The struggling Toronto Raptors (17-17) host the Philadelphia 76ers (14-21) tonight at the ACC. The Raptors have lost the first two games of 2008, but a visit from the 76ers could be a good recipe to get back in the win column. The Raptors are 2-0 versus the 76ers so far this year.
The 76ers have lost four in a row. They fell to the Milwaukee Bucks last night 87-83. Mo Williams led the Bucks with 21 points and 9 assists, while Samuel Dalembert scored 16 points and grabbed 16 boards for the 76ers.
The Raptors are coming off a disappointing loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers 93-90. The Raptors led by as much 20 points, but couldn’t handle LeBron James down the stretch. James scored 39 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out 8 assists. LeBron took over in the fourth, scoring 24 of his game high 39. Jose Calderon had another strong game, scoring 16 points and adding 11 assists.
Starting 5:
Andre Miller/Jose Calderon
Willie Green/Anthony Parker
Andre Iguodala/Jamario Moon
Reggie Evans/Chris Bosh
Samuel Dalembert/Andrea Bargnani
Key Match-ups:
Chris Bosh took a lot of heat for not taking the Raptors on his back and finishing off the Cavaliers. He should bounce back with a strong performance tonight. Bosh is averaging 20 ppg and 7.0 rpg so far this season against the 76ers. Reggie Evans and Samuel Dalembert will attempt to slow down CB4, but the Raptors are in need of a win and the “Franchise” should step up.
Samuel Dalembert has 31 rebounds in his last two games. He’s averaging 11.3 ppg and 9.7 rpg so far this season and should play inspire tonight as he will be honoured by Canada for becoming a Citizen this summer. Andrea Bargnani will have to make sure he boxes Sammy D out on the offensive boards or the 76ers will enjoy quite a few second chance buckets.
X-men:
76ers
Andre Miller: Miller averages 13.5 ppg and 7.7 apg in 26 career games against the Raptors. His name has been thrown about in trade talks over the past month, so maybe he’ll step it up and showcase his skills in an attempt to get a trade to a contender.
Raptors
Anthony Parker: Parker fell one rebound shy of his first career double-double against the Cavs on Sunday. He scored 20 points and was showing signs that he can score at will. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come. Parker has been inconsistent for the Raptors all season.
Game Notes:
The 76ers are 7-11 on the road this season; Andre Iguodala will become a RFA after this season and the 76ers are trying to lock him down long term. Iguodala has rejected the first offer, but the 76ers are determined to get him under contract; after lighting up his old team for 38 points, Nuggets guard Allen Iverson claims that the 76ers kicked him out. AI spent 11 seasons in Philly.
Raptors forward Chris Bosh may want to think about leaving his girlfriend at home when he plays at the ACC. According to LeBron James he was “ticked off” when Bosh’s girlfriend and cousin were harassing him about his early struggles; TJ Ford announced that his is pain free and plans to return to the line up this season. There is no timetable set right now for TJ’s return, but this is good news regardless; The New Jersey Nets lost last night, dropping them back to .500 and tying them with the Raptors for second in the Division; The Raptors are 8-8 at home this season.
Technorati Tags: Toronto Raptors, CHris Bosh, TJ Ford, Jose Calderon, Philedelphia 76ers, Andre Miller, Anthony Parker, Reggie Evans, Samuel Dalembert, Andrea Bargnani
January 9th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
I hope while he’s in town Reggie Evans bangs the bitch that gave MoPete herpes.
January 9th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
MoPete’s got herpes? that sucks for the former Raptor. Nice win for the Raps tonight even though they couldnt rebound worth shite. they shot 55% from the field, 43% from 3, and 87% from the charity strike, which is nice to see after the loss to the Cavs
Shout out to Parker, thats two straight 20+ games and Joey Graham who threw down a massive dunk
January 10th, 2008 at 8:38 am
Finally Delfino got out of his shooting funk, even though he took a few ill advised shots, but at least he was knocking most of them down. Kapono, Rasho and Graham combined for 23 points off the bench, which was great to see. Bosh only had one rebound but he had 3 blocks; Moon had 5 blocks and i think they were all on Willie Green.
the raps needed this win, especially with NJN winning agains. as of right now the Raps and Nets are tied for 2nd in the Division and tied for 5th in the Conference, but the Cavs hold the final spot and their only half a game back from the Raps, which means any kind of slip by the raps and they could find themselves out of a playoff spot
April 19th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Samuel Dalembert will be a nice fit for Raptors. I rather have Bargs benched next season till he can play good. Mikael Peitrus, J.R Smith or Samuel Dalembert should be on raptors radar. oh nd Jamaal Magloire. PRIMOZ BREZEC SUKS!! Trade TJ Keep Jose. Treade TJ for JR Smith