The Toronto Raptors (29-23) roll into MSG to take on their Atlantic Division rivals New York Knicks (16-38) in the first game of a home and home on Friday night. The Raptors knocked off the Knicks back on January 11th, 99-90. Chris Bosh led the way with 40 points and 11 rebounds, while Jamaal Crawford scored 27 points for the Knicks.
The Raptors are coming off an impressive win over the Southeast Division leading Orlando Magic 127-110 on Wednesday night. Chris Bosh was on FIRE! CB4 went 14-16 from the field for 40 points. Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy had nothing but praise for the all-star, saying that there wasn’t anything anyone on his squad could do to stop him. Jose Calderon scored 19 points (8-10), dished out 13 assists and committed only one turnover.
The Knicks are just terrible right now! They were blown out by the Philadelphia 76ers 124-84 while chants of “Fire Isaiah” rang loud in the MSG. Rookie Thaddeus Young scored a career high 20 points for the 76ers who have won six of their last seven and sit eighth in the Eastern Conference.
Starting 5:
Jose Calderon/Nate Robinson
Anthony Parker/Jamaal Crawford
Jamario Moon/Quentin Richardson
Chris Bosh/Zach Randolph
Andrea Bargnani/Eddy Curry
Key Match-ups:
This is one of those games where the Raptors could be their own worst enemy. By all means they should hand the Knicks their 39th loss of the season, but could struggle if they underestimate their opponent. Chris Bosh should tear apart the interior defense of the Knicks by knocking down jump shots and driving hard to the basket. Randolph and Curry weren’t able to handle Bosh the last time these two clubs met and it shouldn’t change Friday night.
With Stephon Marbury possibly done for the rest of the season, Nate Robinson has stepped in as the starting point guard. Robinson is averaging 11.3 ppg and 5.3 apg over his last three games, but will be in tough against the hottest point guard in the Eastern Conference, Jose Calderon. Robinson maybe quick, but he gives up 6 inches in height, which Calderon will use to his advantage.
Game Notes:
Raptors traded disgruntled combo guard Juan Dixon to the Pistons for Primoz Brezec. Brezec should add some size and rebounding; TJ Ford is a question mark with an abdominal injury; Jamario Moon had his second career double-double Wednesday against the Magic; the Raptors are 3-0 when Carlos Delfino scores 20+ points; the 127 points the Raptors scored against the Magic was 2 shy of their franchise record; the Raptors are one of five Eastern Conference teams with a winning record on the road (13-12).
The Knicks were rumoured to be shopping both Eddy Curry and Zach Randolph, but the deadline came and went and both players are still in the “Big Apple”; the Knicks are 10-17 at home this season.
Technorati Tags: Anthony Parker, Chris Bosh, Eddy Curry, Isiah Thomas, Jamaal Crawford, Jamario Moon, Jose Calderon, Nate Robinson, New York Knicks, Primoz Brezec, Toronto Raptors, Zach Randolph
February 22nd, 2008 at 2:55 pm
I am shocked that the Knicks did not make a move. If there’s one team that needed to make a trade just for the sake of making one, it would’ve been NY. I wouldn’t even have cared what I got in return as long as I shook things up and got rid of some of the talented trash on that team for ANYTHING.
Isaiah’s inactivity is unexplainable.
The other team that is messed up is Chicago, they didn’t want to acquire Kobe or Garnett but bit on Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden. Why does John Paxson have a job?
February 22nd, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Arsenalist > I don’t anyone wanted what the Knicks have (except Lee maybe). I was hoping that they’d get Wince–I miss the TO vs NY rivalry.
At least Chicago got rid of Ben (bandana queen) Wallace.
February 22nd, 2008 at 4:17 pm
i don’t expect paxon will have a job for much longer, he is in zeke territory. with all the names linked to the bulls, it is shocking they bit on hughes and gooden as you say. horrible management.
as for zeke himself…best thing he dever did was not make a trade. he wants cap space to scoop up lebron in 2009. by then robinson, lee and crawford will be serious pieces to put around lebron. watch out, my knicks are comin up again.
February 22nd, 2008 at 6:36 pm
I think there’s a difference between didn’t and Can’t LOL
no one wants their PLAYERS!! other than David Lee and Balkman
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:40 pm
I imagine Isiah tried everything to get rid of Randolph and Curry, but nobody wants these guys or their contracts. Randolph is a locker room cancer and Curry is a lazy big man. There is no way that they would trade Lee unless they were gettting a good young player in return along with a draft pick. I thought maybe Crawford could get some attention but he’s a player that Id want on my team.
So the Nets waive Jamaal magloire today for some reason. they must not have had any decent offers at the trade deadline which i find strange.
Hopefully the raps knock off the Knicks tonight and do it by the 3rd quarter so their starters can have some rest so they can do it all again on Sunday. GO Raps Go
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:28 pm
secrets are best shared aloud!!!