Toronto Raptors @ Philadephia 76ers
October 30, 2008
Other then Orlando, I can’t think of a better way to kick the season off. They went on a huge run to end the season, and came within a nose-hair of flushing the Pistons down the toilet. Then staged a huge coup in landing Elton Brand (Mr. 20/10).
A stark contrast to the Raptors who had their season flushed away with the poor management of the TJ Ford injury situation, and did all they could to withstand the Magic in the first round. Then followed that up with the controversial deal for O’Neal; but hey, at least they didn’t win the Atlantic and lose to Jersey on home floor.
I tried the glass-half-full approach during the summer, and nothing. Didn’t take, I like my pragmatic ways.
Sam Mitchell had a message for Joey Graham (I only assume):
“…all the weak people get out…” (watch the video below)
He said it with a smile, much like a wife-beater softly caresses his wife after the bitch slap, you read into that one all you want.
In my pre-season schedule prediction, I had this as a win, based on nothing other then the feeling in the pit of my stomach. I stand by that, but I have a reason. There is a sense of urgency on the Raptors/Mitchell to start the season strong. They can’t come out cold, and expect to heat up well enough to win 50 and win a round in the playoffs. It doesn’t happen like that unless you have Don Nelson steering the ship, and we don’t.
I expect O’Neal and Bosh to have big games. Don’t get it twisted, O’Neal will be playing with a HUGE chip on his shoulder this season. He has to prove the nay-sayers wrong, and no better way to do so then Baron Davis styles. So I fully expect him to come out and get his, not 20/10, but I’ll take 16/9.
What has be worried against playing Philly are two things:
- Their athleticism
- Their rebounding
Guys like Iguodala, Young, Speights, and Green will give the Raptors wing players-fits running around the three point line. Thankfully, they aren’t great shooters from outside 18, but they more then make up for it with their penetration and rebounding. I believe they were number last season in offensive rebounding. Enter O’Neal…
There is only so much that Bosh and O’Neal can do though when guys like Calderon, Parker and Moon aren’t boxing their men out, and allowing their checks to fight for boards. Surprising Mithell hasn’t imparted how to do that since he was a king at it during his career. Maybe it’s just not being absorbed, my money is on the latter actually.
So Vegas.com has the Hilton and Ceasers calling this game as such:
Favorite > PH
Point spread > -5½
Total > 189½o/u
Total money line > -110
I don’t give spreads, but I reserve the right to change my earlier game predictions (they were summer assumptions under the guise of nothing going on around the league, cut me some slack). I choose not too for this game, and have the Raptors coming out ahead. I drink the kool-aid once a year, and this time I believe!!!!
Technorati Tags: Andre Iguodala, Anthony Parker, Chris Bosh, Elton Brand, Jamario Moon, Jermaine O’Neal, Jose Calderon, New Jersey Nets, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Raptors 2008-2009 Season, Raptors Videos, Sam Mitchell, Thaddeus Young, TJ Ford, Willie Green
