Tonight the Raptors host the Nets as they look to win two in a row for the first time since the 3 - 0 start to begin the season with wins against the 76ers, the Warriors and the Bucks. Having played 3 games in the Southwest division, we begin a tough 4 game home stand tonight with 2 key divisional games against the Nets and the Celtics on Sunday.
Then we prepare for the Bobcats, the Hawks and Kobe Bryant and the Laker’s next Sunday. Tonight’s game will go a long way to restore some confidence to this team as they prepare for some very tough games at home. Having played 7 of the first 11 on the road and still being above .500% has been a testament to this team’s character and improvement on the floor.
The lineups look like this. With no word on Josh Boone, I have to keep him off the starting lineup with his
sprained ankle.
Nets
C - Brook Lopez
PF - Yi Jianlian - could be hurt - no status as of writing this
SF - Bobby Simmonds
SG - Vince Carter
PG - Devin Harris
Raptors
C - Jermaine O’Neal
PF - Chris Bosh
SF - Andrea Bargnani
SG - Anthony Parker
PG - Jose Calderon
The Raptors have the advantage up front as the Nets are missing Josh Boone, Eduardo Najera and Stromile Swift. I must give the advantage to the Raptors with veteran front men, this team should have little ability to challenge us up front. I believe that Vince has an advantage there, but if Parker can keep him under 20 points tonight, he will be invisible for this team. If Anthony can score 15 points and keep VC in front of him, the night will be long for the Nets.
Devin Harris and Jose Calderon will provide us with some entertaining ball tonight as they both lead their teams with fire. Harris has been hot the past few games and bring 23 ppg to the floor. Jose runs the Raptors with ball movement and control and with our clear advantage inside, I believe this game will be a great start to a tough home stand for the Raptors.
Technorati Tags: Andrea Bargnani, Anthony Parker, Bobby Simmonds, Brook Lopez, Chris Bosh, Devin Harris, Eduardo Najera, Jermaine O’Neal, Jose Calderon, Josh Boone, Kobe Bryant, Stromile Swift, Vince Carter, Yi Jianlian
