The Toronto Raptors (37-36) hit the road Monday night to take on the suddenly hot Charlotte Bobcats (28-45). The last time these two clubs met the Bobcats out rebounded the Raptors 50-37; including 18-6 on the offensive end, en route to a 110-98 win.
The Bobcats are returning home from their four game Western road trip. They lost to the Jazz in their first game, but managed to win three straight over the Lakers, Supersonics and Trailblazers.
The Raptors are coming off a loss to the Western Conference leading New Orleans Hornets. The combination of Chris Paul and David West was too much for the Raptors to handle. Paul finished with 20 points and 16 assists, while West finished with a game high 32 points. The game was seemingly out of reach after the third quarter, but the Raptors reserves, led by Kris Humphries and Linton Johnson, made the game interesting late.
Starting 5:
TJ Ford/Raymond Felton
Anthony Parker/Jason Richardson
Jamario Moon/Gerald Wallace
Chris Bosh/Emeka Okafor
Rasho Nesterovic/Nazr Mohammed
Key Match-ups:
The last time these teams played, Jason Richardson lit up the Raptors for 30 points and 7 rebounds. The Raptors will need to play tougher against him this time if they want to put together a win streak going into the playoffs.
Emeka Okafor is a monster on the glass. So far this season he averages 10.6 rpg, including 3.6 on the offensive end. It will be up to Chris Bosh and Rasho Nesterovic to put a body on him and keep him off the offensive boards.
Game Notes:
Raptors forward Linton Johnson 6 points in his debut on Sunday; the Raptors had 7 players finish in double digits against the Hornets; even though they lost, the Raptors still hold the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference. Both the 76ers and Wizards lost; the Raptors are 15-21 on the road this season.
The Bobcats gave up 23 offensive rebounds against the Trailblazers, but still managed to win the game; the Bobcats are 5.0 games behind the 8th place Atlanta Hawks for the final playoff spot; the Bobcats are 19-17 at home this season.
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