Fresh off their upset win over the defending NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs, the Toronto Raptors (16-14) roll into Houston to take on the McGradyless Rockets (14-15). The Raptors defeated the Rockets earlier this season 93-80 in Toronto. Chris Bosh scored a team high 21 points and 10 rebounds. Rockets all-star Tracey McGrady scored 23 points in the loss.
Jason Kapono led the Raptor charge against the Spurs with 15 points and Kris Humphries recorded his second double-double of the season scoring 14 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. The Raptors played strong team defense down the stretch and had five players score in double digits.
The Rockets defeated the Grizzlies last night 103-83. Luis Scola scored a season high 22 points and Yao Ming added 22 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. The Rockets are 1-3 without McGrady in the line up this season.
Starting 5:
Jose Calderon/Rafer Alston
Anthony Parker/Bonzi Wells
Jamario Moon/Shane Battier
Chris Bosh/Chuck Hayes
Andrea Bargnani/Yao Ming
Key Match-ups:
With Tracey McGrady out of the line up the bulk of the offence will fall on Yao Ming. Ming is averaging 21.4 ppg and 10.6 rpg this season and is only one of five players to average 20 points and 10 rebounds. Ming will need to pick up the pace tonight against the Raptors. Newly made starter Andrea Bargnani will get the call to guard Yao, but shutting down the supporting cast should lead to a Raptor win.
Jose Calderon will be matched up against former Raptor Rafer Alston and I’m predicting that Calderon will abuse Alston. Calderon reminded Raptor fans just how fast he was last night against Tony Parker, scoring on key drives down the stretch.
Game Notes:
Raptors centre Rasho Nesterovic had his second straight DNP last night against his former club; Rumours are circling about Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo making a few roster moves. The Raptors most mentioned in these rumours are forward Joey Graham and guard Juan Dixon; Andrea Bargnani is averaging 9.3 ppg since being placed back in the starting line up; the Raptors are 2-3 on their current 7 game road trip.
Rockets guard/forward isn’t expected to miss any more games after sitting out tonight to rehab his ailing knee; rumours of a possible trade with the Chicago Bulls have been looming around lately. Ben Wallace and Ben Gordon to Houston for Tracey McGrady; two former Raptor point guards will take on their former team tonight. Rafer “Skip to my Lou” Alston and Mike “the Amityville Scorer” James.
Technorati Tags: Chris Bosh, Houston Rockets, Jason Kapono, Jose Calderon, Kris Humphries, Memphis Grizzlies, Rafter Alston, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Tracey McGrady, Yao Ming
