The Toronto Raptors (39-39) will be looking for a little revenge when they host the New Jersey Nets (32-46) tonight. Not that the Raptors need any incentive to beat their Atlantic Division rivals, but with a Raptor win tonight, Vince Carter and the Nets will be officially eliminated from playoff contention.

After Wednesdays win over the Bucks, Chris Bosh - in a Dave Winfield style suggestion, urged the fans to make noise and make the ACC a tough building for opponents to play in. I have no doubt that the fans will respond to their franchise player.

The Nets have lost five of six and are on the verge of missing the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons. They currently sit 4.0 games back of the 8th place Atlanta Hawks.

Starting 5:
Devin Harris/TJ Ford
Vince Carter/Anthony Parker
Richard Jefferson/Jamario Moon
Nenad Krstic/Chris Bosh
DeSagana Diop/Rasho Nesterovic

Key Match-ups:
Vince Carter vs the ACC!! The Raptors faithful both love and hate Vince Carter. They love to boo him every time he touches the ball, and they hate the way his Nets knocked their Raptors out of the playoffs last season. If Bosh’s request is answered, then the capacity crowd should take care of Vinsanity…with a little help from Anthony Parker.

Chris Bosh has taken it upon himself to get the Raptors out of their slump and build momentum heading into the playoffs. He scored 32 points and grabbed 11 boards against the Bucks, but you could tell that he wanted to put his team on his shoulders to do it. With Josh Boone questionable, the Nets will have to use Krstic and Diop to try and slow down the all-star.

Game Notes:
The Nets shot 33.3% from the field against the Cavaliers; there are rumors circulating around the Nets locker room about some major changes in the off-season. Richard Jefferson, despite having career numbers this season, could be on his way out; the Nets are 12-26 on the road this season.

The Raptors currently trail the 76ers by 1.0 game for 6th and the Wizards by 2.0 games for 5th place; Raptors forward Jamario Moon set a new franchise record for starts by a rookie Wednesday against the Bucks. Moon broke Damon Stoudamire’s mark set during the 95-96 season; Bosh recorded his team leading 27th double-double of the season against the Bucks; the Raptors are 23-16 at home this season.

Scoreboard Watch:
Pacers @ 76ers
Wizards @ Pistons

Technorati Tags: Anthony Parker, Chris Bosh, Damon Stoudamire, Devin Harris, Jamario Moon, Josh Boone, Nenad Krstic, New Jersey Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Rasho Nesterovic, Richard Jefferson, TJ Ford, Toronto Raptors, Vince Carter, Washington Wizards

Popularity: 35% [?]