The Boo birds will be out in full force tonight at the ACC when the Toronto Raptors (27-23) host the New Jersey Nets (23-29) in the last game before the NBA All-star break. As every Raptor fan knows, there is a strong rivalry between these two clubs. The Nets knocked off the Raptors in the first round of the playoffs last year and it’s never pretty when “Toronto’s Public Enemy #1″ Vince Carter comes to town.
This will be the second meeting this season between the Nets and Raptors. The Nets were embarrassed on their home court on November 2nd, when the Raps whiped the floor with their arch rivals 106-69. Andrea Bargnani led the Raptors with 21 points, while Richard Jefferson scored a game high 27 for the Nets.
This will be the second of back-to-back games for New Jersey. The Nets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 92-88 last night. Vince Carter led the way with 17 points and 10 assists.
The Raptors are coming off a tough loss to the NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs 93-88 on Monday night. Manu Ginobli scorched the Raps for 34 points and a career high 15 rebounds. Raptors guard Jose Calderon had a career high 27 points in the loss.
Starting 5:
Jason Kidd/Jose Calderon
Vince Carter/Anthony Parker
Richard Jefferson/Jamario Moon
Nenad Krstic/Chris Bosh
Josh Boone/Andrea Bargnani
Key Match-ups:
Whenever Vince Carter comes back to Toronto he hears more boos then any other visiting player (T-Mac is a close second). Carter averages 23.8 ppg against the Raptors, but was held to just 7 points in the teams first meeting. Maybe the stress of 18,000+ faithful Raptors fans will help Anthony Parker contain the all-star. But love him or hate him VC is a superstar and can kill a team on any given night.
Chris Bosh took a lot of criticism for the Raptors early exit from the playoffs last season. He wasn’t able to take his game to the next level and lead his team to victory. As the face of the franchise CB4 needs to avenge the Raptor faithful every time he steps on the floor against the Nets. I don’t think Josh Boone or Nenad Krstic will be able to contain CB4.
Game Notes:
With the NBA trade deadline quickly approaching the Nets could be a different looking team. There are rumours that Kidd, Carter, and Jefferson are all available; Jason Kidd was 1 point and 1 assist shy of his 100th career triple-double against the Timberwolves; the Nets are a perfect 3-0 with the starting line up of Kidd, Carter, Jefferson, Krstic and Boone; the Nets are 11-14 on the road this season.
The Raptors will be without their bench boss for the second straight game tonight. Head Coach Sam Mitchell took a leave of absence due to the death of his father-in-law. Assistant Coach Mike Evans ran the show against the Spurs, while Jay Triano will do the honours tonight. Mitchell is expected back after the all-star break; TJ Ford is a question mark for tonight’s game because of an injured wrist; the Raptors have lost 3 straight at home and are 14-11 at home overall.
Technorati Tags: Andrea Bargnani, Chris Bosh, Jason Kidd, Jose Calderon, Josh Boone, Man u Ginobili, Nenad Krstic, New Jersey Nets, Richard Jefferson, TJ Ford, Vince Carter
February 13th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Revenge is a dish best served with 3 pointers and mad facials in Carters grill…hahaha. But seriously though the Raptors need to show the NBA that the Nets done own them and that their franchise is head and shoulders above NJ.
I want to see this team dismantled at the trade deadline. Kidd, Rj and Carter all to the West. I heard a rumour about Jermaine Oneil for Carter, but Jermaines injury is affecting the transaction. there were rumours of Kidd to the Mavs, which would make them an even bigger force, but nothing has come as of yet. I would trade RJ too if I was Thorn. THe guy is playing awesome and hasnt had the injury bug hit him yet, but chances are it will.
February 13th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
i don’t know pete, rj is the only guy on that team worth holding on too. they got swift for collins, so their front court is even better.
i don’t think it will be a blow out tonight, they are a good team, and hitting their stride. but the raptors can’t lose this game, it would be…bad.
February 13th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
The Nets agree to trade All-Star point guard Jason Kidd and Malik Allen to the Mavericks for Devin Harris, Jerry Stackhouse, Devean George, DeSagana Diop, Maurice Ager and two first-round picks.
Freaking Crazy…these guys wont be in the line up tonight, but either will Kidd baby
February 13th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
no kidd , no win . if the raps still go down in defeat , the fans will boo them.
February 13th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
wow, how scared was cuban about the moves the lakers and suns made? i am all of a sudden not afraid of jersey, they might even fall out of playoff contention.
February 13th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
this game was definetly second to the trad of Kidd. Good win for the Raps and i’m happy that the Nets are splitting the three headed monster that as torched the raps for years, but i dont think the Nets arent worse off. with Harris coming in to play as a combo guard, stack to give them some good minutes off the bench, Diop to be another big body in the paint and two first round picks? this team will still contend for a spot in the east.
I was just reading about how Devean Georges “early bird clause” is screwing up the deal. but this is probably just a speed bump and the trade will be made.