The Toronto Raptors (37-35) host one of the best teams in the NBA Sunday when Morris Peterson and the New Orleans Hornets (49-22) visit the ACC. The Hornets are tied with San Antonio atop of the extremely competitive Western Conference.
The Raptors are coming off a win against the New York Knicks on Friday, 103-95. Chris Bosh had his best game since returning from injury, scoring 29 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Rasho Nesterovic had another strong game for the Raptors, scoring 18 points and grabbing 9 rebounds.
The Hornets lost to the Celtics on Friday night in what could be an NBA Finals preview. The Hornets had won five in row before Friday including a win over the Celtics in New Orleans last Saturday.
Starting 5:
Chris Paul/TJ Ford
Mo Pete/Anthony Parker
Peja Stojakovic/Jamario Moon
David West/Chris Bosh
Tyson Chandler/Rasho Nesterovic
Key Match-ups:
If the Raptors want to win three in a row for the first time since late February, then they’ll have to keep Chris Paul from alley ooping Tyson Chandler. The tandem of Paul and Chandler unofficially lead the league in alley oop passes. Not only do the alley oop plays make it on court cuts each week, but it seems to charge up the Hornets. If Ford and Calderon can keep in front of the speedy Paul and Nesterovic can put a body between Chandler and the basket, then the Raptors may find success.
Two premier power forwards will go head to head tonight. David West and Chris Bosh put up similar numbers and both play a similar inside/outside game. West averages 20.2 ppg and 9.1 rpg, while Bosh averages 22.3 ppg and 8.8 rpg. It will be entertaining to watch these two battle on Sunday.
Game Notes:
Hornets guard Morris Peterson will make his first appearance in Toronto since signing as a free agent in the off season. MoPete 542 games for the Raptors; Chris Paul is first in the NBA in assists (11.4) and second amongst point guards in scoring (21.6); the Hornets are 22-12 on the road this season.
The Raptors are now half a game ahead of the 76ers for 6th in the Easter Conference; Chris Bosh recorded his 25th double-double of the season in Fridays win; Rasho Nesterovic has scored in double digits in 12 of the last 15 games; the Raptors are 22-14 at home this season.
Games to Watch:
76ers @ Cavaliers
Wizards @ Lakers
Technorati Tags: Chris Bosh, Chris Paul, David West, Jose Calderon, Morris Peterson, New Orleans Hornets, Rasho Nesterovic, TJ Ford, Tyson Chandler










March 30th, 2008 at 1:33 am
the Hornets are awesome!! to be leading the west is a feat on its own. i wish the raps the best, but ALLEY OOP
March 30th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Ahh man the raps are being crushed right now 107-77 at the end of the 3rd…ouch!! play some D on Paul and West please