15 losses in the last 21 game is not the kind of streak the Raptors want to be on heading into the playoffs. In what started as a promising season, things have fallen apart rapidly. At a time when confidence should be high, a solid rotation is set, people know their roles, the offense is hitting on all cylinders, you are able to make a solid stop or two on the defensive end, and the team is generally getting along, things couldn’t look more bleak for the Raps. Continue Reading

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You have to give them credit, the Knicks are fighting the good fight…somewhat. I mean, they are doing the best they can with the wrong philosophy, system, coaching and players. Sad to see them so playing so rough. Thank G*d we caught them at this point of the season though. The next gimme-game is Miami, and that can’t come any sooner. Continue Reading

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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

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Technorati Tags: Isiah Thomas, New York Knicks, Sam Mitchell

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It’s the Toronto Raptors turn to host the New York Knicks on Sunday night for the team’s home-and-home series. Jamaal Crawford scored a season high 43 points and Zach Randolph scored 26 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to lead the Knicks to victory over the Raptors 103-99. Chris Bosh led the Raptors with 23 points. Continue Reading

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The Toronto Raptors (29-23) roll into MSG to take on their Atlantic Division rivals New York Knicks (16-38) in the first game of a home and home on Friday night. The Raptors knocked off the Knicks back on January 11th, 99-90. Chris Bosh led the way with 40 points and 11 rebounds, while Jamaal Crawford scored 27 points for the Knicks. Continue Reading

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Chris Bosh, the reigning NBA Player of the Week, leads the Toronto Raptors (20-17) into Motown to face the Central Division leading Detroit Pistons (28-10) on Tuesday night. Bosh averaged 33 ppg, 8.7 rpg and 2.0 bpg last week and won the award for the fourth time in his career. The Pistons knocked off the Raptors earlier this month 101-85. Rip Hamilton scored a team high 22 points and Andrea Bargnani scored a game high 25 points. Continue Reading

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The Toronto Raptors (19-17) will be in tough Sunday when they welcome the Portland Trailblazers (22-13) to the ACC. These teams last met in Portland on December 19th. Brandon Roy led the Blazers, scoring 25 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, and dishing out 8 assists. Continue Reading

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What a boring game. I put down my notes halfway through the 3rd because there was no chance the Knick’s were going to come back and take it, I would have bet my left nut on it. I don’t even know what to say, the game sucked the life out of me. Ruined my night. I am really glad the Raptors won, because if we lost to the Knick’s, if we ever lose to the Knick’s this season, the shit storm I will raise will be bad. Continue Reading

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For the first time this season the Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks will do battle at Madison Square Garden. These Atlantic Division rivals haven’t met since April 15th of last year, when the Raptors defeated the Knicks 107-105. Continue Reading

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