The Raptors got an early look at what a first round match up with the Detroit Pistons would look like. THe Pistons knocked off the Raptors, 91-84 with their second unit nicknamed the “ZOO Squad” playing the majority of the minutes. Rodney Stuckey led his team with 18 points, while Chris Bosh scored a game high 30 points and grabbed 10 boards.

The Heat are injury ridden and terrible! With no Dwayne Wade, Udonis Haslem and Shawn Marion, the Heat are just playing out their games in a hope to land the #1 seed. Consensus number one pick, Michael Beasley, has a very good chance of ending up in Miami next season.

Starting 5:
Chris Quinn/TJ Ford
Daequan Cook/Anthony Parker
Ricky Davis/Jamario Moon
Stephane Lasme/Chris Bosh
Mark Blount/Rasho Nesterovic

Key Match-up:
If the Raptors want to make any noise these playoffs they’ll need a couple of players to step it up. Chris Bosh and Rasho Nesterovic are doing their jobs, but it will be up to players like Andrea Bargnani and Jason Kapono to find their groove. Both Bargs and Kapono should look at this game as a way to showcase their skills and build confidence heading into the post season.

Game Notes:
Raptor guards TJ Ford and Jose Calderon have combined for only 1 turnover in the last 2 games; Rasho Nesterovic has scored in double digits in 16 straight; Chris Bosh is averaging 27.7 ppg and 10.0 rpg in his last 3; the Raptors are 24-16 at home this season.

Technorati Tags: Andrea Bargnani, Chris Bosh, Detroit Pistons, Dwayne Wade, Jason Kapono, Jose Calderon, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 7, Rasho Nesterovic, Rodney Stuckey, Shawn Marion, TJ Ford, Udonis Haslem

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

The Toronto Raptors (38-39) are struggling down the stretch. They’ve fallen below .500 for the first time since losing opening night against the Boston Celtics. If they don’t pick up their play soon, they’ll play the Detroit Pistons in the first round, which will most likely see another first round defeat.

The Milwaukee Bucks (26-50) are coming to town and it’s a perfect time to get back on track. The Bucks are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs and SHOULD fall to the Raptors Wednesday Night.

Starting 5:
Mo Williams/TJ Ford
Michael Redd/Anthony Parker
Desmon Mason/Jamario Moon
Charlie Villanueva/Chris Bosh
Andrew Bogut/Rasho Nesterovic

Key Match-ups:
Since returning from injury, Chris Bosh is averaging 23.2 ppg and 8.8 rpg. If the Raptors want to finish strong and make some noise in the playoffs this year, they’ll need Bosh to play the best basketball of his career. Bosh should take a look at the rest of the games as warm up for the post season.

Michael Redd is one of the purest shooters in the NBA. Give this guy an open look and he’ll more often then not, knock it down. Anthony Parker held Redd in check the last time these clubs met, but Redd is still extremely dangerous and you can’t slack off on him.

Game Notes:
This will be the second of a back-to-back for the Bucks. They’ll play the Celtics bench on Tuesday night; starting point guard Mo Williams sat out with an abdominal injury against the Pacers on Sunday. He’s considered day-to-day; forward Yi Jianlian will miss the rest of the season because of a knee injury. The Chinese rookie was averaging 8.6 points and 5.2 rebounds this season; the Bucks are 7-31 on the road this season (going into Tuesday’s game vs. Boston).

Raptor centre Rasho Nesterovic is averaging 22.0 ppg and 9.3 rebounds in his last 3 games and has scored in double digits in his last 13 games; the Raptors have lost 15 of their last 21 overall; the Raptors finish off the season against NJ, DET, MIA, CHI; the Raptors are 22-16 at home this season.

The Raptors are currently tied with the Wizards and 76ers for the 5th spot in the Conference. If the three teams remain tied at the end of the season the Wizards would finish 5th, Raptors 6th and the 76ers 7th.

Starting 5:
Raymond Felton/TJ Ford
Jason Richardson/Anthony Parker
Gerald Wallace/Jamario Moon
Emeka Okafor/Chris Bosh
Nazr Mohammed/Rasho Nesterovic

Key Match-ups:
Chris Bosh was aggressive when these teams played on Wednesday. He managed to knock down 13-16 shots from the line and scored a total 32 points. Bosh is the focal point of the Raptors offence and when he attacks the basket and gets to the line he’s at his best. Emeka Okafor is a great defender, but he couldn’t stop CB4 on Wednesday and won’t stop him tonight.

Jason Richardson is the reigning Eastern Conference Player of the. He is averaging 28.0 ppg in his last two against the Raptors. Anthony Parker worked hard on defense on Monday, but J-Rich managed to score 26.

Game Notes:
The Bobcats held a player only meeting and were quoted as saying “(bleep) the coach (Sam Vincent), lets win for ourselves,” Reportedly part-owner Michael Jordan isn’t happy with Vincent and could be in the market for a new Head Coach; Emeka Okafor averages 13.9 ppg, 9.3 rpg and 1.9 bpg in 10 career games against the Raptors; the Bobcats are 9-28 on the road this season

The Raptors are expected to file an official protest to the NBA over the “shot clock malfunction” against the Atlanta Hawks. This will be the second protest in Atlanta this season (Miami Heat Dec. 19); Assistant GM Maurizio Gherardini is high on the list for the GM of the Milwaukee Bucks; TJ Ford had 23 points and 13 assists in Wednesday’s loss to the Hawks; the Raptors are 22-15 at home this season.

Technorati Tags: Charlotte Bobcats, Chris Bosh, Emeka Okafor, Jason Richardson, Anthony Parker, Michael Jordan, Sam Vincent, Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, Maurizio Gherardini, Milwaukee Bucks, TJ Ford

The Hawks have won four in a row and currently hold down the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference by 3 games over the New Jersey Nets and are only behind the 7th place 76ers by 3 games.
The Raptors currently sit tied with Washington for 5th place in the Conference, but the tie breaker goes to the Wizards, which means the Raptors will most likely see the Orlando Magic in the first round.

Starting 5:
TJ Ford/Mike Bibby
Anthony Parker/Joe Johnson
Jamario Moon/Marvin Williams
Chris Bosh/Josh Smith
Rasho Nesterovic/Al Horford

Key Match ups:
This will be the first time the Raptors get to see Mike Bibby in a Hawks uniform. While with the Sacramento Kings, Bibby enjoyed lighting up the Raptors. In 18 career games Bibby averages 18.8 ppg and 4.7 apg. TJ Ford and Jose Calderon will need to prevent Bibby from scoring and getting his teammates easy shots.
Chris Bosh has gone 25/30 from the line over his last three games. This is the kind of production the Raptors need as a team if they want to make a playoff run this season.

The Hawks can match Bosh in the post with Josh Smith and Al Horford so it will be crucial for Bosh to draw contact and get to the line.

The Raptors finished with a 6-11 record in March; both Primoz Brezec and Jason Kapono recieved DNP’s against the Bobcats; Bosh is averaging 23.6 ppg in his last five; Rasho Nesterovic has scored in double digits in his last 10; Jamario Moon is averaging 14 ppg and 7 rpg in his last 2 games; the Raptors are 16-21 on the road this season.

the Hawks are 12-12 since acquiring Mike Bibby from Sacramento; the Hawks have won 4 in a row for the second time all season; forward Josh Smith averages 15.0 ppg and 8.1 rpg in his career against the Raptors; the Hawks shot 56% from the field against Memphis; the Hawks are 24-13 at home this season.

Technorati Tags: Al Horford, Anthony Parker, Atlanta Hawks, Chris Bosh, Jamario Moon, Joe Johnson, Jose Calderon, Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, Mike Bibby, Rasho Nesterovic, TJ Ford

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

The Raptors are coming off an impressive win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. Coach Sam Mitchell inserted TJ Ford and Rasho Nesterovic back into the starting line up for Jose Calderon and Andrea Bargnani and it seemed to work out. Ford finished the game with 13 points and 9 assists while Nesterovic had 15 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks and logged a team high 46+ minutes.

The Knicks are a terrible basketball team. Isiah Thomas still has a job for some odd reason and the team has only mustered 20 wins in a weak Eastern Conference. There has been a few bright spots for the Knicks as of late. Since the injury to Eddy Curry, David Lee has stepped into the starting line up and recored 5 double-doubles, including three straight. Wilson Chandler is also starting and has scored in double digits in five straight.

Starting 5:
Jamal Crawford/TJ Ford
Wilson Chandler/Anthony Parker
Jared Jeffries/Jamario Moon
David Lee/Chris Bosh
Zach Randolph/Rasho Nesterovic

Key Match-ups:
With Marbury and Robinson out because of injury, the Knicks dont have a true point guard running their offence. The Raptors need to use this to their advantage. Crawford is an abled body, but is a shoot first style guard. If TJ Ford and Jose Calderon can pressure Crawford to pass the ball it should lead to turnovers and easy baskets for the Raptors.

Chris Bosh should be able to do what he wants in the post. Randolph is one of the laziest defenders in the NBA and the hardworking Lee is simply out matched. Bosh should look to drive to the basket and get Randolph into foul trouble.

Game Notes:
Donnie Walsh has signed a three year deal with the Knicks to become the teams new President. Walsh was signed to clean up the once great franchise; Nate Robinson has missed the last 3 games because of and ankle injury; the Knicks have lost 7 straight in Canada; the Knicks are 7-27 on the road this season.

Raptors signed Linton Johnson to a 10 day contract on Thursday. In order to make room on the roster the Raptors waived point guard Derrick Martin; Delfino ended his mini scoring slump, scoring 10 points against his old team on Wednesday; the Raptors are 21-14 at home this season.

Scoreboard Watching:
Suns vs 76ers; Wizards vs Kings

Technorati Tags: Carlos Delfino, Chris Bosh, David Lee, Jamal Crawford, Jose Calderon, Linton Johnson, New York Knicks, Rasho Nesterovic, Sam Mitchell, TJ Ford, Wilson Chandler, Zach Randolph

The Raptors have dropped from 5th to 7th in the Conference and find themselves in third place in the Atlantic for the first time all season. If the Raptors want to avoid a first round battle with the Pistons, then they’ll have to outplay the Wizards and 76ers down the stretch.

Fortunately, the Raptors have the more favorable schedule than both the Wizards and 76ers over the next 12 games. They only play 3 games against teams with winning records (Detroit twice and New Orleans); besides those games their opponent’s record is a combined 223-404.

Starting 5:
Chauncey Billups/TJ Calderon
Rip Hamilton/Anthony Parker
Tayshaun Prince/Jamario Moon
Antonio McDyess/Chris Bosh
Rasheed Wallace/Rasho Nesterovic

Key Match-ups:
The Pistons kill you with great team defense and balanced scoring. They have too many weapons to focus on just one player, which means that all five Raptors need to bring their defensive A game’s.

It will definitely be fun to watch the match up at the point guard position Wednesday night. Jose Calderon and TJ Ford will need to keep in front of “Mr. Big Shot” Chancy Billups if they want to win. Billups has a knack of knocking down back breaking shots against the Raptors.

The Raptors need Andrea Bargnani to be more consistent throughout the game. In Sunday’s loss to the Nuggets, Bargnani started the game 7-8 for 16 points, but completely disappeared in the second half. When Bargnani plays well it takes pressure off of Chris Bosh making his life easier.

Game Notes:
Pistons guard Rip Hamilton missed Mondays game against the Suns because of a sore hip. He is a game time decision; all 5 Piston starters average double digits in scoring in their careers against the Raptors; the Pistons are 31-1 in games in which they score 100+ points; the Pistons are 22-14 on the road this season.

Raptors forward Jamario Moon scored 15 points and added a career high 15 rebounds against the Nuggets; the Raptors matched a season high 38 points against in the 4th quarter against the Nuggets; Carlos Delfino has been held scoreless in his last two games; Anthony Parker has scored in double digits in 14 straight games; the Raptors are 20-14 at home this season.

Technorati Tags: Andrea Bargnani, Anthony Parker, Carlos Delfino, Chauncey Billups, Chris Bosh, Detroit Pistons, Jose Calderon, Rasheed Wallace, Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, TJ Ford

The Nuggets had dropped two of their first 5 games of their road trip before knocking off the off the New Jersey Nets on Friday night 125-114. Allen Iverson led his squad with 26 points and 9 assists.

The Raptors are coming off a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday Night. LeBron James was quiet most of the game, but erupted in the fourth quarter and finished with 29 points, becoming the all time leading scorer in Cleveland Cavalier history in just his 5th season.

Starting 5:
Anthony Carter/Jose Calderon
Allen Iverson/Anthony Parker
Carmelo Anthony/Jamario Moon
Kenyon Martin/Chris Bosh
Marcus Camby/Andrea Bargnani

Key Match-ups:
Chris Bosh appears to be healthy. The all-star forward scored 24 points in just his second game back from injury. Bosh seemed to struggle with his timing, but was running the floor like he did before missing 10 straight games. Denver loves to run and gun and their bigs get involved in the offense. Kenyon Martin and Eduardo Najera will do their best to contain Bosh.

The combination of Iverson and Anthony is arguably the most potent duo in the NBA. Combined they average 52.0 ppg, which is an absolutely scary stat. It will be up to Anthony Parker and Jamario Moon to make this “dynamic duo” work hard for each bucket.

Game Notes:
Denver guard Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony are 3rd and 4th respectively in the NBA scoring race; reigning Defensive Player of the Year and former Raptor draft pick Marcus Camby is second in the NBA in rebounding (13.6); the Nuggets are 2.5 games behind Golden State for the eighth in the Western Conference; Denver beat the Supersonics 168-116 on Monday; the Nuggets are 13-21 on the road this season.

Raptors centre Rasho Nesterovic is averaging 14.8 ppg over his last 8; Carlos Delfino was held scoreless in Friday’s loss to Cleveland and has failed to score in double digits in the last 4; the Raptors are 20-13 at home this season.

Technorati Tags: Allen Iverson, Anthony Parker, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Denver Nuggets, Jose Calderon, Lebron James, Marcus Camby, Rasho Nesterovic

The Raptors ended a five game losing streak Wednesday night against the terrible Miami Heat 96-54. Chris Bosh returned to the line up and scored 8 points and grabbed 8 boards in 22 minutes. Jose Calderon also had a strong game, recording his first double-double since February 29th with 10 points and 10 assists.

The Cavaliers are coming off an impressive win over the Eastern Conference leading Detroit Pistons 89-73. LeBron scored 30 points and the Cavaliers, as a team, played great defense holding the Pistons to under 40% from the field.

Starting 5:
Jose Calderon/Delonte West
Anthony Parker/Sasha Pavlovic
Jamario Moon/LeBron James
Chris Bosh/Ben Wallace
Andrea Bargnani/Zydrunus Ilgauskas

Key Match-ups:
The last time these two clubs met was before the NBA trade deadline. Since then the Cavaliers have said goodbye to Larry Hughes, Drew Gooden, Ira Newble, Donyell Marshall and welcomed Ben Wallace, Wally Szczerbiak, Joe Smith and Delonte West. The roster may have changed a little, but one thing remains the same…LeBron James. LBJ tears up the Raptors! In his career he averages 27.9 ppg, 7.2 rpg and 7.2 apg. Anthony Parker and Jamario Moon will do their best to slow the NBA’s scoring leader down.

Game Notes:
The Raptors held the Heat to 54 points on Wednesday, which is third-lowest total in the shot clock era. The Heat also set franchise lows in points in a game and in a half (26), and shot a franchise-worst field goal % (25.6); the Raptors are 15-20 on the road this season and have lost their last 5 in a row away from the ACC.

Check Cavaliers Court.

Technorati Tags: Anthony Parker, Ben Wallace, Chris Bosh, Cleveland Cavaliers, Delonte West, Donyell Marshall, Drew Gooden, Ira Newble, Joe Smith, Jose Calderon, Larry Hughes, Lebron James, Miami Heat, Wally Sczerbiak