The Toronto Raptors (26-21) host the Los Angeles Clippers (15-31) at the ACC Friday night. The Raptors knocked off the Clippers 80-77 back on December 18th in Los Angeles. Chris Bosh led the Raptors with 24 points and 9 rebounds while Chris Kaman had 12 points and 16 rebounds for the Clippers.
The Clip have struggled this season without their franchise player Elton Brand. Brand has been out all season with a ruptured Achilles. EB’s 20.5 ppg and 9.3 rpg have been sorely missed in the front court.
Most recently, the Clippers were unable to capitalize on a Garnett-less Boston Celtics when the lost 111-100 on Wednesday night. Corey Maggette had a huge game scoring 33 points and grabbing 8 rebounds.
The Raptors are coming off a blow out win against the worst team in the NBA, the Miami Heat. The Raps handed the Heat their 37th loss of the season, 114-82. Andrea Bargnani continued his strong play scoring 22 points on 9-14 from the field and TJ Ford made his surprise return to the line up.
Starting 5:
Sam Cassell/Jose Calderon
Quinton Ross/Anthony Parker
Corey Maggette/Jamario Moon
Al Thorton/Chris Bosh
Chris Kaman/Andrea Bargnani
Key Match-ups:
Chris Kaman was snubbed from the all-star game this season. Kaman is third in the NBA in rebounding with 13.7, third in blocks and fourth among NBA centers in scoring with 17.0 ppg. The “K” man is deceptively quick and works hard on defence. Andrea Bargnani will have his hands full down low and could get into foul trouble if Kaman’s team-mates keep pounding the ball inside.
Jose Calderon continues to play amazing for the Raptors. He’s averaging 16.2 ppg 10.7 apg and a measly 1.8 tpg in his last six starts. I don’t feel that Calderon’s starting job is at stake now that TJ is back, but at least Jose won’t have to log 40 plus minutes every night. Sam Cassell will be matched up against Calderon, but should have trouble keeping the Spaniard from taking the ball to the basket at will.
Game Notes:
Clippers F Corey Maggette is an UFA after this season and should garner a lot of attention before the trade deadline this month. Is it just me or would Maggette look great in a Raptors uniform?; guard Sam Cassell is rumoured to be in the process of being bought out. If he is, teams like the Celtics and Suns will be in the market for the vet; F Tim Thomas did not play in Boston because of nagging back spasms; the Clippers are 6-16 on the road this season.
Raptors guard TJ Ford played 16 minutes, dishing out 4 assist and scored 4 points, including one massive throw down…YouTube it; Jamario Moon gave fans a small preview of what he has in store for the NBA Dunk Contest…check it out:
The Raptors are 14-9 at home this season.
Technorati Tags: Andrea Bargnani, Chris Bosh, Chris Kaman, Corey Maggette, Elton Brand, Jamario Moon, Jose Calderon, Los Angeles Clippers, Sam Cassell, Tim Thomas, TJ Ford
February 8th, 2008 at 10:37 am
I don’t think Maggette would look great in a Raps uni, I think he’s a good player talent-wise but he’s a bit selfish. I don’t think he’d fit in with this team, plus his 5.9RPG don’t flatter me.
February 8th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
he is selfish, but he penetrates and gets to the line a lot. i’d rather see pietrus myself.
February 8th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
12 sec left to go.. down by 4.. i blame that last jose miss on smitch. they shoulda called a time out and run a play
a jumpshot?! bosh was getting to the FT line at will and he chucks it?
i know jose doesn’t miss often, but still!