The Toronto Raptors (12-10) have won two in a row and will look to make it three when they host the Dallas Mavericks (14-8) tonight at the ACC. The Raptors are coming off a victory over the surging Atlanta Hawks, but the win came at a cost. In the fourth quarter guard TJ Ford was fouled hard going in for a lay up and left the game on a stretcher with neck/head injuruies. Ford finished with a game high 26 points and 8 assists.
Ford missed the entire 2004-05 after potential career ending neck injury. It was reported that TJ had movement in his arms and legs and was kept in Atlanta for observation.
The Mavericks will look to continue their domination over the Toronto Raptors. The Mavs haven’t lost to the Raps since November 6th 2003. Including a game earlier this year when the Raptors blew a 20 point lead in Dallas.
Starting 5:
Devin Harris/Jose Calderon
Jason Terry/Anthony Parker
Josh Howard/Jamario Moon
Dirk Nowitzki/Chris Bosh
Eric Dampier/Rasho Nesterovic
Key Match ups:
The last time these two teams met the Raptors were able to hold Nowitzki in check. That was until the third quarter when the 7 foot German started knocking down 3’s like they were going out of style. Dirk hit 4 straight 3’s at the end of the third quarter and the Mavs held on to win. Either Chris Bosh or Rasho Nesterovic should get the call to guard the all-star.
Two of the NBA’s fastest guards will be on display tonight. Raptors Jose Calderon and Mavericks Devin Harris. Calderon is averaging 12.1 ppg and 10.5 apg as a starter this season. Harris is averaging 13.1 ppg and 5.4 apg as a starter. It will be entertaining to watch these two go at it tonight at the ACC.
Game Notes:
It is rumored that disgruntled Nets guard Jason Kidd will end up in a Mavericks uniform by the end of the season. It is just a rumour, but it would be nice to get Mr. Triple double out of the Atlantic Divison; Josh Howard had a huge night against the Jazz last week, scoring 47 points and 10 rebounds.
Raptors forward Chris Bosh is averaging 20.5 ppg, 11.5 and 2.5 bpg since returning to the line up; Bargnani made a lackluster return to the lineup last night. El Mago was held scoreless in 12 mintues of play; forward Jason Kapono left Tuesdays game with a left wrist injury. The x-rays were negative and is considered day to day.
Technorati Tags: Toronto Raptors, Chris Bosh, Anthony Parker, Jose Calderon, Jamario Moon, Rasho Nesterovic, Jason Kapono, Andrea Bargnani, TJ Ford, Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors vs Dallas Mavericks December 12, 2007
December 12th, 2007 at 6:37 pm
i’d like to see the raptors take this game. getting to gut check time with a quarter of the seaosn under their belt.
that being said, the loss of tj could really affect how the guys.
December 12th, 2007 at 11:11 pm
what a great game. i think this was one of their more convincing wins this season. great to see tj back smiling and receiving a great ovation from the crowd. our defense prevails once again.