There is excitement in Raptor nation today as the defending Atlantic Division Champions kick off the 2007-08 NBA season at home against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Raptors ended the pre-season with two impressive wins against the Washington Wizards (98-64) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (111-78). With their new found success from last season comes great expectations, but it looks like management added the right players while keeping the core from last season.

Starters:
TJ Ford/Andre Miller
Anthony Parker/Andre Iguodala
Jason Kapono/Kyle Korver
Chris Bosh/Reggie Evans
Andrea Bargnani/Samuel Dalembert

Key Match-ups:
I don’t see newly acquired Reggie Evans being able to guard the two time allstar Chris Bosh. The 76ers will probably have to switch up with Samuel Dalembert and Jason Smith. No matter who they throw out there I dont think they can contain CB4.

If the Raptors want to shut down the 76ers then they’ll need to find a way to contain Andre Iguodala. Iguodala is coming off a break out season where he became the face of the franchise after the departure of Allen Iverson. The job to guard the explosive offensive weapon will fall on the shoulders of Anthony Parker and Carlos Delfino. Both Raptors are good defenders and should be up for the task, but that doesnt mean AI2 will be kept in check.

Predictions:
The ACC will be pumping and nobody likes to come into another teams building on opening night. I think the 76ers will keep in close, but eventually the Raptors will pull away and win the game by double digits. Look for Andrea Bargnani to have a great game. There is a lot more pressure on him to produce on both ends of the court. He won the starting center spot off of Rasho Nesterovic this pre-season and will need to be a rebounding machine if he wants to remain in the starting five.

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