Preseason Game 1 Kings at Raptors

Today marks the first day of the Toronto Raptors preseason where they'll be facing the Sacramento Kings in Vancouver, BC. The last time we saw the Raptors in action it was a one point loss in Game 7 of the first round of playoffs against the Brooklyn Nets. Expectations are high for the Toronto squad this season, and with plenty of familiar faces returning, there is a good chance that they'll be met.

A few things to mention here.

• Ex-Raptor Rudy Gay has picked up his player option on his contract and still plays for Sacramento after being traded to them last year. 3 of the 4 players TO got in return for Gay remain on the Northern Uprising in Greivis Vasquez, Patrick Patterson and Chuck Hayes.
• 7'4" Canadian prospect Sim Bhullar is fighting for a roster spot on the Sacramento Kings. He went undrafted in the 2014 NBA draft, but was picked up by the Kings. I'm sure his height alone was enough to entice a few teams to take a second look at him. It will be interesting to see the Canadian crowd react to their countryman. 
• DeMarcus Cousins has always had the Raptors' number, seemingly always having big games against us. Him and Toronto centre Jonas Valanciunas got into a little scuffle at this year's World Cup match. We'll see if any of that carries over to this game.

But this Blog is called "Raptor Tracks" for a reason. I'll feature a song for each Raptor game...or after each game...haven't decided yet. One that fits along the theme of the team, city or player involved. To kick it off I decided to go with Canadian artist Matthew Good. Good was born in Burnaby, British Columbia where the Raptors set up Training Camp at the Fortius Centre there. 

And what better song to played at a sporting event in Vancouver, especially right before tip-off? The national anthem of course!

So here is "The Vancouver National Anthem" by Matthew Good.

LET'S GO RAPTORS!!!