Raptors Play Big Role In Philly's Playoff Destiny

The Raptors are as close as we could say to on a roll this season. That is the opposite of the team they face tonight. The Sixers for most of this season have sat on top on the Atlantic Division after a great start to this shortened schedule this year. Until just recently when that team of old guys in Boston started playing good basketball. It is as predictable as the leaves budding on the trees at this time of of year. The Sixers have won just four of their last 10 games. That said they still have an impressive home record of 19-10. The price of the Celtics passing the Sixers is high. Sixers went from a winnable first round match-up with Orlando to having to face Miami. They are a game and half back of both the Celtics and Hawks to avoid that first round trip to South Beach.

So the Raptors get to be in the roll of spoiler. The Sixers and Hawks both have two games left with the Raptors and if the Raptors were to surprise either team it could have a major impact on their playoff outlooks. Raptors will play the Sixers again a week from tonight at the ACC. They will play the Hawks in a home and home and back to back on April 15th and 16th. In those reverse standing the Raptors moved past the Nets and out of the basement of the Atlantic Division last night with their win over the Bobcats. It could lead to a very interesting final game of the season with the Raptors and Nets with both teams not exactly motivated to win.

Games in which both Andrea Bargnani and Demar DeRozan have been firing on all cylinders have been rare in the three years since DeRozan has been here but we did get to see that last night. In terms of the Sixers Jrue Holiday and Andre Iguodala have traditionally played well against the Raptors in their career. Another name you might want to add to that list is Thaddeus Young. The Raptors are in the midst of playing 5 games in 7 days so it is only going get tougher as it goes along.

3 Keys: 

Stop Penetration: Jrue Holiday will look to attack the paint. keep him out of their and play strong in the post. Sixers have only a few options to make the long ball so even the use of zone makes sense tonight for the Raptors.

Transition Offense: Both of these teams like to get out and run in transition. The team that does the best in this regard should have a big leg up in winning the game.

D is Key: Raptors D has not been spectacular despite two wins. It will need to be good tonight to beat this team. 

62 Ways To Get Your Butt Kicked In Philly

Think of the worst Saturday Night you had in your life. You got a clear picture of it in your mind? This game in Philadelphia might be worse than that. Jack Armstrong's jokes and funniness were the only things that would keep you sane at times. This was poorly played basketball game by both teams in the beginning and by the end just one team and that team was the Raptors. As bad as the Raptors were vs the Nets this was perhaps 10 times worse. Raptors failed to score 20 or more points in any quarter and had a season low 62 points. I thought the K.O comparisons were over but maybe not. K.O did manage to kill offence even worse than this. Three times under K.O the Raptors scored less or the same as tonight. The low mark a 73-56 classic loss to Minnesota on November 1st 2003 who ironically the Raptors play Monday. Also on my birthday (November 23rd) of that same year they only scored 62 points in a 82-62 loss to the Bucks. There was also a 60 point game as well that year. Andrea Bargnani scored 21 of the 62 points meaning the rest of the entire roster only managed 41 points in 4 quarters. Raptors as a team shot only 31.8%. Take Bargnani away and the Raptors shot 19-66 which is 28.7%. The Raptors failed to rebound last night but did improve on that tonight it was just everything else that sucked.

Rather than go through the blow by blow of this game which may cause people to lose their will to read. The Game although very hard to watch was close at times. The Raptors would actually come out of halftime and cut the Sixer lead down to 3. Doug Collins would call a time out and before you could blink the Raptors were down 12 and basically done from that point moving forward. Sixers outscored the Raptors 56-28 in the second half. It was awful and ugly.

The Raptors have picked the worst possible time to go cold as the chances of improving during this stretch of games is going to be tough from a physical stand point. Casey saying his team had effort but just gave in physically is not what you want to hear when the team is on the verge of the dreaded back to back to back. People were half joking and half fearful in wondering just how bad it would look by the end of this stretch of 7 games in 9 days when the Raptors face the Bulls and Pacers.

In a game like this one there is any number of players you could blame for it. But when you perform as a unit so horrible on offence really to single out individuals would be pointless. They as a collective group wearing red jerseys were awful. On a night where you wondered how the Raptors would respond they simply didn't.

If there are many more games like this one the Raptors may just make even their most loyal and passionate fans look away. There was nothing pretty about that performance in Philly. Safe to say the Raptors days of being a .500 team for this season are done. I will doubt they can ever get back to that mark again this season. Raptors improved defence has gone away to a great degree. Casey said he was seeing signs of how the Raptors played last season but even last season they could score some points. This season was never suppose to be fun and it is looking like it will be much as it was advertised, after the Raptors teased us with some reason to hope. Watching that game last night left you feeling hopeless.

So hopeless that is the original draft I forgot to post the final score which was 97-62 Sixers.

Philadelphia's Finest

Many felt the Eagles would be on their bye week waiting to see who they would play in the playoffs. The "Dream Team" of football was a flop. The Phillies never made it to the World Series. For the purposes of research I am told the Flyers are in 4th in NHL's Eastern Conference. The team on top of their Division and the best team in Philadelphia with no Allen Iverson required is the Philadelphia 76ers. Perhaps they are not that. However it is true that Sixers lead the Atlantic Division thanks in part to slow starts from the Knicks and Celtics. But Doug Collins after a very rough start in Philly last season has not looked back since.

Sixers started the season with a very long road trip that covered a lot of miles. They managed to survive it and come out of it with a 3-2 record. They just had their home opener last night if you can believe that and took care of business whacking the Pistons 96-73. The recipe for wins is one of a team philosophy. The Sixers have 6 players averaging 10 points or more through 6 games played. A major reason for there success has been the development of Jrue Holiday. He had a rough night scoring last night vs the Pistons with just 5 points but he dropped 9 dimes to keep the offence humming along.

So here are 3 points to consider for tonight's game vs Sixers.

Rebound, Rebound, Rebound: The Raptors would have had an easy win over the Nets last night if they just did their job on the glass. Any defence even the schemes used by Dwane Casey can be exposed if you fail to finish off defensive possessions with rebounds. Nets got on the offensive glass and did a solid job. Sixers have the people on the roster to do the same.

Work on Holiday: Deron Williams did damage last night to the Raptors defensive effort. He made Jose Calderon a weak link in the chain. Jrue Holiday is capable of doing the same. The Raptors must do a better job of stopping him at the point of attack. If they do not it will be a race to recover the rest of the possession.

Bounce Back For Raptors Duo: Demar DeRozan was MIA last night. Andrea Bargnani looked a lot like the Andrea Bargnani from the last 6 years and not the 6 games of this season. Bottom line is the Raptors need to have both of these guys to perform if they are going to have a chance to beat anyone. There is a drop off once you get past these two in terms of scoring. Both need to step up and do their share on offence while doing there part of the other end of the floor.

This will be a big game not in terms of if the Raptors win or loss but how they respond after what was by all accounts their worst effort of the season last night.

Better Effort, Same Result

Raptors had no Bargnani,Calderon, Amir Johnson or Barbosa. But showed more fight then they had in awhile. All the details in audio form with yours truly.

Here is that boxscore I mentioned with all the stat goodies for you stat junkies.

Playing Out String In Philly

Raptors road woes are well documented (6-33 on the Road) that being said this is one of the few places on the NBA map the Raptors have won. But that was early in the season (94-86 Win on Nov 17 2010), and that was a much different Sixers team. After a very slow start to the season Doug Collins has turned this thing around. Some even say he deserves to win the Coach of the Year Award. I am not one of those. But he has done a solid job turning the Sixers into a playoff team once again. Raptors have been without Andrea Bargnani 4 of the last 6 games and when he has been in there it really hasn't done anything. If it was my call I would just shut him down for rest of season. Let Ed Davis play and gobble up the extra minutes. Jose Calderon returned the last game and again I would rather see Jerryd Bayless at this point. Raptors should just play the kids and honestly should have been doing it for a long time. This team could easily make it to 60 losses on the season. They play Philly tonight, Nets on Sunday, Bucks on Monday and close it out with Heat on Wednesday. It stopped being about winning a long time ago.

The Basics: Raptors 21-57 (Lost 6 straight on Road) Philadelphia 40-39 (1/2 game behind Knicks for 6th in East)

When Last We Saw Them: The Raptors lost to the worst team in the NBA in the Cavs and trailed by as many as 22 the less we say about this game the better.

The Key Match Ups: Jrue Holiday is the key match-up for the Raptors to figure out. His improvement has been a big part of this Sixers turnaround. In a new system this season he has been able to shine. The Eddie Jordan Princeton offence was not a good fit for him or the Sixers. Be it Calderon or Bayless there needs to be an improvement on defensive end. Jodie Meeks can be a deadly 3 point shooter at times he is averaging 41% on the season. Raptors defence of the three point line has been a joke for most of the season. When ever you see Toronto vs Philly the name Andre Iguodala comes to the forefront. He still remembers Rob Babcock for passing on him in the draft and often is very motivated to come out and show Raptor fans what they missed out on.

Other Things Of Note: Your Ping Pong Ball Standings down the stretch:

• 1. Minnesota 17-62 --
• 2. Cleveland 17-61 (1/2 Game Back)
• 3.Washington/Toronto 21-57 (4 1\2 Games back)
• 5. New Jersey 24-54 ( 7 1/2 Games Back)

So with a loss the or a Nets win the Raptors would enter the Draft Lottery no worse than 4th and meaning the lowest they could pick is 7th. By winning the season series with Cleveland it would put 2nd out of reach. So really if you want to scoreboard watch you are looking for Washington wins down the stretch. Basically Raptors will enter the lottery 3rd or 4th it looks like.

Where Is It On? Sportsnet 1 (Stick around after to watch the Jays a team that is WINNING)

Nothing New, Despite Some New Bodies.

Really this game had all the elements I would have expected in a loss to the Sixers. Jrue Holiday played well. Andrea Iguodala had steals and slams and Lou Williams hit some big time 3's. Not even the Sixers or a 9 game losing streak can stop the development of Demar DeRozan. Sixers had 7 players in double figures including all 4 players they used off the bench. Raptors had no answer for Marreese Speights and just in general were allowing to many easy buckets in the paint.

As for the new Raptors at least on first glance I predict Trey Johnson will not last for a 2nd contract for 10 days if he plays like that. Just wasn't all that impressed but to be fair probably had a lot on of nerves for this one. He was 1-4 with 3 points and 2 turnovers in about 12 minutes and I was as I said under whelmed with the performance. As for Alexis Ajinca he barely saw the floor but it was long enough to get a dunk,steal, rebound and 2 fouls in under 6 minutes. Honestly hard to evaluate based on that but he does look big out there and like the fact he was not afraid to foul.

I think my greatest concern about this game was more the reaction to it. I live blogged it for The Score mobile and normally our audience is engaged and has tons to say during Raptor games. Last night there was hardly any of that and the result was almost expected by folks. Even myself I found that I personally have become numb to the losing. Raptors have the 2nd longest losing streak in the league at 9 games and Cleveland the only team worse as their losing streak sits at 18.

Raptors really only showed up on defence in 1st Quarter and after that the Sixers busted it wide open with easy transition points (30 fast break points) and easy points in the paint which was 56 points I believe.

Home or Away the Raptors can't seem to win anywhere of late. That was the 4th straight loss at home and it is just a case of a team that lacks the talent to compete night in and night out. The injuries have been costly with No Reggie Evans, Barbosa Klezia and until recently Weems. But still it doesn't take away from the frustration. Once the Sixers made the run to take the lead in the 2nd quarter you never had the impression that Raptors were going to win. It was the right impression as well as the Raptors didn't win losing 107-94 to Philly.

8 is MORE THAN ENOUGH!!!

After awhile you just forget what it was like when your team wins a game. If this happens you are in the middle of a long season. In case you forgot last time it happened it was against the Sacramento Kings on January 9th 2011. Since then the Raptors have not made it to the winner's circle. Although they have had some great efforts in attempting to do so. Tonight's opponent can relate to how the Raptors feel. The Sixers limped out of the gate but have battled there way to a playoff spot in the pitiful Eastern Conference. Doug Collins has been known as a guy that can make teams instantly better. He has never been a guy that has been able to lead a team to ultimate success though. But if you want a good coach to change the culture of your organization he has an excellent track record. The Raptors roster for tonight will be a bit of mystery and that is not new. Alexis Ajinca the latest Raptor did not practice with his new team yet and then you have you long list of injured, sick and recovering Raptors. Toronto does have a 2-0 series lead on the season. But those games came early in the year and roster is much different both in terms of health and the Raptors roster moves since.

The Basics: Philadelphia 19-25 (5-18 on Road) Raptors 13-32 (1-9 in Last 10)

When Last We Saw Them: This Happened (Be Advised Language in This Clip)....

Some how that makes this loss sting a little less. As you saw Rudy Gay hit a game winner and sunk the Raptors. It was the 8th straight loss and 3rd straight at home. Normally I will not post things with profanity but that was just to funny not too post f-bombs or not.

Key Match-Ups: Thankfully for the guy in that clip...no Rudy Gay to worry about. But there will be Jrue Holiday to deal with for Bayless or Jose depending on the status of Calderon. I admit I am surprised and how Holiday has developed. I remember he was one of the guys that got a lot of talk for the Raptors to select in his draft year. I was not a fan of the idea of him as Raptor. But he has proven me wrong. He may not be Russell Westbrook but he is pretty good to decent in his own right. Andre Iguodala has had a down year by his standards but he always seems to show up when he sees those Raptor Jerseys on the other end of the floor. Again depending on who is healthy they will have a tough time with him passed on his history against the Raptors alone. Also beware of Lou Williams coming off the bench he gets hot shooting and he could go off like a Mike Miller did to the Raptors.

Other Things Of Note: Sixers come in off wins over the Suns and Jazz after dropping a contest to Bobcats who sit just behind them is the Eastern Conference Playoff race. Sixers unlike the Raptors have had the good fortune of health having only 29 man games lost due to injury or suspension. After a 3-13 start the Sixers are 16-12 since.

I will be Liveblogging this game for The Score.com and ScoreMobile and you can join me by clicking this link as we will get rolling just about 10 minutes before 7pm. At that time will have all the roster news for this one.

Where Is It On? TSN 2 (Wayne Gretzky's Birthday is a National Holiday for TSN so this is understandable....Happy B-Day Wayne)

Raptors Keep Rolling.

So, while I watched the Miami Heat lose their 3rd straight, you were likely watching the Raptors try to win 4 straight. Adding a couple new people to the fold in Jerryd Bayless and Peja Stojakovic. This is a game that Raptors should feel they can win and have to win. Raptors took care of Sixers in Philly on the strength of a strong performance by Andrea Bargnani.

Two things about the start of this one. Bargnani was playing like a guy that knows no one on this team can guard him. While Reggie Evans was rebounding for Bargnani and himself with 7 rebounds in like the first 5 minutes of this one. Raptors with a 15-6 early lead and we even have a Jose Calderon steal and easy score as part of that. Jose with the Uno...Dose Etc and Raps are rolling early . Reggie was even scoring a little to go along with his ever rising rebound numbers. Sonny Weems wants in on the party, the turnover and SLAMMAGE. Raps already with 8 points off Philly turnovers and huge lead 30-16. Reggie Board count is at 10 and were not out of the first Quarter. Bayless in and nails a 3..Raptors up HUGE after 1 with a 33-18 lead. The Raptors would win the second quarter as well by 4 points and take a 19 point lead to the half, 15 as not been so popular since Vince Carter when we liked him. 15 points for Andrea Bargnani and a Raptor record 15 rebounds in a half for Reggie Evans. Raps were taken advantage of a team coming off an OT loss the night before.

The Sixers would make a bit of a run and Andre Iguodala slam would cut the Raptor lead to 14. One of the changes in Jay Triano that I have noticed, beyond colourful language at times, is better use of time outs. He takes one after that easy slam and it was a good one. Raps still had a 76-62 lead and were still well in command to this point. Raptors were a bit sloppy but the Sixers were not taking full advantage of it. Cue Reggie Evans? No Really. He got board 17 then on the offensive end the basket and 1 at the line. Raps lead was back to 19 with the score 81-62. Reggie was in range to threaten Marshall's team record of 24. Raps were moving the ball well all night. The latest example Weems a drive and kick out to Barbosa for the open 3 and the Raptors were up 87-67. A little slippage at the end the 3rd and Raptors took a 87-71 lead into the 4th. Pizza was looking probably at the ACC tonight and so was a win.

Oh Iggy Pop and he did to open the 4th. Babosa answers but then a Meeks 3 and Sixers had lead down to 13. Bayless with a 3 then a hustle play and a basket in transition. He had 13 in his debut. But Philly was getting their offence off as well but still down 13. The 4th quarter was not pretty to this point but Raptors were doing enough to stay comfortably in front. Andrea an ugly miss and then a turnover on a travel, the Raptors lead was just a dozen. Raptors had about 6 more minutes to survive to get this win. They were the much fresher team having not played since Sunday. While as mentioned last night Philly was taken to overtime and eventually lost. Raptors defence was leaky and that is being kind. With under 5 to play the lead was down to 10. Raptors got lead back to 12 on an Amir bucket. They had several chances to build on that but could not. Iguodala would head to the line with 3:40ish left and make a pair at the line to make it a 10 point lead again. The Sixers had never led in this one. Sixers had their chances to cut it to single digits but just could not break through. Both teams were struggling to score with 2:30 left. Bargnani would hit to make the lead a dozen again. Reggie Evans a big offensive board and Weems the score Raps were up 14. Reggie Evans also had 20 boards...by the time the dust settled he had 22 boards a career high for Reggie. But most importantly Raptors got a 106-90 win.

To put this is some perspective Reggie had over 50% of the Raptors rebounds in this game. To think he almost was a Bobcat. Many have assumed Reggie is very much in play with his expiring contract. However, can the Raptors really afford to trade him? Not to mention the leadership he has been showing. He called that meeting after that awful loss in Washington. Maybe Reggie Evans might be a Raptor a lot longer than some expect him to be. Someone tweeted to me imagine if Reggie was healthy last year. You just might have a totally different Raptor reality. Chris Bosh might not be Like A Bosh in Miami. He might still be a Raptor or maybe he wouldn't be. But considering the Raptors fell just 1 win shy of the playoffs, it is a safe bet this Reggie could have earned them at least 1 win if not a lot more. Did you see Jason Kapono tonight? He was inactive and clearly Reggie is MORE than ACTIVE!!!

Sixers and Raps in Another Basement Bowl

Welcome to Basement Bowl II . In the first Basement Bowl it was the Raptors vs the Bobcats and the Raptors found a way to lose. Now another contender for worst team in the East and in the NBA is here in the Philadelphia 76ers. Doug Collins was going to fix Philly and turn them into a playoff contender. Um...not so much. The Sixers are still terrible and Evan Turner has not exactly set the world on fire. Oh yes, not since Rocky fought Thunder Lips has there been this much excitement in Philadelphia.

The Basics: Sixers 2-9 (4 Gm Losing Streak) Raptors 2-9 (1-6 on the Road)

When Last We Saw Them: Raptors were embarrassed and humiliated in Washington more then the Democrats in the recent elections in the U.S. Least they held the Senate while the Raptors lost everything in this one. Weems was one of few Raptors that bothered to show up for work on this night. In the end it was a 109-94 final that was flattering to the Raptors.

Key Match Ups: Jrue Holiday has been improving and Jarrett Jack and Jose Calderon have been having a rough year in general. If Holiday is left to do his thing could lead to some easy baskets for him and his team mates.If Andrea Bargnani can not take it to Spenser Hawes then I give up. Seriously just give up and pray for Demar to surpass him. In fact the Sixers really have no good answer to match up with Bargnani. Which is the same for a lot of teams. But Andrea needs to show up and perform. I wonder if we have ever seen a full 48 minutes from Andrea?

In Case You Missed It: We announced the 2nd chance to win a pair of tickets for the Best Seats in the House vs Denver on December 10th. While tonight I will be down at Real Sports Bar as NBA T.V Canada will be in the House with Akil and Kat should be fun. Normally I prefer being home watching games or out covering them but Real Sports is just to nice to say no. So that is where I will be for Raptors and Sixers.

Raptors Hang Tough And Win

In front of a small pre-season crowd, the Raptors gave the paying customers a good show. A double overtime entertaining win over the Sixers 119-116. After a sub par effort the night before vs Chicago the Raptors bounced backed to show a lot of fight to knock off the Sixers. Jay Triano said pre-game that in these first four games of the pre-season he has just been letting the guys play and show the skills they have worked on over the summer. Hence the ever changing starting line-ups to a point. But Triano suggested that it was possible the line-up would change in terms of match-ups throughout the season. One thing the coach was not pleased with was how his team was beaten badly on the boards vs the Bulls. Likely more happy with a 55-50 advantage for the Sixers last night. Andrea Bargnani had 8 of those rebounds. He had 14 points as well to go with the 8 boards. Triano when asked about if he is concerned with the start of Bargnani, to which he predictably said no. He expecst that Bargnani will be able to get somewhere between 18-25 points per game this season. Never was asked or offered a rebound number. But did reference the need for everyone to be part of the rebounding effort even the guards.

There was a point where Andrea really did look like a superstar with them going to him 3 straight times to start the first overtime and converting. This was overall the best Bargnani has looked this pre-season. Jrue Holiday for the Sixers had a triple double with 18 points 12 assists and 11 rebounds in over 45 minutes of action. Triano despite the games close nature did not want to over play his guys as Bargnani was the top Raptor playing only 37 minutes. He said that he wanted to keep everyone healthy and used that as the reason for Jarrett Jack and not Jose in overtime. Jack lead the Raptors in scoring with 24 followed by Barbosa with 19. Both on the floor together seemed to work well and that was a lot of the talk in the locker room post game about their chemistry together on the floor.

Raptors understand it seems that they are now a team that has a very small margin for error and if they do not have 100% effort, they are going to be hard pressed to win basketball games. Sixers are a lot like the Raptors in that sense, after this loss they sit at 1-4 and you have to wonder if Doug Collins is going to miss working for TNT by about December or January. Raptors move to 2-2 and will be in action next on Friday.

As I was taking the train home last night after this one. I couldn't help but think there might be a lot of nights like this for the Raptors. Where they will have to fight and claw to get a win. It would have been easy for this team to say the heck with it. After all it was the pre-season and as Jarret Jack explained post game today is basically the first day the Raptors will have off since things got started for them in training camp. The Raptors earned the day off last night. A hard fought win against a team that when it matters will be one of the teams they have to beat in order to be successful.

Had a chance to catch up with Reggie Evans and Demar DeRozan pre-game so look for those mini interviews in the next few days.

The Atlantic is Changing A Lot.

The Division the Raptors call home is getting a serious makeover. The biggest part of that change is the ownership of the New Jersey Nets. If you have not heard of Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov you haven't been paying attention lately. He has big money and big plans for the NBA's laughing stock the New Jersey Nets. He wants to not just make the Nets an NBA success but a global success. Both Knicks and Raptors should take note as their new rival has some serious plans. This includes a move to Brooklyn by 2013.

But he also is serious about trying to be a player for Lebron James. There have been comparisons to Mark Cuban but at least to start they don't seem valid. Prokhorov has been very tight lipped about his plans to attract the Cavs superstar. Careful not to violate NBA rules in terms of tampering. Cuban has had more NBA fines than the Celtics have titles. Prokohorov's plans seem to be clear in terms of the Nets. He wants to build them as not just a North American sports franchise, but a global sports franchise. You don't get to be a billionaire by being the same as everyone else. He has already let his G.M go and has a open spot at both coach and G.M to fill. James has been rumoured to be tied to Kentucky Coach John Calipari. Now Calipari recently claims in an ESPN article he will be back at Kentucky. You tend to take that with a grain of salt given his history. Calipari is actually a former Nets coach and did not exactly have success in his first go around in the NBA.

Regardless of if James were to seriously consider the Nets who still have Jay-Z as a minority owner is not the point. The point is from this point moving forward the Nets are going to be a major player in Free Agency and have money to burn. For teams with corporate ownership like the Knicks and Raptors this could be their worst nightmare. It will force them to spend to compete and it is clear that the bottom line for the Nets is that old business model of you have to spend money to make money. Also if successful, a move to Brooklyn may be much like if a second NHL team set up shop in Toronto area. The Knicks like the Leafs have a long history and a passionate fan base that includes celebrities like Spike Lee. What happens if the Nets come to Brooklyn and become a success? What would be the impact on the Knicks? Like the Leafs (1967) the last title for New York was a long time ago back in the 70's. Could it impact on the foothold they have on the city? Well when you look at the Rangers who took 54 years between winning Stanley Cups (1940 to 1994) it didn't hurt them. The Islanders and the Devils moved into the New York area and both had success but it did not impact on the Rangers. The Knicks who have been a franchise in the NBA from day 1 when the played the Toronto Huskies may not need to worry. Especially if they are the one that lands Lebron James. But many feel the Knicks are a long shot in the race, not as much as the Nets would be.

While in Philadelphia the Sixers had lottery luck and moved up to the second spot. That means Evan Turner will be a Sixer that is good news. But not so fast. There seems to be some suggestion that Sixers are strongly considering drafting DeMarcus Cousins behind his teammate John Wall. I love Cousins and honestly think he might deserve to be the second pick. However the majority, if not all of the draft experts disagree. Many of those being in Chicago as the combine kicked off there yesterday. Still if the Sixers were to do this, that would shake up the draft and leave Turner for the division rival Nets to select. Or perhaps move the pick and create a market for the 3rd pick. I find it hard to believe the Sixers go through with drafting Cousins, at least at number 2. This all could be just the Sixers blowing smoke to see what happens.

What is fact and not fiction in terms of the Sixers is that Doug Collins will be the coach of the Sixers. I find this move odd as well. Now Collins was a player for the Sixers and may have some love for the franchise based on that. However if it was true, that he had been offered the Chicago job not this time, but the last time the Bulls were coach shopping and turned it down. Why would you take the Sixers job now? Clearly the Bulls of a few years ago were in a better spot than the Sixers are now despite their lottery fortune. It seems pretty odd and the most painful thing of all is, does this mean more Reggie Miller on TNT? NOOOO!!!!!!

The Boston Celtics have yet to worry about all of these things and why should they as they are 6 wins away from getting another NBA Title. But after they have succeed or failed at that. The division they have owned pretty much since the big 3 came to Boston has become a much more competitive place. Clearly the Nets and Knicks are set up to improve moving forward. Much like in baseball and football the basketball version of the battle might become interesting between NYC and Boston. Even if the Knicks don't get the King they have a ton of dough to land some major players. While the Nets are starting a plan of global domination forget about the Atlantic Division.

When you turn this back to the Raptors this is cause to be afraid, when you are looking squarely in the face at saying so long to the best player you have. Not afraid? In the immortal words of Yoda..."You Will Be....You Will Be". The first impact of Mikhail Prokhorov will be felt in the Atlantic Division. He scares me more than Ivan Drago and I am not even kidding. He will break you or break his bank trying. Which is a pretty big bank to break. Lebron James wants to be a billionaire athlete. Mikhail Prokhorov doesn't have to want to be a billionaire he already is.

Draft Lotto Re-Cap- Lucky 13?

So the draft lottery went down last night and nothing good happened for the Raptors. In fact it couldn't have gone much worse. All 3 of the top picks in the draft in June will call the Eastern Conference home. Two of them will be in the Atlantic Division. The Wizards did win the top pick however, and that likely means John Wall will be a Wizard. What that means for Gilbert Arenas is anyone's guess. But the Sixers moved up to 2nd spot and likely will select Turner from Ohio State. While the Nets with their new billionaire owner from Russia had to settle for the 3rd pick. The Nets along with the T-Wolves and Kings were the big losers on the night all moving down 2 spots. So the Raptors remain selecting at the 13th spot in the draft. This is assuming Bryan Colangelo hangs on to his current pick.

I did some research on the 13th pick yesterday. I had forgot about one famous number 13 pick. Who is it? Well it isn't Marcus Banks who was a 13th pick out of UNLV. No this was a pick made by the Charlotte Hornets and they would move the player for Vlade Divac from L.A Lakers. He just scored 40 points and has 4 rings, and yes it is Kobe Bryant. That is some serious value at number 13. That being said Kobe came straight out of high school and this was long before a Kwame Brown or a Lebron James would be picked number 1. But in general the only other name that stood out in researching the 13th pick was Richard Jefferson in terms of good players.

I mentioned Banks but there were a number of other former Raps selected in the 13 spot including Corrliss Williamson and Keon Clark. But the Raptors have never personally selected someone from the 13th spot in the draft. In the history of the Raptors they have averaged selecting 10th spot over their history. They have also been in the lottery 12 out of 15 years. The lottery has been around since 1985. The team that has been there the most is the L.A Clippers with 22 trips to the Lottery. The team with the least appearances is in the same city with the L.A Lakers who have been there just twice. The latest appearance they drafted Andrew Bynum.

While the draft experts all seem to agree that John Wall will be selected number 1 and Evan Turner will be selected number 2 after that not a lot of agreement exists. Some names the Raptors can likely forget about though would include DeMarcus Cousins and Greg Monroe who both would have been nice options especially if CB4 indeed goes bye bye. The draft gurus suggest this is a deep talent pool in this draft class. Deep does not mean great thought. I am not sold on anyone in this draft personally to be a superstar. Even John Wall. Many might disagree with that but that is cool. Evan Turner also does not blow me away like many. Not every draft year is guaranteed to have superstars. But only time will tell in the end. That being said we now know where the Raptors will pick and will start to examine what might be available for them at 13.

If you are superstitious and worried about selecting 13, aside from the Kobe pick, here are a couple good things about 13. Steve Nash wears 13 and he is Canada's greatest baller. Also for people who are Italian like Andrea Bargnani and Marco Bellinelli the number 13 is lucky. The Raptors could sure use some luck these days. Demar DeRozan was representing the Raptors at the lottery and he looked good but saw little camera time given the results.

Lessons Learned?

The Bulls beat the Wizards last night so that makes it a game and half lead once again for the Raptors. This weekend will tell us a lot on if the Raptors have learned from their mistakes. It also might speak to if this new starting line-up is actually making a difference. The Raptors play the Sixers this afternoon and the Warriors on Sunday. The Raps dropped games to both in their last meetings. The Sixers prior to that awful west coast road trip and the Warriors as part of that awful trip. The Raptors as we discussed yesterday in looking at the schedule, if they win the games they are suppose to win should go 42-40. These 2 games are of that nature.

Sixers are just 3-7 in their last 10 games and clearly are a team just waiting for April 14th to get here. In games like these it is essential to have quick starts. Get on top of a team out of the playoff race and they will likely they will quit. But if you let them hang around that can spell trouble. Raptors let the Clippers hang around for a half and they can not afford to do that with bad teams. Philly when they play to their potential can be one of those athletic teams that give the Raptors trouble. That being said this new starting 5 may be a bit more capable of handling that. Weems and Wright are a defensive upgrade from the Rook and heDO or heDON'T. When it comes to defense it is almost always heDON't.

The Warriors on Sunday will challenge that awful 3 point defense of the Raptors. I was shocked to hear that stat the Matt Devlin mentioned in our interview. The fact the Raptors lead the league in 3 point defense for any stretch of time this season is surprising if not shocking. Safe to say the Raptors have given no indication that top level 3 point defense will return. This is why for those that think the Magic are some how a better match-up for the Raptors I would say no. Not that the Raptors would have a good chance to win over Magic or Cavs but at least Cleveland shots a little worse from beyond the arc. Raptors have matched up better vs Cavs then against Magic in the regular season. Raptors will face the Cavs one more time this year. That game should give you a clear indication of where the Raptors are at. I have a feeling Cleveland will want to send a message in that game to the team they could likely see in round 1. In other words Raptors will get the Cavs best punch.

I will be covering today's game for The Score and am heading to the ACC for Raptors and Warriors on Easter Sunday night covering that one in person. It has been a great experience covering some games this year. This may possibly be the last game I am covering this year. It has been a great experience getting access to games and the team. I have appreciated the opportunity and hopefully have made the most of it. So in case this is the last game I am covering this year I wanted to thank Jim and the Raptors PR Staff. They have treated me well this season and I am grateful for that. Very interested to see how this team is feeling heading into this final push to the season.

So come join me this afternoon for the Live Blog on The Score and check me out on Twitter on Sunday as I will try to keep you posted on what I am up to at the ACC. If you don't know by know it is @dinonationblog and you can stay up to date with all that is going on with myself and the Dino Nation Blog. Keeping it short today cause I actually am working on a feature this morning for the blog that will be up next week. Also have a special guest booked next week. He has been in the blog before and I am happy to have him back. If you put on your thinking caps you likely can figure it out given the state of things with the Raptors at the moment.

Down The Stretch They Come

Honestly it does not feel that long ago that I was up in Ottawa excited about covering my first Raptors training camp. In some ways this season has flown by. In others it seems to have been long and painful especially lately. As much as I still feel the recent line-up chances were born of desperation it has has an impact. The Raptors have had better effort overall but still have had some of the same problems. Just 8 games remain for the Raptors with a 2 game lead over the Chicago Bulls. Let's take a look and see what is left for this team

@Sixers and vs Golden State

The Raptors will not over look ether of these teams or they shouldn't. Raptors dropped a contest to the Sixers that I was there for at the ACC. They also lost to Warriors on the road. These were two games that the Raptors should have won. In fact when you look back at standings it is safe to say Raptors will regret more than a few games from this season. It is why they are still not secured in the playoffs, and it seems a long shot to finish any higher than 7th. Both teams offer different challenges. The Sixers can be an athletic team like the Hawks that cause the Raptors fits. While Golden State is a team that can exploit the Raptors terrible 3 point defense and they did just that in Oakland on that west coast trip from hell.

@Cleveland, vs Boston @Atlanta

3 playoff teams here and the likely first round match-up in the Cavs. Clearly if the Raptors want to make believers out of folks it will need to happen here. The Raptors actually beat the Cavs to open this season. They had a luck of the Irish win over the Hawks and they have had no luck against Boston not just this year but for several years. These 3 games fall before a huge match-up with Bulls at the ACC. Any game the Raptors could steal of these 3 games would be helpful in turning the corner from worrying about the Bulls and focusing on trying to move up and catch the Bobcats. All 3 teams will be tough. Cleveland now has Jamison to go along with James. Boston for whatever reason just has the Raptors number. Rajon Rondo is a big reason why as he has owned Calderon for his entire career. Then all you need to say is 146 points and that says it all about the Hawks. Also keep in mind Joe Johnson did not play in that loss to the Raptors.

vs Chicago

This will likely be a huge game unless the Raptors could some how eliminate the Bulls prior to it. Derrick Rose has boldly predicted that Bull will make the playoffs. That is going to be tough to do considering the Raptors own the tiebreaker. While both teams will have pressure on them make no mistake the pressure should be more on the Bulls to get the road win. Raptors will need to have a plan to stop Rose and account for the Bulls on the glass. Even if the Raptors stub their toe in this one they have 2 games left vs non playoff teams to close out the season. But depending on how things shake out Raptors may need this game regardless to make a run at 7th.

@ Detroit vs New York

The Pistons have has a train wreck season and the Knicks are waiting for the hit summer movie that is sure to be a smash in NYC- "Waiting For Lebron". Assuming these games will still have meaning for the Raptors there is no way on earth they should lose ether of these games. If they have any ideas of stealing a playoff series both these games need to be impressive wins and feature great defensive effort. Even if they don't mean anything Raptors still need to polish things in terms of their defense and I am not sure they can afford to rest players and not show up for these games.

Expectations Killed

When you look at this sked the Raptors should expect to be 5-3 and that would give them a 42-40 record which would end up being about 3 or 4 wins below the expectations most had for the Raptors this season. That being said have the Raptors done anything according to script this season? It has been a long season that there just as been a feeling that Raptors have not lived up to the expectations placed upon them. Still if they do make it back to the playoffs that would be a step in the right direction. If not for the free agency of Chris Bosh looming large it might leave people feeling differently about things. Because playoffs or not the goal of this season is all about keeping Chris Bosh a part of this team moving forward. In terms of that many feel the Raptors have fallen short in that regard.

Bosh has talked about wanting to be a core piece on a winning team. The Raptors need a strong finish to this season and a strong playoff performance to at least give Raptors a shot to keep their star. Everyone seems to feel that Bosh's decision will be based on how this team performs in the post season assuming they get there. Which how this season has gone post All-Star break is a big assumption. It may not be just about that. However the Raptors putting their best foot forward as a team to close this season and in the playoffs is a step in the right direction. You only hope they have not taken to many steps backwards since the All-Star Break for it to matter.

There is just an odd feeling through Raptorland. Some not feeling making the playoffs matters. They think Bosh is going to go and this team will be forced to re-build. Others feeling that Raptors are heading for yet another first round disappointment. Everyone craves the same thing at the end of the day. Bosh and the fan base both want to see this team advance and take the steps to become a part of that elite group in the East. Clearly they have not got there and the difference between Atlanta, Orlando, Cleveland and even Boston is noticeable.

However things shake out it is going to be the most challenging summer of Bryan Colangelo's career as a G.M. If he can convince Bosh to stay he likely goes back to being the super genius that he was billed as when he arrived. If not he will be under an extreme amount of pressure to hide his mistakes and find a way to make this team successful in a post Bosh Era. That might just be mission impossible in my view. It get's said time and time again that Raptors can move Bosh in a sign and trade. I am convinced that is how it happens if he doesn't stay. Bosh is not leaving 30 million on the table no matter how much he may truly want to win. But can the Raptors realistically land a 1a option in a sign and trade? Seems highly unlikely when some do not even consider Bosh that 1a option himself. I think he is, but without some help around him it becomes far to easy to gang up on him and limit his impact.

We need some kind of spirit of optimism badly. It is up to the Raptors to provide some fuel for that optimism for both the playoffs and the hope to keep this franchises best player.

Finally CB4 Has Come Back To The Raptors

Well I was there to see the return of Chris Bosh live and in person. Hedo Turkoglu was a no go though as the Raptors amazingly have only fielded it's complete roster 1 time this season. Still that being said that was not an excuse for what we saw today. The Raptors just have trouble with athletic teams and despite the Sixers poor record they are athletic. This is why the Raptors playing the Hawks in the playoffs could be a bad draw for Toronto. On March 17th they will get a chance to change minds on that but today's game was another example of why that likely is a terrible match-up.

Before the game got going, I sat and watched Bosh warming up. He seemed to be doing O.K. Making more than missing. Bosh had 12 points and 12 rebounds in his return and played over 30 minutes. He did leave briefly from the Raptors bench. However he confirmed post game everything was o.k he just was getting a re-tape job on his injured ankle. Bosh as Triano said post game seemed to have his timing a bit off and I noticed at times he did seem a bit winded and took some time to get back on D on a couple of occasions. Still the Raptors have to be happy to have him back despite the result today.

Some of the same issues that were problems during Bosh's absence remained problems in his return. for example with defense or lack there of, in terms of the 3 point line. Sixers shot a stunning 75% from behind the arc. Thaddeus Young and rookie Jrue Holiday were both 3-4 behind the arc. Young had a career high 32 points and goes to the impressive list of stars that have their career high vs Toronto that includes the league's best 2 players Kobe and Lebron. Holiday had 21 as well for Sixers. Everyone in the starting 5 for Sixers reached double digits.

If there was a lone bright sport for the Raptors beyond the return of CB4, Marco Belinelli lives, as he led the bench with 11. Jarrett Jack had a strong game as well with 20 points and 9 assists and 4 steals. Raptors played fairly even with Sixers in both the 1st and 4th but lost this game in the middle. Sixers scored 65 of their 114 points in the middle quarters.

So the Raptors hit the road and have some things to work out. I wondered if trying to figure those things out on the road might be easier for the Raptors. Chris Bosh chimed in with his thoughts on that.

CB4 Post Game

DNB Productions

Bosh and the Raptors fly out to the west coast tonight with the sting of the 114-101 loss to Philly fresh in their minds. Although Bosh also said that as for today you have to forget it and move on. I agree in part with that. But don't forget the reasons why you lost. The Lakers are up next and just in case they might have taken the Raptors lightly. No problem Phil Jackson only needs to pop in the tap of the loss to the Raptors at the ACC. Oh and Ron Ron has hair looking like Dennis Rodman these days. If for no other reason that is reason to tune in Tuesday.

A win for the Raptors will be tough but a 2-2 trip is essential and a 3-1 trip is possible. However if the Raptors don't sure up their defensive problems quickly it could go very wrong and go 0-4. As Bosh said every game counts now. Also you have to figure every game counts towards the decision he has to make in the summer as well. No pressure at all...Just Win Raptors.

Or the next time Chris Bosh Finally comes back to Toronto it may not be as a Raptor next season. That honestly can not happen if this teams hopes to remain a competitive club.

An Unimportant Note:

Also my head made it into C.B.4's post game comments. This is the first time to my knowledge more then my pudgy hand has got on camera. I am 6ft tall and look like a smurf in comparison to CB4. So now there is video evidence of me being at the ACC. according to my Twitter account I was also spotted on the Go-Train heading home. Not that I am ever in Toronto a lot but if you do read the blog and recognize me feel free to come say hello. I am very friendly and do not bite.

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!!!

Slow Start With Big Bosh Finish

Used up all my good stuff earlier today. It is game 2 for Jackaron at the point guard spot. A.I is also a go as he was a game time decision. Raps are the better team and they need to play like it tonight. Starting to feel a little confidence in this team and not as worried about games like this one. Will I regret that by the end of this game. Will see but it is time to find out.

1st Quarter

Sixers win the tap and Sam Dalembert hits a fading jumper? Leo loves it? He is as mentioned earlier today in the blog coming off a 20 point and 20 rebound night. Sixers had a chance to extend that lead but a couple turnovers and they fail to do so. Raptors finally would get on track with a Hedo jumper. Barngnani would drive and miss an easy lay-up no worries CB4 with the tap back for 2. A.I the hook up for his man Sam D and Raptors lead 6-4 over Sam D. Young would tie it up at 6's for the Sixers.A.I the basket and the foul meanwhile Andrea was unhappy with a bad call and gets teched up. That foul call on Andrea as well and it was 10-6 Philly and a sluggish start for the Raptors.

Andrea fired up by getting Teched up and drives and jams that is some good Andrea. A.I showing why he is the all-time leading scorer against Toronto in his career the jumper goes and it was 12-8 Sixers.This was vintage A.I early as he was at the line again with 6 early in this one. Andre Iguodala with the bucket and Sixers doubling the Raps 16-8. Bosh a sloppy start as well with 3 turnovers. But gets fouled makes a pair at the line looking to get on track. This was not looking good as Lou Williams hit a 3 pointer and it was 21-13. Andrea would draw second foul on on Sam Dalembert maybe that will help. Dalembert remains in the game though. Iverson uses a pick and leaves Demar in the dust but the rookie answers on the other end with a score. Raptors were having one of there worst quarters in quite some time. Actually that 4th quarter vs Orlando wasn't good and this has been a continuation of that. Philly getting lots of transition scoring and have a 30-21 lead. Sixers would keep the 9 point edge leading 32-23 after 1. Sixers shooting 60% and this game needed a major attitude adjustment on behalf of the Raptors.

2nd Quarter.

Raps started the second still not looking great with Calderon at the controls at the point. But just as I type it Jose hooks up Amir Johnson on an alley opp for a very nice dunk. Another score in transition as Weems hooks up Marco for 2..Sixers still on top 34-27. Sixers would push back strong and build a 39-27 lead. Raps respond with back to back baskets. The improved defense was not looking very improved at the moment. Philly has dropped 8 of their last 9 at home and Raptors need to pick it up a lot to make it 9 of 10.

Raps were starting to get it in gear finally. Jose Calderon would draw a foul and cut the lead to 4 at 39-35. Calderon another aggressive take to the hoop after an Iggy basket. Andre Iguodala always seems to come up big against Raps and off to a good start tonight. Philly pushed lead back to 8 make it 10 as Iggy hit another jumper. This was an ugly effort and Chris Bosh who was not great in the Orlando win was again far from great tonight in the first half. This is only the 4 game in Division for the Raptors on the year and you have to get these games. Jack forced to shoot and he makes it to cut Sixers lead to single digits. Young and DeRozan trade baskets. DeRozan would get blocked by Willie Green the next time down the floor. Bosh would take it at the Dalembert drawing his 3rd foul. Should also be noted Elton Brand was no where to be found and had not played in this one. The foul call would get changed to Iggy. Bosh would just hit 1 of 2. Chris was actually leading the team with 9 point and he had 7 boards but he just was not being the big factor he normally can be. Raptors had trimmed the lead down to 7. A.I would make it 9 with a jumper. Then Bosh a slam and a big slam. Jack a jumper in transition and Toronto had an 8-0 and they needed it. Sixers lead was 54-49. Sixers would answer another Raptor push and before you could blink the once 5 point lead was 11 at the half. Raptors having on of those nights like earlier in the season down 60-49 at the half.

3rd Quarter

Raptors were as flat as a pancake in that first half. Best way to describe it. Bosh hitting a jumper to start the 2nd half. A turnover for the Sixers and let's hope the Raptors can recover. Sixers in their last game did blow an 18 point lead to the Wizards. Bargnani with a turnover and Lou Williams eas bucket in transition. A Jack score and then an easy look for Lou Williams and the Raps just looked brutal on the defensive end. Bosh another careless turnover it might not have been a perfect pass from Demar but come on. Jack would hit a 3 ball after an easy transition basket off the Bosh turnover. Bargnani would make it back to back 3's the lead was 66-59.Terrible D in Transition as Lou Williams was left all alone for 3 and he nails it.

Bosh the basket plus the foul the 3rd now on Dalembert. Iverson taking advantage of rookie DeRozan and taking a shot and making it. Iverson would get tagged for the foul and send DD to the line and he made a pair for 10 in the game. It was fortunate for the Raptors that Sixers were even sloppier (Is that a word?) than them on offense. A silly turnover would lead to a break for the Raptors that eventually Bargnani would finish off cutting the lead to 6. Eddie Jordan had seen enough and called a time out. Again the Raptors get to a point and the Sixers push back and extend the lead to 9 with the score 79-70. Sixers were getting there type of game with a scattered style of play. Raptors were behind 81-74. Raptors were showing some fight and a hook in the land had cut the lead to just 3. A Sonny Weems jumper and the score was 81-80 Sixers with Raps on an 8-0 run. Marco Belinelli would hit a 3 ball with Raps down 3 and were tied. Sixers would get a long 2 pointer to take lead into the 4th at 85-83.

4th Quarter

It has not been a pretty night for the Raps. But if they could win the 4th Quarter they will win this game. Jose Calderon a drive and score and game is tied again at 85. Now Bargnani for 3 and ladies and gentleman the Raptors have the lead first time since 6-4 back in first with score 88-85. Raptors Defense had woken up and Raps had a 90-85 lead. Thaddeus Young with a couple key baskets keeping the Sixers in it. Sixers were fighting back and A.I would tie it at 93. Andrea Bargnani was coming up big tonight and he would give the Raptors the lead back. He had 21 points which was great but his overall effort was even better.

5:20 to go and Raptors were in a dogfight in Philly and Micheal Vick was no where to be seen. Lou Williams the blow by on Calderon and that hurt. Jack and Calderon on the floor with Bosh Bargnani and Hedo. Speaking of Hedo a huge 3 ball in the corner and he nails it. Bosh draws a foul on Dalembert and that was 5 and he would take a seat. Bosh made both and the lead was 100-97. Again Lou Williams is left open and makes the Raps pay ties it up at a C-Note!!! Bosh again fouled and at the line and again a perfect 2 for 2. Calderon get abused by Lou Williams and we were tied at 102. Raptors would get the Killer B's hooking up with Bargnani on the finish. Bosh was fouled and missed the first that hurts as he had a chance to make it a 2 possession game. He made the second and the Raptors lead by 3 with 1:13 to play. Once again Lou Williams was abusing Jose Calderon this was beyond brutal on the defensive end. Raps despite that were hanging on to a lead. Calderon would fumble a bullet pass from Bosh but Bargnani bails both out with a block on D. But the Sixers would eventually score and take the lead 106-105. Raptors had the ball with 19 seconds left. Raps would but it in Bosh's hands and he would deliver with the basket and a foul the 6th and Dalembert. Bosh would make the and 1 free throw and the lead was 2. Sixers would be disorganized and have to go for a desperate heavy from Lou Williams but no....RAPS SURVIVE and GET THE HECK OUT OF DODGE a game above over .500.

Was not pretty and a lot can be learned from this one. However Calderon getting abused at the end of the game and the total lack of energy in the first half would not cost the Raptors. Bosh had 29 and a much better 2nd half than his first. Bargnani sold all night long with 23. Raptors are 19-18 and tied with Miami in the 5 hole in the East.

I am going to be hitting the airwaves in the MTL at 12:15 on Off The Bench feel free to tune in via the net at CJLO.com

Hello Philly

Hello Philly it has been awhile. This crazy journey that has been the Raptors season started with back to back wins for Philly in the pre-season. Back then Allen Iverson was about to find a home in Memphis under the direction of God. The Sixers looked really good in those 2 pre-season contests. However things in the pre-season are not always as they appear. Reggie Evans and Jason Kapono who were traded for each other played in those games. Kapono since has found little playing time with his new team and Reggie would of course be injured latter in the pre-season and has yet to suit up for a regular season game. So normally we would talk about the impact of the trade on the two teams as they hook up for this first meeting of the regular season. However the impact for both sides has been little to none on the floor. In terms of Kapono I honestly though with Eddie Jordan bringing his Princeton offense that Kapono could be a weapon in it. Jordan like Mitchell and Triano before him has not been able to find a way to use Kapono effectively. Jason can always win a 3 point contest but in real games his lack of ability to create his own shot is an issue.

While Reggie Evans continues his long road back from that injury vs the Celtics in the pre-season. A return date is still unknown but all signs are pointing in the right direction for Reggie to face his former team at some point this year but not tonight. Allen Iverson found his way back to Philly and the team has been slightly better with him than without out him since he arrived. Iverson is not the same guy that once torched the Raptors on a regular basis but he still is someone you have to account for. It is the other A.I that has taken up the charge of being the Raptor Killer. Andre Iguodala like Raptor fans has never got over the fact that Rob Babcock drafted Hoffa and not him. The Sixers head into this one at 10-24 with a loss over the Wizards that was more famous for the pre-game finger guns than the fact the Sixers blew a huge lead once the game got started.

Leo Rautins "favorite" Sixer Sam Dalembert had a 20 and 20 performance in that loss. The Sixers signed Sam to a rather hefty contract with the hope he was going to develop into a good player. However the nights he plays at a high level are few and far between. That being said the return of Iverson has been a bit of a spark for Sam and he has been a little bit better. A lot better in that game vs the Wizards. Sam has always had issues with fouls that sometimes can derail him early in games. His shot blocking ability is always something to be aware of regardless of how he is playing good or bad. Andrea Bargnani can have a big night if Sam ends up on him as he is not that willing to wander to far from the paint.

If there is one thing the Raptors have done well in this stretch of winning 7 of their last 8 games, it is beating the teams they are suppose to beat. The Sixers more than qualify in that regard. Even the New York Knicks are playing better than the Sixers. That being said the Sixers are 5-5 in their last 10 games. Allen Iverson said that in that last lost to the Wizards it was like giving them a late Christmas present. So safe to the Sixers will at least try to be motivated to rebound from that performance.

The Raptors really seem to be hitting their stride and are growing better and better on the defensive end of the floor. They will need to continue in that as the Sixers do have a few folks that in the past have given them headaches. But anything short of a win tonight would be a major disappointment even if it is on the road. Speaking of which if you thought the return of A.I would improve attendance in Philly it really only did for that first night back. The Sixers are one of many teams that have had some serious issues at the gate this season. The team's record does not help in that regard. It seems in these tough times economically winning is vital in almost ever market even ones that in the past have been traditionally good NBA cities.

Will see what happens tonight as the Raptors return home to face Boston on Sunday. I am suppose to be scheduled to that one for The Score. I will post the links for that on my Twitter Account @dinonationblog and try to get them up here as well. Also doing the Radio in Montreal tonight at 12:15am as Off The Bench Returns from the Christmas Break. So there will be lots to talk about on the show as we have been off for basically this entire Raptor win streak.

Game Note: Allen Iverson is a game time decision tonight for Philadelphia.

Playoffs In July?

First off today there was an issue that occurred in early morning hours that rendered the Jack Armstrong Interview unplayable. I have fixed the problem and apologize to anyone that was not able to listen to it. You can hear it now here is a link to it.Thanks to a number of readers that made me aware of this problem. It has been a big couple days for the blog and thanks to all of you that have made that happen.

I have no guest today it is just me. Maybe I should interview myself? That would be odd wouldn't it? Something you might see in say the WWE? I admit that I totally forgot about Shaq hosting Raw on Monday night. But I was able to see the highlights yesterday. It was classic Shaq and I got some chuckles but WWE is not what it use to be. But the line of the night was not said by Shaq. It was said by Chris Jericho.

Jericho- " When I heard we were having the most dominant player in the NBA(As guest host of Raw) I naturally assumed it was Kobe Bryant "

Shaq could only respond by calling Jericho... Christina. That was pretty old and dated. WWE writers have gotten old and predictable. Same might be said for Shaq himself. No doubt the big man will be in the spotlight playing Robin to Lebron James as Batman. Will it work? That is one of the bigger questions heading into this NBA season.

In fact all top 4 teams in the East have made moves that they hope will upgrade their talent. Orlando has Ex-Raptor Vince Carter. Who I was reading the new NBA Live 10 when it comes out will get booed by Toronto fans in video game as well. Truly EA tries to live up to there motto of "If It's in the Game, It's in the Game". Rasheed Wallace is going to be a Celtic. Boston has had a number of trade rumours still buzzing so it is clear Danny Angie is not done. The Atlanta Hawks also have added Jamal Crawford to the mix. I think it is safe to say all 4 of these teams make the playoffs again unless something goes drastically wrong.

So that leaves 4 spots that last season were held by Miami, Chicago, Philadelphia and Detroit. All of which have done very little in terms of getting better this off-season with exception of Detroit. Philadelphia has a new coach in Eddie Jordon. But they have lost there point guard Andre Miller. Miami has not exactly been loading up to keep D-Wade happy have they? Chicago lost Ben Gordon to the Pistons and he was a big part of what they did in the playoffs. Gordon along with Charlie Villianeuva are now Pistons. But really will this help the Pistons be better? The are former teammates at UConn.

Bottom line of all of it is for Raptors to make playoffs it takes one of these teams to fall back for them to get in. Truth be told you could make a case that all 4 of these teams could miss the playoffs. If I was going to rank who is most likely going to miss out it would go like this. With most likely team at top and least likely at the bottom.

Philadelphia (Sorry Jason Kapono and Eddie Jordan)
Chicago (Sorry Chuck Swirsky)
Detroit ( Joe Dumars prays I am wrong)
Miami ( D-Wade on his own can save the Heat )

I could see easily that 3 of the 4 may not make the playoffs. If that is true who the heck moves into those spots? Well here are my 3 picks to fill out the playoff field.

Toronto Raptors ( Seriously with all the moves if they don't it is a disaster of an epic nature)
Charlotte Bobcats ( Young and up coming Bobcats. Tyson Chandler might push them over top)
Washington Wizards ( Subject to Gilbert Arenas making it to opening night )

So what will it look like (Subject To Change)

1. Cleveland
2. Boston
3. Orlando
4. Atlanta
5. Toronto
6. Washington
7. Charlotte
8. Miami

Remember when people laughed about the the Southeast Division? 4 teams in the playoffs can that be right? It could be. Washington and Charlotte have a very small margin of error for me. Detroit and the Bulls should be teams right there if they should slip. This is just a snapshot thought and things can change. As for the Raptors being 5th? It seems the right place for them. They are not better than any of the top 4. Atlanta maybe is the closest with the other 3 miles ahead.

If I change my mind on this over the summer I will let you know. If you want to doubt this hey by all means. Predictions are subjective. I will point out though that I did predict the NBA Finals last year prior to the season. Not to many folks had the Orlando Magic playing the L.A Lakers did they? I got to brag about it now because really can I successfully call it 2 years in a row? That would have some long odds I am thinking.

Raptors Could Learn Something From The Sixers

This has nothing to do about the recent trade between the Raptors and Sixers. However last year I remember Ed Stefanski held a conference call for bloggers that cover the Sixers. I thought this was a cutting edge type move on the part of the Sixers. To allow people who blog about their team to give them a chance to ask questions of their G.M. Today I was on Twitter and noticed that Sixers were having a live interactive chat with Ed Stefanski for Sixer fans. It was done on Cover it Live which is a company based out of Toronto. I have used it for the Dino Nation Blog and it has been used on The Score and by many other media outlets.

The Raptors have one of the larger online fan bases you will find. There are a ton of great blogs on the Raptors hopefully including this one. Not to mention the fan posting boards like on Real G.M and Raptors forum. Why don't the Raptors try these type of things to embrace that Internet. They did create Raptorspace but I have not been that impressed with it. Raps are also on facebook and Twitter. But to me the Sixers have taken it to the next level in terms of being interactive with their fans. I pulled some stuff from the live chat that might must interest Raps fan.

Fan Question-
Hey Ed thanks for taking the time to listen. How to you think Jason Kapono will affect out offense?

ES-Jason's ability to shoot from distance will make our spacing that much better and allow Elton, Thad and Andre Iguodala to operate with more freedom.

Fan Question-
Did Reggie not fit into your picture of this upcoming season...and why....(he will be a huge loss...he brought a spark to the team

ES-Drew, no doubt we will miss his energy. In every trade the other team is looking for an asset and in this case, Toronto got one. But we fulfilled a big need as well and we were able to address what would have been a logjam at the 4 spot.

Fan Question-
Do you think you will be able to trade Sammy d?

E.S-Sammy is an asset for what he can bring to the table on defense, with his rebounding and shot blocking abilities. As a big he runs the floor as well as anyone and we have been successful when he does those things. However, we're always talking to teams around the league and if anything ever came up that I felt would make this team better, it would be considered.

Fan Question-
So is Elton 100% at this moment?

Ed Stefanski: Nigel, yes Elton is 100% and he is currently in California working out.

So will the Raptors ever get to this point and embrace the online community? It is something they should think about and consider. I know that personally I work hard at this and would be grateful to have the odd chance to have some access and interactivity with Raptors as an organization. I have done my best to do that on my own but to have some help from them would always be welcomed. I am sure folks on other Raptor based blogs would agree. Will it ever happen? I do not know but I give the Sixers great credit for embracing their fans and online community in this way. Also credit to Ed Stefanski as well.