the final quarter. A all to familiar ending for Raptors fans on a day that is suppose to be about new beginnings.

Raptors Preview For Hungover Fans

First thing we need to talk about is fluids. Drink Gatorade and lots of it and you should be alright for the game. You see when you drink that makes you dehydrated. Honestly this is a medical fact. So go get something to drink and will get started here.

Hungover Fan Question: Who are we playing again?

Answer: Orlando

Hungover Fan Question: Is Dwight still on the Magic?

Answer: Yes he is.

Hungover Fan Question: When is the game?

Answer: 6pm

Hungover Fan Question: What Channel

Answer: TSN 2

Hungover Fan Question: Can the Raptors Win?

Answer: Anything is possible.

Hungover Fan Statement: V.C Sucks!!! V.C Sucks!!!

Answer: No that was last game he isn't in Orlando any more.

Hungover Fan Statement: Can we get Dwight Howard in a straight up trade for Bargnani?

Answer: BALL

Hungover Fan Statement: Ha Ha...Ball

Answer: Yes Ball the team that puts the ball in more wins. Allow me to refer you to this helpful video





Hungover Fan: Ball in basket...Pound The Rock...Go Raps Go!!!

Answer Good enough.

Hope everyone had a Happy and Safe New Year's and that first part about Gatorade actually works if you are actually hung over. If you are not hope you found this fun. Raptors will have a tough task today and it starts on the boards as Dwight Howard has been a beast on the glass.

DNB Top 10- Lockout Edition

Hello all. The DNB Top 10 will make a lockout appearance. James Borbath your Dino Blogger at the controls. So if there wasn't a lockout what would we be talking about? That is the focus of this DNB Top 10.

10. Mama can that man Coach? Yes Mark Jackson finally will be a coach in the NBA. It seems almost fitting the lockout is preventing him from getting his chance. But can he actually be a good coach in the NBA? How can he help or hurt the development of Steph Curry. Can he actually make the Warriors more than lottery regulars?

9. I thought we had a G.M Already? The Raptors are searching for Bryan Colangelo's replacement as G.M. The team leading up the search is Bryan Colangelo. What all this will mean for the Raptors and how this will impact on newly hired coach Dwane Casey. Don't you hire the coach first and then a G.M?

8. Hang Up Your Spurs. Have we seen the end of an era in San Antonio? After a first round exit to the Grizzlies who had never won a playoff game let alone a series prior to that. Is this the end for Timmy and the rest in San Antonio?

7. What will Mark Cuban Do For An Encore? Mavs are champs and Mark Cuban said the might not even get rings? Championship Belts? Who knows but could you see the Commissioner David Stern being happy about this? More important then all of that was this a flash in the pan or are the Mavs legit contenders to repeat in the West?

6. OKC now legit contenders for an NBA Title? Step one make the playoffs....check. Step 2 make it all the way to the Conference Finals...check. Step 3 Go to the NBA Finals ??? It sure seems that Kevin Durant has a team on the verge of greatness in one of the NBA's smaller markets. Can the Thunder be considered the best in the West and the guys to challenge the folks in Miami for years to come in the NBA Finals? Can Russell Westbrook be part of that winning formula?

5. Got Mello Now What? Oh yes the Knicks have Carmelo Anthony and Amare too. They finally returned to the playoffs. But the have no G.M in place after Donnie Walsh was forced out. Rumours that Isiah Thomas could be back. Oh it is a mess in New York City. If and when this lockout ends will the Knicks have the power to build on what they have? A new CBA might just high jack there plans of building there own super team to compete with the Heat.

4. Boston Is to old to win? We talked about the Spurs might be done. How about the original Big 3 in Boston. Has the window shut on their chance to call themselves contenders in the East? Sure they still are likely the best team in the Atlantic Division but that is not saying a lot when you look at the Sixers, Nets, Raptors. Aside from the aforementioned Knicks there is not a lot in the division. But in the East with Bulls and Heat looking far better than Boston is this the end for them. Rajon Rondo would have to be super human for it not to be.

3. Coming Soon...Superman Has Left Orlando Again. Oh yes we all remember when the original Superman Shaq took his cape and flew off to La La Land. Now Dwight Howard is already making noise he will do the same. Well if Orlando does not contend for a title. Which is a pretty safe bet they won't. So will Otis Smith get the drop on Dwight and trade him like The Nuggets and Jazz did? Or will he ride it out and face the possibility of getting screwed over like the Cavs and Raptors. But cheer up Magic fans you still have 4 more years of Gilbert Arenas the former agent 0 to look forward too.

2. Miami Heat How Do They Improve? They still have there 3 mega stars. But they lack some serious depth in South Beach. If the new CBA is not a friendly one how will the Heat get better to start winning all those rings Lebron James promised? If they can't add depth beyond the 3 big names how long before we start hearing Chris Bosh trade rumours? The newlyweds would not like to be relocated to some awful place like Milwaukee or worse Sacramento. While some Raptor fans would take pure joy in even the possibility.

1. Lakeshow Drama In Full Effect. We have heard very little from Kobe Bryant. He was not in the loop on the hiring of Phil Jackson's replacement. He might have to call Lebron James and get the low down on why Mike Brown is a terrible coach. Oh and we have Ron Artest who has changed his name like Chad Johnson did in the NFL. Lamar still married to a Kardashian. Mike Brown's over under on being Laker Coach is perhaps 2 years at best. It is never easy to replace a coaching legend in sports. Jimmy Johnson did a good job replacing Tom Landry with the Cowboys. But those things are rare. How long before Phil Jackson gets a call from Pat Riley to ask to take his talents to South Beach? Will it take longer than it will for Kobe to get Brown fired or demand a trade out of L.A? Things are not looking up for the Lakers. It is scary to think the Clippers might have a brighter future than the Lakers. Well it might not be that bad but things sure are set up for a Lakers implosion.

So those are things we should be talking about. Instead we are talking about the lack of progress in labour talks. Here is a story from Adrian Wojnarowski from Yahoo Sports on where things stand with the Lockout after unsuccessful talks on Monday. But it is summer time and he weather is hot so enjoy it. The NBA Lockout will be still there waiting for you in the fall.

NBAZ In 7 DayZ - Playoff Edition

The least debated of the post season awards was handed out, and no surprise Dwight Howard wins the Defensive MVP for a 3rd straight year. No one has ever accomplished that feat. But the harder feat for Dwight will be to take his Magic anywhere in the playoffs. The group around him is anything but defensive minded. The Hawks who took game 1 of their opening round series against the Magic. They last season took the worst beating in the history of the NBA Playoffs. That humiliation might have just motivated the Hawks to show up this year. It motivated them to send Mike Woodson packing. He was the coach in Atlanta for 6 years and improved his win total every season. But his team and their lack of performance in the playoffs was the reason he was let go. Stan Van Gundy has to worry about his future if the Magic go out in first round. Not that he will lose his job, but he very well could lose Dwight and that would make his job a lot tougher to keep in the future.

I had told you that the Boston and Knicks series would be closer than people thought. That Amare Stoudamire if he plays big in this series could help the Knicks upset Boston. In Game 1 both of those were true. It was a pretty exciting game and if the Knicks can come up with a similar effort they might just be able to head back to New York tied at 1. Boston just has not been the same since Kendrick Perkins was dealt at the deadline. Despite Jermaine O'Neal being able to turn back the clock in game 1, he is no Kendrick Perkins. Rajon Rondo has not exactly played to his All-Star level of late. Maybe he should watch Russell Westbrook for some inspiration. Boston also might have noticed that the Miami Heat trashed the Sixers last night and that Chris Bosh guy is looking pretty good. But Boston has to get there in the first place to face the Heat and that will not be an easy task.

Speaking of turning back the clock how about Jason Kidd? He was pretty amazing in game one for the Mavs. He hit six shots from beyond the arc and had one of the best playoff performances of his long career. Dirk also got a bit dirty getting in the paint and taking the ball to the hoop. The Blazers on the other hand could say they didn't get the full bang for their buck. Gerald Wallace who I said would be key in the Blazers upsetting the Mavs was not exactly the factor he needs to be in game 1. Also the Blazers have a huge advantage with Lamarcus Aldridge and the need to take advantage of it. Tyson Chandler is a good to great defender in the post. But Aldridge is quicker and can make jumpers from the mid-range. You wish that the old Brandon Roy was still around. But injuries have taken away the brilliance that once was Brandon Roy. I still don't trust the Mavs and will see how they respond once they face some adversity in this series. If they can get out of Dallas up 2-0 that would be well advised. The Rose Garden is one of the better environments in the NBA.

Many have raved about what a great weekend of basketball it was. This is true it was some of the best first round basketball we have seen in the playoffs in quite some time. Both number one seeds were pushed to the brink. The Bulls survived and won a similar type game last night coming out on top in a tight affair. The Spurs were not as lucky going in the history books as the first team to lose a playoff game to the Grizzlies Franchise. I can't help but still feel sad as no matter how good these playoffs can or will be it is not going to change one fact. That fact is that when it all is over and a champion is crowned that might be it for a very long time. The Lockout is looming and it is like a dark cloud that has hung over my head all season. Part of me says just enjoy the moment and not think about it. But that is very hard to do for me seeing as I try to eek out a living covering this sport. But I will try my best. No question the product on court right now has been pretty fantastic.

RaptorMania Promo

A Special Message to our Wrestling/Basketball Fans of the DNB:



So if you want to see it happen Tweet the Hashtag #RaptorMania and let them know @Stlouiswings which could be the host of this event.

Raptors Need A Magic Trick

So if you were asleep in last 24 hours. Demar is in the dunk contest and Peja took his bag of money and was last seen heading towards Dallas. The Raptors have left Texas and are now in sunny Florida. Nice weather for sure but it also means a date with two of the best teams in the East Conference in the Magic and Heat. A back to back from hell that begins tonight. The last time Toronto was in Orlando few game them a shot at winning. But they did. Even fewer give them a chance tonight. This is a totally different roster they will face as well. Vince Carter is now a member of the Suns. Hedo Turkoglu also a former Raptor is now back home with Magic and found God or at least his game. Also bang bang as Gilbert Arenas is on this Magic roster. Along with Jason Richardson. Losing 5 straight it is hard to like the Raptors chances in this one.

The Basics: Raptors 13-29 (5-17 on Road) Magic 27-15 (18-7 vs East)

When Last We Saw Them: The Raptors had a surprising showing in the first half and were not able to carry it through to the 2nd half. Andrea Bargnani struggled the entire night and never could find a rhythm on offence. His defence was non-existent. Demar DeRozan had a great scoring first half but failed to carry it through to the 2nd half. In the end the Spurs showed why they have the best record in the league and had a great 3rd quarter and hung on for the win.

Key Match Ups: If you are playing the Orlando Magic on both ends of the floor you need to account for Dwight Howard. He is a shot blocking presence on D. While on offence a summer of working with "The Dream" has done is game a world of good. Jameer Nelson starting gaining respect by out playing both Jose Calderon and T.J Ford in the last playoff series the Raptors were a part of. Since that time people still question if Nelson is the right guy for Magic to win a title. But he has the full support of Stan Van Gundy and remains the starting point guard. Raptors will have lots of 3 point shooters to deal with and will need to be aware of that. They may not be able to wide in a zone defence much tonight if the Magic start dropping 3's.

Other Things Of Note: Congratulations to The Basketball Jones on the 5th Anniversary. They are having a party/show tonight and I am going to be in attendance so the re-cap of this game will be included in the preview of tomorrow's game with Miami. Ryan will be taking care of that for you all tomorrow. So congrats to Skeets,Tas, Matty O and J.D and good luck to the Raptors tonight they will need it. Someone pointed out this is the 5th anniversary of something else. 5 Years ago it was Kobe Bryant in L.A dropping 81 points on the Raptors. I am confident is saying no one on the Magic will drop 81 on the Raps tonight.

Where Is It On? TSN (Really is the NHL on All Star Break already? )

"Behind Enemy Lines"

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

Toronto Raptors @ Orlando Magic - Friday, January 21st

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

Toronto Raptors @ Miami Heat - Saturday, January 22nd

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

Memphis Grizzlies @ Toronto Raptors - Monday, January 24th

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

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

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

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

"Behind Enemy Lines"

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

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

Toronto Raptors @ Orlando Magic: Friday, November 12th

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

Toronto Raptors @ Miami Heat: Saturday, November 13th

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

Toronto Raptors @ Washington Wizards: Tuesday, November 16th

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

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

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

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

Raptor De Ja Vu All Over Again

Matt Barnes a Raptor....Forget About it!!! Yes, once again it would appear the Raptors end up on the short end of the stick. It seems that Orlando does not have the money to pull off the sign and trade required to make this deal happen. Did it also involve Gortat and Calderon as well. We may never know. For the second time in the span of a couple weeks, the Raptors get left holding the bag. If this had happened in the Rob Babcock era, he would be getting buried so deep he would never be found. While it is true that in both cases it appears the Raptors did nothing wrong on their end of things. Still the perception or optics of it all look bad on the Raptors.

So once again the Raptors go back to square one with nothing to show for it. At this rate you almost feel thankful nothing happened to screw up the Hedo trade for Barbosa. The only successful trade of the summer. Well there was technically the Bosh sign and trade as well. It is getting to the point that I am afraid to write a story about a trade anymore. I actually waited on the Barnes one. I felt that Barnes could have been using the Raptors to get leverage to sign with Cleveland.

I don't know about you, but I am to the point of wanting to raise a white flag and say we give up. This is shaping up to be one of the worst off-seasons in franchise history. The only good thing aside from unloading Hedo was the great performance in Summer League.

If I am frustrated to the point of banging my head against a wall. How must Bryan Colangelo be feeling? He just seems to have a dark cloud following him around. The last time I can remember anything like these last 2 incidents, is when John Salmons stiffed us because God told him to go to Sacramento. B.C would have to scramble and sign Fred Jones. That as we all may recall did not work out so well. He would end up dealt to Portland for Juan Dixon by the trade deadline.

You can blame social media or the rumour mill, but the perception out there will be that Bryan Colangelo is working off of plan C and D at this point. To put it more directly, the people that come now will be second choices not first choices. When a team already has lost it's 5 time all-star and got back nothing more than a couple draft picks and a TPE this is not good. Especially when the casual basketball fan has no clue what a TPE is. Clearly the perception of the Raptors is not good at the moment, even though they appear to have been the innocent victim in both cases.

It all makes me envy all the kids that have the summer off. They can play X-Box and PS3 while I sit here typing starting to feel like the little boy that cried wolf. This has been a summer to remember and forget at the same time.

Hello Monday

For 3 series I have not picked the Boston Celtics. Each time doing it thinking they would regress back to the team that I saw in the regular season. It seems safe to say.... that is not going to happen. While everyone has been hyping the Magic to the moon, I have said not so fast. The Magic lost their first playoff game to those Boston Celtics, they got behind early and never could climb back in the game. In reality, this is the best team the Magic have faced the entire playoffs and it showed yesterday. Dwight Howard was held down for the majority of the game and Magic's not so secret weapon of the 3 point shot was firing blanks at times.

The Celtics have shown the pride and experience of a former champion that they are. Rajon Rondo has taken it to a whole other level. Rondo is without question the best point guard left in the playoffs. Yes even better than Canada's own Steve Nash. Rondo has just been off the charts and it has been amazing to watch. It is funny to think that there were people that thought the Celtics overpaid for Rondo. No one is saying that now.

Speaking of Steve Nash thought, he faces the challenge of beating the L.A Lakers. Not the easiest task in the world. Nash is likely the only match-up advantage that the Suns have advantage in this series. Everywhere else it favours the Lakers especially in the low post. Amare Stoudemire is in for a battle with Gasol and Bynum in the post. Not to mention the rest that Kobe Bryant has got, it could prove to be to much for the Suns.

If the Suns can not pull off a miracle, we are in for a finals re-match with Lakers vs Magic or Celtics. Much like the Magic, the Suns will be depending on the 3 point shot to fall. The Suns have been given praise for finally finding some defense in these playoffs. However, the Lakers and their Triangle Offense is a much different animal. My heart says Suns and my head says Lakers. Normally the head is right and the heart is wrong.

Heart is not something you put in a sentence with Vince Carter. I find it kind of funny how Vince is being hyped up. Here is the Vince Carter reality for folks. Vinsanity is much like Hulkamania. What is meant by that is for brief minutes of time you get excited and see flashes of the guy that amazed you. But then the reality comes back and you realize that Vinsanity as Hulkamania lives in your mind more than it does in actual reality.

I am actually very conflicted should the Magic be successful. On the one hand, Stan Van Gundy was robbed out of a championship by Pat Riley. I like Stan Van Gundy and think he is likely my favourite coach in the league at the moment. However to see Vince Carter rewarded for a career in which he never truly made the most of his talent turns my stomach. It makes me think of guys like Barkley, Ewing and others that never won a ring. They busted their butts for their entire careers and seem far more deserving of a ring than V.C.

For the Raptors get out those lucky charms cause you will need them. The odds of the Raptors getting a top pick in the Draft Lottery on Tuesday are very long indeed. That being said it does not exactly disappoint me. I am not as sold on John Wall and Evan Turner as the rest of the world seem to be. The New Jersey Nets are the team with the best odds to take home the top pick and end up with likely the consensus number 1 pick in John Wall.

I could be wrong on Wall, but I just am not convinced he has a winning attitude and despite his talent think this will be an issue on the next level. Not that he got to experience losing that much with Wildcats. If the Nets bomb out in free agency he will learn about losing in a hurry. Turner will be a good to great NBA player but not a difference maker for a franchise. The guy I like at the top of the draft board is DeMarcus Cousins. He has some of the same question marks in terms of character as Wall. But there is just something I like about this kid. If he can figure out how to stay out of foul trouble he can be a very good one in this draft. The reality is thought, Blake Griffin is next year's rookie of the year unless someone in this draft class surprises me. I am not a Blake Griffin fan either, but he is better than anyone in this class, and that includes Wall.

Just because Evans, Curry and Jennings were a success does not guarantee that Wall will be. I don't expect anyone to agree with me on Wall. But not many agreed with me when I said that Kevin Durant should have been the first pick over Oden. In the end the draft is about being right more than you are wrong and so far so good for me.

I will likely set up something to get together for the Draft Lottery depending on my schedule. So look for details tomorrow. Have a better Monday than Garfield and see you tomorrow.

"Jiggly Bits"

Right about this time of the year, my head spins. Hockey playoffs vs. NBA playoffs. Since I have only pledged allegiance to my ballers in the yellow and gold, the NBA comes out on top (NHL playoffs relegated to highlights depending on who's playing). With this being said, we look to the first round of the NBA playoffs and fans are certainly getting their fill. There is so much to say about the 2010 NBA Playoffs, but if I had to choose, here are my top four match-ups: Bulls/ Cavs, Lakers/ Thunder, Portland/ Phoenix and Charlotte/ Orlando. These are the games I have a vested interest in and will provide for some lively debate throughout the playoffs. Ok ladies and gentleman, let's kick it.



Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers (Cavs lead the series, 2-0)



Lebron James. So he gets 40 points, 8 assists and 8 rebounds Tuesday night, including a spectacular line drive and jam. This is just Lebron being Lebron. But if any of you were watching with a close eye, you may have seen his elbow being slightly higher than the rim on that jam. Absolutely fantastic. Conversely, this is also what frustrates me about the Cavs. I wanted to see more from them in this series instead of the Bron Bron show. You rarely see Jamario Moon in the highlights as the guy who made the difference or provided a turning point for the Cavs in any win, but he did Tuesday night. Every time the Bulls tried to challenge the Cavs, Jamario was "Moon"ing them with receiving passes and knocking them down four out of five tries. And I think this is where the Bulls got caught. Chicago has being playing like they were going to steal a game with playing good defense and getting good playoff mileage from Joakim Noah who had a career play-off high 25 points, 13 rebounds. The Bulls weren't expecting Jamario to be the play maker and that is what will be the key for Cleveland. The Bulls are challenging and stepping up their game but it may not be enough if they don't keep their eyes open.



Portland Trail Blazers vs. Phoenix Suns (Portland leads 1-0)



This series has been interesting so far. I would have liked to see a lower seeded team beat a higher seeded team in game one of the series between the Cavs and Bulls but I'll take it here. Just no more, ok? Surprisingly, Portland won the first game of this series and this is huge considering the Suns had gone 23-6 since the All-Star break. If you look at the Suns scoring stats for the regular season, they have had some trouble when playing Portland. The Suns have averaged a league-leading 110 points per game overall compared to the 98 points they have averaged against the Trail Blazers. So what is it about Portland that makes Phoenix nervous? For this series, maybe it's because Portland has found a way to guard Amar'e Stoudemire. Or just doing a better job defensively and controlling the game through Andre Miller. He had 31 points, including being 10 for 10 on free throws. Or with Marcus Camby - he was solid on defense but also pulled down 17 rebounds and three blocks for Portland. I know history seems to be on their side, too - game one winners have gone on to win best-of-seven series 79% of the time since 1947. When the ball is with Steve Nash, the Suns and the stars are aligned since that's when they perform best and win games - when they are in control. The Phoenix Suns are on notice.

Charlotte Bobcats vs. Orlando Magic (Magic leads 1-0)

It was the nerves. If you don't keep them at bay in any playoff series in any sport, the opposition will eat you for dinner. That's what happened to Charlotte in the first half of their opener against Orlando. The Bobcats were trailing by 22 points early in the second half before the tag team of Gerald Wallace and Raymond Felton took over. Felton hit 2 free throws and got the Bobcats as close as four with less than four minutes left. Scoring pretty good on the excitement meter for the first time the Bobcats have ever played in the post season. Think back to what your coach told you in grade school: when you see your opponent is playing nervous apply pressure and watch the fireworks. Especially in the playoffs. And it didn't help when Stephen Jackson was pushing through the first three quarters with the pain of a knee injury. He finished with 18 points and 9 rebounds and played less than three minutes of the fourth quarter with a hyper extended left knee. Yikes. Another key to this game? Jameer Nelson. He had 14 points in the first half and dropped a buzzer-beating 35-foot bomb giving a 59-43 lead to the Magic. I think this made Orlando fans forget Vince Carter's shooting woes - 4 for 19 - even if just for a minute. Charlotte needs to just worry about their defense first and re-group if they are going to steal a game or two in this series.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma Thunder (Lakers lead 1-0)

I saved the best for last. You know from being with me for the season, the Lakers have been my team since the beginning of my time on this earth. This is not the reason I picked them to win this year but the fact they have more depth and experience than the Cavs. Sure, I have been told by many they would love to see Lebron win one. I love Lebron, don't get me wrong but I have said it before and I will say it again. I don't believe championships should be won for one player or by one player - it's no fun that way. The best TEAM deserves to win. And the Lakers have all the ingredients. We were talking history when discussing the Blazers and Suns, so I will throw out another little bit out there for you. When Phil Jackson's team wins Game 1 of any length of series, he is 44-0 (Chicago 24-0 and Lakers 20-0). Nice right? But also look at their defensive intensity and how Bynum comes off a 13 game absence with a strained Achilles' tendon and finished with 13 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks while on the floor for a collective 30 minutes. They have to watch their rhythm, though. The Lakers should have put up more points on the board to take the first game by more than a score of 87-79. Kobe can't be happy with his performance - he was 7 for 12 from the free throw line and 6 for 19 on shooting. Not good. The Lakers will need to watch their turnovers in transition and keep up their intensity through 4 quarters or else the Thunder may squeak out a game or two.

Raptors Rewind- 500 Edition???

Raptors are as healthy as they have been in awhile. Jose Calderon returns coming off the bench and Hedo Turkoglu returns to the starting line-up. Raptors early in the season had teams sitting waiting for them and more often than not they would get punished. The script has flipped for Toronto as they are the team that has been sitting and waiting for the Magic. Although given how they have played the Magic this season, some might say it is waiting fo impending doom. Although the Magic as I said earlier today come in not playing their best with a loss to Indiana that not that long ago were crushed by the Knicks. Jay Triano has said he plans to use Calderon at the end of quarters and start of quarters to allow him to get extra rest at the quarter breaks. However the start of the first quarter it will be Jarrett Jack. Game on for the battle for the starting point guard spot. Raptors have never been close to beating Orlando this year. Will they tonight? Let's find out!!!

1st Quarter

The tap was misfire(Not a Gilbert Arenas Joke) so they get a redo and Magic win the tip. Both teams fail to score on opening possession. D-12 opens up the score sheet with 2 inside. Nelson the jumper over Jack and it was 4-0. Raps could not buy a basket early on offense. Jack the drive and score to open up the books for the Raps. Bargnani a nice spin move and D-12 gets called on the goaltend count the basket. D-12 and CB4 Olympic team buddies trade hoops 7-6 Magic. The Magic would get rolling and the plan was pass in to the big kid. V.C and Nelson both would hook up Howard for hoops. Magic doubling up the Raptors 12-6. Bosh took a shot in the nose as he went to block a shot. Barnes hit him in the nose and he would check out with a blood nose and hopefully nothing else. It was an offensive foul on Barnes. Raps with no CB4 only down 15-10. Demar Derozan cuts it to 3 with a jumper over V.C. Vince tries to answer the rookie on the other end and misses. Amir Johnson on the feed from Hedo would make the lead just 1.

Chris Bosh is o.k and back on the floor so was Antonie Wright hitting a jumper to give the Raps the lead for first time tonight 16-15. Barnes would hit a runner to get the Magic back on top 20-18. Wright with a shoulder sleeve was making shots hitting again to tie it at 20. He got banged up in the win over the Spurs is the word. Calderon on floor for first time with Raps down 22-21. First possession was a offensive 3 second call so no really feel for Jose yet. V.C would score plus an and 1 foul and Magic lead 25-21. A travel call and 2 turnovers with Jose at the controls. Not his fault thought just odd timing. Bosh hit his first points since checking back in with a nice jumper. Wright for 3 on the Calderon pass does not fall and Raps trail 27-23. Not great but not terrible for the first.

2nd Quarter

Magic shooting a blistering 62% and Raps around 55% in that opening frame. J.J Redick hits a 3 and is fouled. Raptors would battle back and score on back to back trips 31-27 Magic. Jose was looking sold on the offensive end and hooked up Bosh with a score and lead was down to just 2. Calderon a 3 ball Uno Dose and all that and Raps were in the lead 32-31. Back to back 3's Hedo hits and Raps largest lead of the night 35-31. Calderon was looking solid in his return early on. Jose would find Marco and he hit a running fading jumper. Marco plays the playmaker passing to team Italy and Bargnani score the GOOOOAALLLL!!! Raps were looking solid and had a lead.

Jack was back and safe to say a successful first appearance for Calderon. Sonny Weems would score and make the lead 6....Lewis 3 -Ball would cut that in half. Dwight Howard would score and lead was suddenly to 1. Marco Belinelli the drive and score Raps on top 43-40. Bargnani with some nice play on D getting a block on Superman. A traveling call on Dwight Howard with Bosh on him in the paint and the lead was still 3 for the Raptors. Jarrett Jack stole the ball and had to wait for the other 4 guys to realize he had. They would and he would find Bargnani and he would hit the lead was 47-42. Jose back in hitting a jumper and Raps looking good. Point guard controversy well not on this play...Calderon to Jack and he draws the foul. Raptors had their largest lead of night at 51-44. New Jack 3 ball!!! THE LEAD IS 10!!! 11-2 Raptors run. Nope it was only a 2 but Raps were rolling. Bargnani makes the lead 56-45. Raptors were looking solid and Magic were looking like a struggling basketball team. Raptors would lead 58-49 at the half and an impressive half it was. Great D in that quarter as Magic Shooting % nose dived to 44% while Raps climbing to 61%.

3rd Quarter

Great 2nd quarter from the Raptors could they keep it rolling? It was kind of odd Stan Van Gundy wasn't even freaking out. Hedo would hit a 3 ball and Raptors lead was 12 the largest of the night. DD a sweet jumper in rhythm and lead back to 12. Howard made a couple free throws than a sloppy turnover from CB$ and Magic were back to single digits down 8. Raps would get it back to 10 and V.C looked to make a 3 but no dice and V.C's shooting struggles continued. Demar Derozan hits one and he was 5 for 5 and he has 10..Raptors have largest lead on the night of 14. Raptors in control with the score 69-55.

Chris Bosh was not having a particularly great night with 2 misses he was shooting 4 for 10. Lewis would hit a big 3 ball for Orlando and he would make it back to back 3's taking a 12 point Raptor lead and cutting it in half to 6. After a Jay Triano time out a clutch 3 pointer from Jarrett Jack Raptors lead 72-63. After that Demar Derozan a jumper for 2 and he was 6 for 6 on the night all via the jump shot. Maybe that was why Vince Carter got a tech not long after or maybe it was that V.C was just struggling. Whatever the case V.C would have a seat. Chris Bosh would sucker Dwight Howard into a foul his 4th and he is frustrated as well and he was teched up as well. Raps would make all 3 foul shots and it was 78-64 Raptors. Bosh a slam and blows by Dwight who was still in the game with 4 fouls. Howard would pick up his 5th foul before the Quarter ended and that is HUGE!!! Raptors leading 82-68. Raptors would close quarter with a 18 point lead.

4th Quarter

Flat out the Raptors were kicking Magic butt. The Crowd booed the Magic off the floor at the end of the 3rd. Raptors were looking very good. A little slippage and an open Redick 3 and the lead was 12. Bosh would answer with a loud slam dunk on the feed from Jose. But back to back baskets by Brandon Bass and Magic had cut the lead to 10. Jay Triano called a time out and it was needed. Triano had been calling good time outs tonight. Something I have got on him in the past about is waiting to long. However tonight he has been on the money in when he has used his time outs.

Teams trade misses out of the time out. Bargnani a clutch 3 after a bad miss in the paint. Back to back 3's and credit Bargnani with 3 and Calderon with the dime the lead back to 16. Magic were desperate and have gone to Howard with 5 fouls with still over 7 and half to play. V.C was also back in the mix recovered from his hissy fit in the 3rd. Magic were making a final push and were shooting free throws down 101-90. They would make both and the lead was 9 with 4:20ish to play. Magic would continue to push and had the lead cut to 6 points with 2:49 to go. Another time out from Triano and this one I might have pulled trigger a little sooner. Magic were out scoring Raps 27-15 and charging hard. down 101-95. The good Raptor defense was not evident in this 4th quarter. Raptors were hanging on for dear life up 101-97 with 2 minutes to play. Jack a missed 3 from the corner. On the Defensive end Andrea Bargnani would foul out with 1:17 to go. The lead was down to just 2 points. Hedo Turkoglu would draw a foul and head to the line for 2 with a minute to go. Hedo was clutch hitting both. Raptors lead was 103-99. That was first time the Raps had been to the line in the forth quarter. David Stern is not happy these days so I will just leave it at that. I don't want to be first ever blogger to be fined not named Arenas. Magic would score and cut lead back to just 2. A big out of bounds call would go the Raps way and Jack would get fouled and head to the line for 2 and he would only hit the first. Magic were down 3 with 16 seconds to play. Redick would get a good look at 3 but he missed it and Bosh the rebound. Bosh is fouled and makes a pair at the line which should ice this one. Redick would hit a layup and Marco Belinelli would be fouled make his free throws and it was done. Raptors win and reach .500.with a 108-103 win.

The 4th quarter was not good but in the end Raptors found a way to hang on and get the W. Back to back wins over the Spurs and Magic is impressive no matter how you cut it. Raptors showed a lot of fight in this one and as they look ahead to the Sixers they have a legit chance to get over .500 on Friday.

Oh No!!! Orlando

Raptors head into this one well rested and and winners of 6 of the last 7. In short there are no excuses and add that Jose Calderon is likely to return off the bench tonight. Minus a surprise Reggie Evans return it will be all hands on deck. Although he is on the trip for the record. However the point is the Raptors have everything going there way heading into this one. Orlando on the other hand lost to the Pacers last night. The same Pacers that got blown out by the Knicks. Safe to say Stan Van Gundy is even grumpier than usual and you can expect a better effort from the Magic tonight. If not you can expect high entertainment watching Van Gundy just lose his mind on the sidelines. You can have your Phil Jackson or whatever coach you choose. I love Stan Van Gundy as a coach. He was robbed of a chance at a ring in Miami by Pat Riley. However he just moved upstate and kept on keeping on. Maybe it is, as frustrated as I get and Raptors fans get, I can relate to Stan Van Gundy. He wears his emotions on his sleeve and is never happy with his team. Good is not good enough in Stan Van Gundy's world. A motto that the Raptors should embrace moving forward.

Orlando has had little trouble dusting off the Raptors 3 times this season, the first two in Toronto with not a full roster. They have at times punished the Raptors from beyond the 3 point line. Raptors have not been the 3 point shooting crazy team as in the past. They still have shooters but not to the level that Orlando does. Raptors still have ability to make the 3 ball but a number of the people they count on to make that shot have not been hitting it. Jose Calderon and his return should help in that to some degree.

He will likely be playing limited minutes in a reserve roll for the first little while. Jack remains the starter and the point guard debate will simmer till Calderon is deemed back to game shape. The wild card in this debate will be Chris Bosh. Not saying he will decide it. However it is dumb to think he does not have an opinion on this. Also dumb would be think that it does not play a factor. But for those that think Calderon needs to be traded that makes little sense as well. Marcus Banks may be playing over expectations. However the bar of those expectations was set low, it seems to build up what he has done to a level higher than it probably is. Banks has been good for the most part and most of that on the defensive end. Offense for me has been hit or miss. However for my money I am not ready to see Marcus Banks as the full time back-up to Jack, Jose can be good regardless of his role. Unless you don't buy into the fact he is a great team guy as many over the years have said. I have no reason to believe that and think Jose and Jack for that matter will except whatever choice Jay Triano eventually makes.

It is hard to imagine the Raptors will some how find the answer to solve the Magic. They just have not really been close to doing that this season. If the Raptors are to have any chance they need to get D-12 in foul trouble. That at least will help to some degree. Dwight is almost as big a factor on defense as he is on the O. In fact against the Raptors he may be more important on D. We all remember that playoff series where Dwight was blocking everything that moved. The Raptors get easily persuaded to becoming a jump shooting team when you have D-12 prowling around the basket.

The Raptors did shake a monkey off their back though with that win over the Spurs. They had not beat a quote "Elite Team" since knocking off Cleveland on opening night. They are rested and will get the boost (Most likely) of a Calderon return. It is a chance to get to .500 again. That is the major hump to cross for the Raptors to get away from the bottom feeders in the East. However I will not hold my breath waiting to exhale for a win tonight. If these teams hook up again in the playoffs it is hard to imagine the Raptors coming out on top. The Magic beating the Raptors in their last playoff match-up was the start of the Magic rise to being one of the elite teams in the East and they should be for years to come.

Welcome To Miami

They say life is about timing, well the same can be true in sports. The Raptors have the misfortune of being the team to play Miami after they get blown about by the Memphis Grizzlies. Much like when the Raptors got embarrassed in Atlanta has happened in Miami. They had the team meeting and the star in D-Wade just listening it all sounds familiar. The Raptors came out of their meeting like a different basketball team and pulled off 3 straight wins. The Heat have in general come back to the pack. They lost a close one in L.A on the road to the Lakers. It seems as that might have sucked the wind out of this team. Quinton Richardson has found new life in Miami but may not be in the line-up tonight. Oh and that players meeting was called for by Jermaine O'Neal. He has had a bounce back year in Miami and you wonder where was this leadership when he was in Toronto. The J.O trade was one of the worst ones for the Raptors in recent memory. Not just because of J.O for T.J Ford but for Roy Hibbert for Nathan Jawai. Hibbert is starting to look like a guy on his way to a solid career in the NBA. While Nathan Jawai was a nice guy but is just hanging on in terms of being in the NBA in Minnesota.

So it is safe to say you can expect a fired up Miami Heat team looking to bounce back from a terrible performance. The one good thing is in the win vs Houston Toronto got off to a fast start. They will need to answer the bell again tonight to match Miami's intensity. The Raps will also need to do an effective job at guarding the perimeter. The Heat have a lot of weapons beyond the arc. The Raptors are coming off one of their best performances in terms of 3 point terms of 3 point defense.

Both teams are 4-6 in their last 10 games and the Raptors at 11-15 sit just 2 games behind Miami that who are 11-11 and in 5th in the East. When you think about all the issues the Raptors have struggled through they are still just 2 games out of 5th place. Not bad when you consider for most Raptor fans that are realistic that was the high end goal. Although the way the season has played up so far that would win you a 7 games series with Lebron James. It seems clear there is a major divide in the Eastern Conference between 4th and 5th. The Raptors should be good enough to compete with the teams 5-15 in the East. The prospects for making the playoffs still look good. The prospects for advancing once you get there look bleak. That being said this is December and there is a long way to go. Still games vs Miami could be meaningful in April and the Raps already have 1 win against the Heat this year and if they could steal a second on the road it may mean a lot down the line. Miami has not been a good home team at just 6-7 on their home floor.

This is the opening half of a back to back for the Raptors and they face a Magic team that has had no trouble getting 2 wins up in Toronto in November. The Magic struggled their way to a win over the Pacers last night. They eventually would come out on top 106-98. The Magic have managed to keep the train on the tracks without Nelson at point guard. The Raptors have also been getting by without Jose Calderon thanks to some great play by Jarrett Jack.

The Raptors have some games they can and should win coming up on the schedule and could if they get thing together finish December strong and get close to that .500 mark if all goes well. But in order for that to be a realistic goal they need to get a split on this Florida back to back. It seems that Miami is the easier of those 2 to get despite the fact the Heat will be "fired up". The Raptors have been inconsistent at the best of times this year and they really need to develop some consistency if they want to jump to the front of the rest of the pack in the East. The team or teams that do will at least have a chance to avoid Orlando or Boston in the first round of the Playoffs. At least that is how it is looking in December. You never know what could come around the corner. If the Cavs lost Lebron for example for any amount of time they would be toast. But bottom line of it all for the Raps is as bad as things have been they have not really cost themselves anything in terms of being off target for where most people saw them finishing. Home court in the playoffs is likely already likely gone but a good position in the playoffs is still in sight. Just because it is December does not change that some games mean more than others and tonight is one of those.

The Dino Nation Blog Presents BET THAT

It is time for the long awaited debut of "BET THAT". This is meant to be a fun thing and is inspired by Reggie Evans who often will reply on Twitter @ReggieEvans30 "BET THAT". Unless otherwise stated these are all the thoughts of the Dino Nation Blogger not Reggie or someone else. These are not all serious and should be taken in the spirit of fun. Hopefully you will enjoy it and most of all hopefully Reggie does or I am in big trouble...LOL. First off a loose definition on what bet that means as near as I can figure. One day we will get an exact definition from the man himself.

Bet That- It may be an adjective that means something is very good or is a dead lock.

So here we go....

ON Reggie's Injury-

All Raptor fans want to see Reggie back on the floor so the can chant...REGGIE...REGGIE...BET THAT!!!

When he does come back he will have an impact and the Raptors will be tougher....BET THAT!!!

If Reggie could have a bionic foot he would have already been out there kicking butt with it...BET THAT!!!

On The Magic and V.C

The ACC will rain boos down on V.C....BET THAT!!!

Why is Dwight Smiling? Cause he doesn't have to face Reggie...Even Superman fears Reggie Evans...BET THAT!!!

Raps need to guard the 3 point line....BET THAT...TIMES 2!!!

Let's Go Raptors...V.C Sucks....BET THAT!!!

Stan Van Gundy win or lose will look disgusted with at least 50 things he sees today....BET THAT!!!

Reggie vs _______

If Reggie went up for a rebound against King Kong and Godzilla. Reggie gets the rebound...BET THAT!!!

Back in the day Barney is lucky he faced Barkley and not Reggie on SNL...because Reggie would have beat him down far worse....BET THAT!!!

If Reggie had his own show Reggie vs. It would be better than Shaq's silly show....BET THAT!!!

Marv Albert should consider hiring Reggie Evans to be his Body Guard....BET THAT!!!

When Reggie returns we predict for the people who have to face him in the words of Clubber Lang...PAIN...BET THAT!!!

Around The NBA

Nets need a win bad....BET THAT!!! They just lost to the Knicks.

Brandon Jennings is the Rookie of the Year...BET THAT!!!

OKC is for REAL...BET THAT!!!

ATL is lousy sports town....BET THAT!!! Go support your Hawks

So that is your first installment of the Reggie Evans inspired BET THAT. Now that you know how it goes if you want to contribute your own ideas to BET THAT....Tweet me your BET THAT on my Twitter account and you may see your BET THAT in the next one of these we do this. You will get credit for anything that is yours. Thanks to Reggie for allowing me to use his expression and hopefully make a fun blog that people will enjoy almost as much as they love Reggie Evans. Get well soon Reggie and get out there and knock some people on their butt...BET THAT!!!

Orlando Burning Down The House

Jay Triano in the inside look into training camp talks about this concept of a house and guarding it. Well that works well until people with grenade launcher come along, they can still blow-up your house. You can have the best security system money can buy. That won't help. Raptors perimeter defense was terrible as they gave up 51 points from behind the 3 point line. Chris Bosh was fantastic in the loss and has been for all 3 games. He had 35 points and 16 rebounds and has looked like a guy on a mission. The trouble is that mission may become to get out of Toronto if the Raptors do not start taking advantage of his performances. He shot 50% and got to the line 19 times. Still some will not be happy with him. Chris Bosh alone can not make the Raptors better on the defensive end and how often he responsible for guarding a 3 point shooter? We have all heard that there is all of these new faces and it is going to take time. However how much time to the Raptors realistically have? If the Raptors do not find ways to win fast the noise about Bosh and 2010 will get louder and louder. The Orlando Magic were playing without 3 of their main guys in Carter, Pietrus and Lewis. There was never going to be an easier chance to beat the Magic for the Raptors. Maybe that is why they did not play well in the first half. However whatever it was it made the climb back far to hard and the Raptors lost 125-116.

Andrea Bargnani was the symbol of that first half to the second half in terms of play and effort. He was terrible in the first half and unreal in the second. Having a few brutal turnovers in the first half and then later on nailing clutch 3 point shots in the 4th. I think Andrea talent wise has turned the corner and it is now up to him to bring that talent night in and night out. Including a more balanced effort. He had 26 points most in the second half and in total just 4 rebounds which is not good. Granted Bosh grabbing 16 rebounds will cut down on chances to get rebounds. Hedo Turkoglu in playing his former team also looked like a tale of two halves as well. He had 19 points and just 3 rebounds with a couple blocks and a steal. He played over 40 minutes which shows that at least Jay Triano is trusting him to be ready to play. He still seems to be finding his way and fitting into the mix.

It was not a great night for Calderon or Jack in any meaningful way. Jose had 10 points and 6 assists and Jack just 5 points and only 2 assists. A far cry from the nights that T.J Ford and Calderon produced as a tandem. Jameer Nelson turned the corner in his career at the hands of Calderon and Ford in the playoffs. He is Jose Calderon's daddy as Yankees are to Pedro. 30 points and 5-9 from 3 point range and 5 assists. He is to quick and just owns the match-up. The point guard play from both Jack and Calderon needs to be better. On both ends of the floor. Jack did make his first 3 pointer as a Raptor today but we need a lot more from J-Jack and Calderon.

In terms of Demar Derozan he scored 8 and had 3 boards in under 20 minutes. He like everyone else has to pick it up on the guarding the 3 point stripe. However if anyone gets a bit of a pass early on it should be Demar as he needs others to be doing the right things if he is suppose to know what his role is on D. He has had little flashes in games where he has let everyone know he is out there. In time hopefully those moments become more frequent. Heir Canada did not get to meet Air Canada today, but all in good time.

Speaking of Vince I wish he had been there to see something in this game. Chris Bosh and Dwight Howard are very close friends. But Bosh did not hug his buddy, he fouled him hard and even had a verbal exchange with him afterwords. Can't tell you how many time I watched Vince Carter laugh and chuckle his way through an NBA game here in Toronto and after. You can be buddies with guys and still bring it hard at them. So often you get comparisons between Bosh and Carter especially with all this 2010 talk. That little incident is an example in the difference between the two. I'll take the attitude of the guy wearing #4 over the guy not wearing 15(today) any day.

The Raptors showed everyone that may have doubts about them that they can be good in the game versus Cleveland. However in the games since they have shown all those full of optimism just what all of those doubters were and are concerned about. Detroit is up next and these are not you daddy's Pistons. This is one of the teams like the Raptors that could finish anywhere from 5th right on down to about 12th. The Raptors must step up and give a full 48 minutes and not be trying to come from behind after failing to answer the bell early. Yes it is very early in the season but given the high stakes the Raptors have this season they can not afford to give anything away to anyone. Could the Raps have won with the same effort in the 2nd half had they matched it in the first? We will never know but you have to think they would have had a good chance. When J.J Redick is scoring 27 and it is not a tape of him playing at Duke....there is a problem.

Raps need to solve the problem fast or their will be no house left to defend and the house that is the ACC will turn into an ugly place in a hurry. Raptor fans are great but are not going to be patient for much longer and they will demand more and deserve more. About the only thing they are getting that they deserve is a heck of a performance from Chris Bosh. Shame that a few do not appreciate that...but if things do not change they will when Bosh comes in as a visitor. The playoffs and making them is one thing but the Raptors have more on the line than that this season. A lot MORE!!

All Aboard The Raptor Coaster Again

What can we expect today vs the Orlando Magic? For 15 years now people have been trying to tell you what to expect game in and game out. The trouble is the Raptors have seldom been predictable at any point in their history. Fitting that in their 15 season they start with a very unexpected win and follow that up with perhaps just as unexpected a loss in the very next game. If it has not driven you totally insane by this point it likely never will. Speaking of being driven insane, Vince Carter you remember him right? He is questionable with a sprained ankle for this one. If Vince doesn't play Raptor fans will not be surprised as he never fought through injuries here. If he does that will only add to the fire for fans to boo and hiss at him. Vince no matter what he does will always lose in the eyes of most Raptor fans. He was as big a part of that unpredictability of this Raptor team. Same thing goes for Vince as a visitor. Some nights he has used the jeers to motivate him to do some amazing things. On other night the fans of Toronto got into his head and he was terrible. When a video game makes not of fans booing a player you know it is something that is going to last forever.

The cover boy of that same video game is Dwight Howard. He is good friends with Chris Bosh that dates back to Bosh's one year at Georgia Tech. A high school star in Atlanta area Dwight use to hang out at Georgia Tech around the team. A pity for the Yellow Jackets that Dwight went straight from high school to the pros. Something that you can not do these days. The two have had some classic battles in one game both Bosh and Howard had career highs in a Raptor victory. Howard has lost to Bosh more than he has won in his NBA career. However in the lone playoff series between the two it was all Dwight and the Magic winning in just 5 games. Both did win a gold medal together and they likely will always be tied together for their entire career. Dwight last year made it all the way to the NBA finals playing alongside Hedo Turkoglu who now plays with Bosh as we all know.

Maybe this is the spark Hedo needs to get on track. Thus far Hedo has been for a lot of folks at least early a disappointment. Perhaps playing the team that did not feel he was worthy of big money will motivate him. Otis Smith his former G.M said that Portland should feel fortunate that Hedo left them standing at the alter. Given what we have soon early from Hedo perhaps Otis had a point. Time will tell but I was never a huge fan of the idea of a 5 year 53 million dollar deal. However my concerns were more about the tail end of the contract not the start. Now I am just generally concerned as Hedo has yet to fully look like the guy that was huge for the Magic in a run to the NBA finals.

I would love to tell you I know is what is going to happen today. But the truth is when it comes to the Raptors as it has been for 15 years we all have just been guessing. We all do our best to make "educated" guesses but with this Raptor team as they have proved so many times and in their first two game... you truly never know what is going to happen. That is maybe what makes Raptor fans some of the most crazy yet loyal fans in the NBA and all of sports. The Raptors are a team that at many points in the 15 years they have now played in the NBA you never really know what you are going to get. Forrest Gump would have loved to be a Raptor fan because they truly are the NBA equivalent of that box of chocolates.