Taking Their Talents to South Beach...Again

Before we get things started you can catch James' appearance on The Franchise on Team 990 in Montreal here, where he talks about the Raptors as well as some Chris Bosh and Heat talk.

So for the second time this season the Raptors will be heading to South Beach to take on the Miami Heat. This has also been the second time that they have had to do so on the second end of a back-to-back after taking on the Orlando Magic. Earlier this season, the HEAT defeated the Raptors, 109-100 despite a rather mediocre night from Chris Bosh. The Heat were also at the point in the season in which many thought they weren't worth they hype, but have responded since then with an amazing December and now sit in the 2nd spot in the East rankings. The Raptors on the other hand started off the season better than some had expected, but eventually they would prove the ESPN guys right and enter and extended period of struggles, but at least they aren't the Cavs.

Unlike the first meeting of the season the Heat will be without Udonis Haslem, who's out for the season with a foot injury, as well as Chris Bosh who's currently nursing a sprained ankle and in listed as day-to-day, but is doubtful for tonights game. On the Raptors side of things they would be without Sonny Weems, who is still out with back spasms, Reggie Evans, and Peja, oh wait he's not longer on the roster, so no need to worry about that last one. Linas Kleiza also returned from injury last night and should be ready to go again tonight. Last season, the two clubs split the season-series, 2-2, with each team winning on their home courts. Historically the Heat are 34-21 all-time versus the Raptors in the regular season, and is 21-8 in games played in Miami.

The Basics: Toronto 13-30 ( 5-18 on the road), Miami 30-13 ( lost 4 in a row)

When We Last Saw Them: The Raptors last played less than 24 hours ago and if you don't know by now, it wasn't the prettiest of games. I missed the first quarter of this game, but when i had turned in it was only a four point game and it looked like the Raptors were actually competing with one of the best teams in the league. it would remain that way for the remainder of the second quarter as the Raptors only trailed by only 6 points at halftime.

From there the wheels just fell off the Raptors bus and the Magic just cruised to the finish line. Not sure if Andrea didn't have his banana at halftime or if the entire team just got bored, but they surely didn't play with the same energy and focus they had in the first half. By the halfway make of the third quarter the lead had risen to 15 and the Magic weren't about to take their foot off the gas pedal. Not sure if they really wanted to hand it to the Raptors after losing to them earlier in the season, or if Stan Van Gundy gave them an earful at halftime but they sure wanted to make a statement. Orlando would outscore the Raptors by 13 in the quarter to push their lead to 19. The fourth wasn't much better for the Raptors as they were once again outscored, this time by 21, and in the end the Magic walked away with a 40 point victory.

Andrea Bargnani who once again had a very bad game, finished with 11 point (3-14 from the field) and 4 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan led the Raptors in scoring with 16 points. Dwight Howard lpaced the Magic with a 31 point, 16 rebound performance, while Ryan Anderson chipped in with 21. Hedo Turkoglu, much to Raptors fans delight, finished with a measly 6 point and 6 boards, but in the end his team did walk away with the victory.

Key Match-ups: The Big 2 vs. the Raptors. Thus far this season the Heat has lost 3 games in which the Big 3 haven't played together. Even without Bosh in this game, Wade and Lebron may not have much difficulty getting their points since the Raptors are more off a perimeter team and lack the post defense that can keep Wade and Lebron for getting easy buckets. Also with guys like Eddie House, Mike Miller, James Jones, Carlos Arroyo and Mario Chalmers patrolling the perimeter Wade and LBJ can be racking up the assists if the Raptors defense collapses every time they take the ball to the hoop. Guys like DeMar, Kleiza and Wright will have to go a solid job defensively and try to stay in front of their match-ups of the Raptors want to rebound from that disappointing loss yesterday and steal a win tonight. Bargnani who has also been silent in the last few games will also have to pull his weight and get out of this recent scoring slump and grab some rebounds as well.

Other Things of Note: Just found out that Dwyane Wade missed shoot-around today after being under the weather and is questionable for tonights game. So the Big 3 may be down the the Cleveland Cabvaliers of old with just Lebron tonight, but I won't put my money on it.

Where It Is On: TSN2 @ 7:30 EST or catch it on the FAN590

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? )

Good Bye "Money Bag"

Good-bye Peja we barely knew ya. It was first reported by ESPN and was confirmed late this afternoon via press release by the Raptors. The two sides have agreed to a buyout. Here is the official release from the Raptors:

The Toronto Raptors announced Thursday they have released forward Peja Stojakovic. Per team policy, financial details were not disclosed.

“We were clear from the beginning that our trade with New Orleans was made with the future in mind, so a buyout or trade of Peja's contract was a likely option,” said Raptors President and General Manager Bryan Colangelo. “Although he did not fit into our plan of developing our young core talent, I'm sure that Peja will add significantly to any veteran team that signs him.”Stojakovic was acquired with Jerryd Bayless from New Orleans on November 20. He appeared in two games with Toronto before being sidelined for the past 26 contests with a sore left knee. The Raptors roster now stands at 14.

Starting 5 Goes 1 on 1 With Jay Satur From Raptors.Com

Some people might not know who Jay Satur is, but if you have been a part of any of the online components of Raptors.com you likely have seen Jay in one form or another. From Blogging for the Raptor.com blog, to hosting online events he does a little bit of everything. I got to meet Jay last summer covering one of the draft workouts for the Raptors last summer. Had never thought to invite him to be a guest here. Through the magic of twitter, and with suggestion of Tom Liston from Raptors Republic and @Liston fame on twitter, few tweets later Jay was booked as a guest. We talk about the progression of Demar and Andrea this season. Along with how it has been to deal with what has been a tough season for the Raptors in terms of the on court product. Also about the evolution of use of Social Media on Raptors.com, and the creation of the #RTZ , which to best of my knowledge was something that came from my colleague with The Score Natasha Alibhai and Raptor fan Joel Reilly primarily. Along with the big news of the day in Raptorland that was that Demar DeRozan is going to be in the Dunk Contest in L.A on All-Star Weekend as we mentioned earlier today. It was a fun conversation and hope you enjoy it.






Jay mentioned in the interview that there is a list of all the various folks on Twitter from players, to the Dancepak and even Jay himself. Here is a link to that to make sure you are following all your favourite Raptor folks on Twitter with in MLSE. It was a pleasure to have Jay on board on the Starting 5 and hope to have him back again and make him part of our growing list of regulars here in the DNB on The Starting 5.

Demar Will Dunk In L.A For All-Star Weekend

A number of media sources are confirming that Demar DeRozan will replace Brandon Jennings in the dunk contest. We recently chatted with Demar in the DNB and he talked about the dunk contest and the fact he was not going to be a part of it. In that interview with us Demar was just hoping for anyway to be a part of All-Star Weekend which will be in his hometown of L.A. Well now he will be in it as part of the Dunk Contest and should get the call to be part of the Sophomore team in the Rookie Challenge on All-Star Friday night. DeRozan was robbed of the dunk title last year losing to Nate Robinson. DeRozan recorded the only perfect score in what was a lack luster competition.

Blake Griffin was the favourite of the assembled field and Nate Robinson claimed it was set up for Blake Griffin to win. Jennings is being replaced by DeRozan due to a injury that will not allow him to compete. The other 2 guys in the contest are the Wizards Javale Mcgee and Serge Ibaka from the Thunder. Demar's inclusion has been posted on NBA.com so looks like Demar is heading home to take on Blake Griffin in his home arena.

Clearly Griffin is still going to be the favourite to win the contest but Demar DeRozan is perhaps the ultimate wild card to throw into the mix and this at least on paper has the makings of a showdown for the ages. This has to be nice news for DeRozan and Raptor fans and slightly takes away the sting of a Raptor 5 game losing streak.

So DeRozan is clear for take off in L.A!!!

"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.

Raptors Make It Interesting But Lose 5th Straight

Ok so here is the story. I had a college game to do for The Score and was going to be late to this game. So decided to call on Ryan to give me a hand. The Raptors were fighting an uphill battle in this one you had to figure. Spurs were the surprise of the first half of the NBA season with racking up the NBA's best record. Bayless was back but Kleiza remained on the shelf. Ryan will get this recap rolling to see how things will go for the Raptors.

This game started out with the Spurs quickly gaining a 10-0 lead and it already looking like the Raps had already lost the game. Their jumpers weren’t falling, they weren’t getting rebounds and the spurs were getting out in transition for easy buckets. Just when it seemed like it was time to throw in the towel, the Raptors offensive switch was switched on and starting 0-5 from the field, they hit 7 of their next 13 and went on a 17-7 run to tie the game at 17 at the 3:46 mark, led by Bargnani and Jose with 5 points apiece and DeMar with 7. Just like that the Raps were back in the game and it didn’t seem so bad anymore. After a Spurs miss the Raps would take their first lead of the game off an Amir layup, but Gary Neal would tie the game not too long after. Manu would give the Spurs a 3-point lead off a pair of FT’s, but DeMar would cut that lead to 1 with 31 seconds left. Jerryd Bayless who already had 2 turnovers in the quarter would hit two FT’s with 2.9 seconds left to give the Raps a 1 point lead at the end of the quarter.

Dino Nation Blog making a substitution for the 2nd Quarter. James is back in and Ryan has been given the rest of the night off. Thanks to him for taking care of things in first quarter. I joined in on this game at 22-19 Spurs. All I asked was that it wouldn't be a blow out by time I was finished work. Mission accomplished have to say I am surprised.

Spurs pressing the Raptors and DeRozan ends up with a dunk and Raptors lead 25-22. Raptors have run going here after the Spurs started on a 10-0 run it is Raptors on 10-0 run and lead 29-22. Manu puts an end to that and drives to the hoop for a lay-up. More Manu and Spurs now trail just 29-26. Andrea gets a shooters bounce and scores to make it 32-26 with the 3 ball from up top. Blair the drive and score and Raptors were hanging on to a 4 point advantage. Manu and Andrea trade misses from 3 point land. Parker goes around Calderon with not much trouble and Spurs were just down 1 with score 33-32. But Gaines the drive and score and 1 back to a 4 point advantage. Julian Wright gets to the line and looks to extend the lead but misses both. Parker takes it the other way and from what would have been a 6 point lead to just 2. Parker again gets it up on the glass in hurry and goaltending on Johnson and were tied at 36.

Raptors would score then draw a charge on Richard Jefferson and he would have a seat with just under 4 to play. Demar the jumper and shooter's bounce and in. DeRozan had 13 in the game. After Hill makes it a 2 point game he sends Demar to the line for a pair and he makes both. Raptors leading 42-38. A steal and DeRozan on the break with the score and 1. Raptors were not done there building up an 11 point lead on a Johnson slam. DeRozan answered a Spurs score and has 11 in the 2nd and 20 in the game. Raptors leading 53-42 at the half just as everyone expected. Yeah right!!!

P.J Carlesimo spent many years as Spurs assistant maybe he knows all their tricks. Beyond that I have no clue how the Raptors were pulling this off. Duncan gets a score and the forces a Bargnani miss on the other end. That basket was Duncan's first of the game. Johnson a basket to answer but then Parker run Jose into a screen and that gives him open look and drains it. Then next possession a drop of for an easy Blair hoop. Blair would get another bucket and the lead was cut to 5 with the score 55-50. Time out Triano and he was hot and in the face of Andrea Bargnani.

Raptors would get a Julian Wright basket but Duncan would answer that and 1. Then he finds Blair with the pass and Raps lead was down to 2. Andrea a miss and Raptors lead was all gone as Spurs tied it up on the break 57-57. Raptors would fight back and get to buckets and re-take the lead. A steal and a Parker score answered by a DeRozan jumper his first 2 of the 2nd half. DeRozan on the very next play drives and draws contact. Screw Bargnani, start running plays for DeRozan he is the guy that is hot. Blair is getting it done for Spurs with help from his team. Hill a drive and Ed Davis the impressive block attempt but on the way down that is goaltending. A slam for McDyess is he really still in the league? Yes and the score is tied that 65. Spurs were not done and scored a couple more and led 69-65. A good time out by Jay Triano. Rarely get to say that. Blair was a beast and Raps had no answer he scores again and 17 point turn around in the 3rd and Spurs had a 6 point lead heading to the 4th.

A Neal 3 pointer after a score by the Raptors and this was not looking good. Spurs were taking control of this game and Bargnani was a brutal 4 for 18 in this game. Spurs had just slowly and methodically built a 12 point lead it was 89-77 with 7 minutes to play. A turnover and a slam on a 3 on 1 break for San Antonio and this game was starting to look like what many might have expected heading into it. Raptors were struggling to keep up with the Spurs down 96-83 with just 4:30 to play. A positive in this sea of sorrow was the play of Ed Davis one of only a few Raptors looking good during this meltdown portion of the evening. Raptors had fought back to down 9 but time was not on their side at the is point. Bargnani finally makes a shot his first of the half he was 1 for 8. Raptors were down 7. There was only 2:39 to play though and a silly turnover on an inbound play would end any thought of some miracle comeback. Raptors did have an 11-3 run going and lead was trimmed to 6 but a Spurs 3 pointer from Hill would basically turnout the lights with less than 2 to play. The final score would read 104-95
.

The Raptors had a good first half but fell apart in the 3rd and in the end the Spurs were like a shark that smelled blood and just tore them to pieces. Sorry for the gruesome imagery but if you watched the 2nd half you will agree it was warranted. Raps have lost 5 straight and now head to Florida and that does not promise to be much fun at all. Orlando and them Miami. This might be the toughest 3 game stretch you could have on you schedule in the NBA right now.