The Toronto Raptors (36-35) host their Atlantic Division rivals tonight when they take on the New York Knicks (20-51) at the Air Canada Centre. If the Raptors want to build momentum for the playoffs and make a run at either the 5th or 6th seed, then the time is now.
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
