I know, its still early to preview the East, since many free agents still remain unsigned and there is still talk of some teams looking to make some major moves (ie/ McGrady to Detroit etc).  However, with the start of summer league action underway, all of the major unrestricted free agents signed, and the Raps all capped-out, its time to look forward to the fall - to get a sense of where this team fits (as it is constructed right now). Continue Reading

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

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

3rd in the east? I think not. Seriously, the Knicks have some nice players, but they suck. Let’s face it - they were 16-38 heading into this game, but you wouldn’t know it. You also wouldn’t know that the Raptors were two days removed from dropping 127 points against the Magic IN Orlando, off of monster games from Bosh, Calderon, Delfino and Moon. Continue Reading

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

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

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

In the off-season the Atlantic Division was the busiest Division in the NBA for free agents signings and trades. Boston added all-stars Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen; New York adds Zack Randolph; Philadelphia started the season without Allen Iverson for the first time in eleven years; New Jersey added Canadian Jamaal Magloire to play alongside the Kidd, Carter and Jefferson; Toronto said goodbye to fan favorite Morris Peterson and said hello to Jason Kapono, Carlos Delfino and Jamario Moon. Here is a quick report card on the Atlantic Division teams. Continue Reading