Game 48 Raptors at Wizards

It's a battle for second place in the East as the Raptors roll into Washington tonight to take on the 31-16 Wizards

• I was wondering why James Johnson wasn't even on the Raptors bench last night, he was sidelined with a calf strain. It's likely he'll miss today's game as well
• Washington's first over-all pick in 2010 John Wall is questionable for tonight's game with an ankle issue and now hearing reports of a migraine as well. A superstar of his caliber though will likely suit up and give it a go
• Though the Hawks are running away with the East (and now own the best record in the League) the 2nd, 3rd, 4th battle is heating up between the Wizards and Raptors. Chicago is right there and Cleveland is charging ahead as well. Some exciting games coming up for sure

Song Of The Day

"Run Like Hell" - Pink Floyd

Why am I picking Pink Floyd? Well the Wizards have someone on their team named John Wall. Arguably the fastest point guard in the league. If he sees any open floor, it's almost a guaranteed blow-by. In other words he can run like hell. The song "Run Like Hell" first appeared on Pink Floyd's 1980 album The Wall. John Wall. Run Like Hell. Floyd. Pink. I'm done. Oh and I'm picking the live version. One of my favourite live versions of any song ever.

We're #2 baby!!

Game 47 Raptors at Nets

The Raptors return to the borough of Brooklyn for the first time since Game 6 of last year's first round of Playoffs. Although much has happened and time has passed, i'm the sure the Raptors still view these ones as a grudge matches

• This should be the first time the Raptors encounter Brooklyn center Brook Lopez in a long while. He missed all of last season with a broken foot. Valanciunas usually does well against large, intimidating bigs. Lets see what this match up brings
• Things haven't been going so well in Brooklyn lately, not the way the team had hoped anyway. Their 18-27 record has left Coach Hollins and even superstar point guard Deron Williams on the trade rumour freeway.
• One of the reasons Masai brought James Johnson to the Raptors was to guard players like Joe Johnson who obliterated Toronto during the playoffs last year. Hopefully we'll see a great Johnson and Johnson show down.

Song of the Day

"Brooklyn Is Burning" - Head Automatica

Actually from Long Island, New York Head Automatica was started by Glassjaw frontman Daryl Palumbo. He was looking for a way to get out other forms of music that he was inspired by, namely Britpop, swing and hip-hop. The types of music that didn't fit into Glassjaw's hardcore stylings. With only 2 albums under their belt, Head Automatica continue to tour to this day. "Brooklyn Is Burning" is a funky, bass drum kick tune that can be found on their first album, 2004's Decadence.

Brooklyn will burn tonight!

Game 46 Kings @ Raptors (Armed Forces Night)

3 in a row! Sacramento are in town as the Raptors try and make it 4 straight wins. The Kings and the Raptors always seem to have some good games against one another. Let's look at the details.

• Canadian Nik Stauskas makes his first trip home after being drafted by the Sacramento Kings. I'm sure his family will be in attendance and cheering for the hometown boy as he rains down threes
• James Johnson hasn't been getting much playing time lately since the move off Terrence Ross to the bench. Look for him to get some burn tonight against his former team as he will match up well against longer offensive players like ex-Raptor Rudy Gay.
• The Kings recently fired their head coach Mike Malone in an effort to instill some new energy into the team and find new ways to inspire the players. If look at their 16-27 record however, they seem to have remained stagnant.

Song of The Day

"Down With The King" - Run DMC

I try to keep the songs I choose a variety of genres and eras. I realized hip-hop was not being represented as well as it could. So what better song to feature tonight than "Down With The King" by the Kings of Rap themselves Run-DMC? You could also shorten Kings' center DeMarcus Cousins name to DMC. So it works on multiple levels!!

It's also #BellLetsTalk day!!! Tweet away everyone!!

Game 45 Raptors @ Pacers

The Raptors are putting a nice little run together here at the end of January winning their last 2 games. Today they will visit the Indiana Pacers who at 16-30 are a shell of their once mighty selves.

• C.J. Miles won't be playing for the Pacers tonight. He's missing the game due a groin strain. Not a tear like DeMar DeRozan had, but still a painful injury and i'm sure the Pacers are looking to be cautious.
• Speaking of DeRozan he returned to his true form in Sunday's game against The Pistons scoring 25 points in the contest.
• The Indiana Pacers are still a difficult team. Though the Raptors lead the East in paint points (45.3 per), they'll have to aim for double that going against the gigantic Roy Hibbert.

Song Of The Day

"Going Back To Indiana" - Jackson 5

Yes it's true the King Of Pop Michael Jackson had his humble beginnings in Gary, Indiana back in 1964 when he and 4 of his brother's became The Jackson 5. Sure Michael was the star, but Tito has his time to shine in this one with a scathing Bass solo. Forget all the Jackson Family whackiness and enjoy the song for what it is. A catchy, classic that harkens back to a simpler time.

East beasts!!!

Game 44 Pistons at Raptors

Raptors make a quick stop back home to take on Detroit in the 3rd of 4 meetings between the two teams. So far they've split the series at one a piece. How will today's game go? Let's take a look.

• Terrible news for the rolling Pistons, during last night's loss to the Bucks Brandon Jennings was taken off the court in a wheelchair after apparently tearing his ACL. While there is no official word yet Pistons' coach Stan Van Gundy said he'd be out for the foreseeable future.
• Raptors have been sluggish as of late, even letting the 76ers get off to a 15-0 start against them on Friday. This needs to be an anomaly if they hope to go anywhere in the off season.
• Amir Johnson is questionable for tonight's game as well with a sore right shoulder. If he sits out look for Patrick Patterson to start. This may not be a bad thing as Patterson was the spark off the bench for Toronto on Friday's game.

Song Of The Day

"Hey Sailor" - The Detroit Cobras

I don't normally like doing cover bands, but The Detroit Cobras were too perfect here to pass up. Hailing from Detroit they are a garage-rock group who take old Motown songs and shape them into modern rock versions. "Hey Sailor" was originally by Mickey Lee Lane, other artists they cover on the same album are Otis Redding, The Chiffons and The Ronettes.

Let's go Raptors!!

Game 43 Raptors at 76ers

Once again congrats to Kyle Lowry on his first All Star selection. How fitting that he got to hear the news while sitting in his home in Philly as the Raptors are in the town of Brotherly Love to face the 76ers.

• Haven't much since last night, but it was reported that Jonas Valanciunas has a sore left calf and might miss tonight's game. Dwane Casey missed yesterday's practice due to illness. If he misses tonight's game look for Nick Nurse or Jesse Murmuys to take over head coaching duties.
• The 76er's Tony Wroten has a partial tear in his ACL in his right knee. There is no timetable for his return.
• It has also been reported that last year's Rookie Of The Year Michael Carter-Williams is on the trading block. If true it's a serious indication that Philly is in the "tank now" mode and will be stockpiling draft picks

SONG OF THE DAY

"Philadelphia" - Neil Young

Basically I could've picked anything off of the soundtrack for the film Philadelphia, but I had to go with Canadian boy Neil Young. A Canadian team is visiting the 76ers tonight after all. 

Congrats again Kyle!!

Congrats to Kyle Lowry!!

We here at Raptor Tracks would like to extend our congratulations to #7 Kyle Lowry on his well-deserved first time All-Star selection. Kyle will be along side LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, John Wall and Pau Gasol in the East Starting Line Up for the 2015 All-Star Game in Brooklyn.

#WETHENORTH

"The All Star Diaries" - A Skylit Drive

Game 42 Raptors at Grizzlies

On their way on another road trip the Raptors are coming off a win against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night. They've rolled into Memphis for a battle against the mighty Grizzlies.

• Last time these two teams met they sat atop their respective conferences. This time they both rest at the #3 spot with Raptors holding onto a record of 27-14 and Memphis boasting 29-12.
• The Grizzlies have been making some trades lately acquiring Jeff Green from the Celtics for Tayshaun Prince and Quincy Pondexter; they've also recently signed Tyrus Thomas to a 10-Day contract. Thomas was drafted 4th overall in the 2006 Draft by the Portland Trailblazers.
• Look for Terrence Ross to continue coming off the bench for Toronto, he had an impressive performance against the Bucks. Vasquez will likely start again and let's hope James Johnson gets some burn against his old team. He sat on Monday due to a curious coach's decision.

Song Of The Day

"Memphis" - Hayden

Off of his peaceful, yet remarkable sophomore album The Closer I Get, "Memphis" is Canadian folk-icon Hayden's take on the life of Elvis Presley. It's kept simple, with few lyrics but the melancholy tribute spans out to 3 and a half minutes. "In Memphis tens of thousands of fans paid their respects"

I couldn't find this song on YouTube! First time for that. Click the link below to hear today's song on Grooveshark!

http://grooveshark.com/#!/search?q=hayden+memphis

Naismith Cup once more!!!

Game 41 Raptors at Bucks (Post Game - Raptors Win!)

I deliberately waited until after the game to make this post. I decided to shake things up here at Raptor Tracks just like Dwane Casey did for his team's game in Milwaukee tonight.

• Grievis Vasquez got the start over Terrence Ross tonight after a rough game last night. It was a move that ended up panning out as Ross bounced back with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Attaboy T-Ross
• Milwaukee was without their 2nd overall pick sensation Jabari Parker due to a season ending injury. Also their starting center Larry Sanders has been suspended for 10 games due to violating the NBA anti-drug policy
• It wasn't pretty, but the Raptors managed to grind out a win. Make no mistake the Bucks are 5th in the East for a reason. It will be safe to assume the Raptors will be hearing from the Bucks come post season time.

Song Of The Day

"Get It Together" - The Go! Team

I could probably pick a different Go! Team song for each game this year, but the Raptors got it together tonight so here it is: "Get It Together". The Go! Team are a unique group who mix Indie Rock with sound samples from old blaxploitation footage, old school hip-hop and double dutch chants. They hail from Brighton, England and typically rock a modest 6 piece line up.

Raptors back in the W column!

Game 40 Pelicans at Raptors

New Orleans isn't a team that gets discussed much, which is why when they come to town and dominate lesser teams it's such a shock. After Friday's lackluster performance the Raptors had better be in top form to meet The Pelicans with full strength.

• The #1 pick in the 2012 Draft Anthony Davis is having an MVP caliber year. Watch for this guy to be on the top players for years to come
• The Raptors held a players only meeting after losing to Atlanta 110-89. What exactly was discussed is unknown, but you can be sure the right problems were addressed and preventative actions have been taken.
• Former rookie of the year Tyreke Evans is having a great year averaging around 15 points for New Orleans. Keeping him and Davis in check will be key for a Raptors W.
• Yes, they are the Pelicans. After being sold by the league in the 2012 the then Hornets announced they would be changing their moniker. After months of speculation the team was renamed the Pelicans, after Louisiana's state bird.

SONG OF THE DAY

"King Of New Orleans" - Better Than Ezra

Not only do they sing about New Orleans, but Better Than Ezra actually hail from the Louisiana town. One of the biggest out-of-nowhere acts of the 90's Better Than Ezra saw their popularity wane slightly in the 2000's. Though they are still active today and making music, the success of albums like Deluxe and Friction, Baby are what they will be forever known for.

Afternoon game! Let's go Raps!

Game 39 Hawks at Raptors (Throwback Night!)

It's a battle for the East. Though the Wizards are sitting in the second spot a tight race still exists between the East's top 4 teams with the Raptors at 3rd and the Hawks sitting at number one. (Chicago has the 4th slot). Atlanta are looking for some redemption against Toronto and the Raptors are looking for a return to form with DeRozan back in the starting 5.

• At 31-8 the rolling Hawks have the best record in the East and are tied with the Golden State Warriors for most wins in the league. Quite a far shake from the 7-6 team the Raptors beat back in November
• Recently the Hawks have rested a few players in games against Boston and Philadelphia. Expect none of that business tonight as these two teams will be going head to head at full strength
• It is Grievis Vasquez's birthday as a fun note! The best gift he could receive today will be a notch in the win column. No doubt

Song Of the Day

"Anger As Beauty" - Hawksley Workman

Hawksley Workman is a Canadian singer/songwriter/producer who got his start writing love poems in character for the Toronto Star before becoming a well known artist across the country. "Anger as Beauty" is off of my favourite record of his, 2003's Lover/Fighter. It was recorded near his home town in the Muskoka region of Northern Ontario, not far from where I grew up. Tonight anger will be beauty for both Raptors fans and Hawks fans. Anger is a passionate emotion and can generate the type of energy a team needs to overcome it's foe. Let's hope it's a good one for both sides!

Purple jersays!!!

Game 38 76ers at Raptors (post game)

The domination of the Atlantic division continues with Toronto's 100-84 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Tonight's game also saw the return of DeMar DeRozan who nailed 20 points!

• Although it was a losing effort and a rebuilding season for the 76ers, last year's rookie of the year Michael Carter Williams dropped 29 points for the team and that's good enough for a career high. The 76ers would be foolish to let this kid go.
• DeMar DeRozan had an impressive return with 20 points in about 29 minutes. A good way to ease him back in to the lineup before an intense game on Friday against the Hawks.
• Kyle Lowry had a double/double with 18 pts and 12 rebounds. Though with DeMar back in the lineup it will be great to see him sharing the load of the team's productivity with Kyle. One of the top back courts in the NBA is back.

Song of the Day

Elton John - "Philadelphia Freedom"

Freedom might not be the first the word on many 76er fans when it comes to the terms of this season for them, but it is right around the corner for Philadelphia fans. However, who knows how far off the truth will be...what good is freedom without truth?

Raptuhs win Matty D!!!

Game 37 Pistons at Raptors

Back at the beginning of the season tonight's game might not have been that would've been circled on too many calendars, however given the circumstances of the last meeting between the Pistons and the Raptors and Detroit's recent turn of fortune, it's going to be a game that many eyes will be on tonight.

• Detroit recently waived power forward Josh Smith. Not traded, waived. He would go on to be picked up by Houston, but since then the Pistons have been on a tear and have won 5 straight on the road.
• Who can forget the devastating dunk laid down upon Andre Drummond by James Johnson during the last match-up between these 2 teams?
• Though his services would be greatly endorsed, DeMar DeRozan will not return tonight. #3 James Johnson will get the starting spot again.

Song Of The Day

Glueleg - "Pistons"

Ten Raptortracks style points if you remember Glueleg, a band from Toronto whose career peaked in 1997 with the release of Clodhopper. 3 of the 11 tracks off the album got significant airplay on Much Music and they even performed at that summer's Edgefest. Man, alot of nostalgia in that last sentence, some simpler, better times back then. "Pistons" was Clodhopper's kick off track and it was a rocker. Check out "Dragonfly" and "Mrs. Petrie" as well.

Cock that joint back and bang on 'em!!

Game 36 Celtics at Raptors

Hoping to snap their four game losing slide the Toronto Raptors play host to the Boston Celtics who are currently in the middle of a complete tear down. Let's look at some points...

• Boston recently traded away the last remaining player from their 2008 Championship year Rajon Rondo to the Dallas Mavericks. They were not finished making moves there however.
• Brandan Wright would be moved to the Phoenix Suns and Jeff Green was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies today, leaving quite the young core in Boston. Jared Sullinger, Brandon Bass, Marcus Smart and Canadian boy Kelly Olynyk look to be Boston's future as the team loads up on draft picks.
• Expect a shake up in tonight's starting line-up for the Raptors as Dwane Casey looks for new ways to get a spark out of his team and climb out of this losing streak. The longest since the Rudy Gay trade of last year.

Song Of The Day

"Youth" - Daughter

Youth is the key word around Celtics-land these days. Opting to send out the majority of their veterans to other teams in exchange for future draft picks. Daughter is a folky band out of England who landed a rather impressive hit on this side of the pond in 2013 with "Youth" off their debut album If You Leave. This song has been featured in TV shows and commercials getting the band worldwide recognition and acclaim.

Let's get ittttt

Game 35 Hornets at Raptors

After a 4 day break since their last game and a grueling six game Western road trip (were they went 2-4) the Raptors return home to face conference rivals Hornets of Charlotte

• This will be the first time we've seen Charlotte since they dropped the Bobcats moniker. Way back when in 1988 Charlotte had a franchise named the Hornets but they moved to New Orleans in 2002. So when Charlotte was rewarded with an expansion team in 2004 they had to pick a new name. Since New Orleans changed names to The Pelicans a few years back, the Hornets name was back up for grabs and Charlotte reclaimed it. Bringing back to life one of the most exciting and colourful teams of the 80's and 90's.
• The Hornets will be without their Allstar center Al Jefferson (who normally torches us) and Lance Stephenson, who was one of their biggest pick ups of the off season.
• DeMar DeRozan decided he is better off giving himself another week to heal before making his return. Smart move. No need to rush back and risk re-injury.

Song of the day

Kittie - "Charlotte"

Kittie are a metal band from London, Ontario. Their major label debut Spit was released in 2000 and received glowing reviews from metalheads all over the world, even gaining the notice of then bass player for Metallica Jason Newsted.  They'd endure several lineup changes through their existence and still perform to this day. After 6 albums, their latest being in 2011, are currently working on a documentary. "Charlotte" comes off their first album. Here is the video.

Back home! Defend our territory!!

Game 34 Raptors at Suns

The final game of the 6 game road swing lands the Raptors in Phoenix tonight to take a shot at a season sweep against the Suns.

• Last time the Suns and Raptors squared off the Raptors came away with a 104-100 victory with big games from Jonas Valanciunas and Kyle Lowry
• Though DeMar DeRozan is slated this week, he won't be playing in Phoenix tonight.
• The Suns boast some impressive point guards in Eric Bledsoe, Isaiah Thomas, Goran Dragic and even Canadian born Tyler Ennis. Though Ennis has seen extensive time in the D-League and will likely not play tonight against his home town team.

Song of the day

"Long Distance Call" - Phoenix

Phoenix are an alt-rock, electro band from France and if any Toronto players are calling home, it will definitely be a "Long Distance Call". Yes. They've been around for nearly 20 years with their first album being released in 2000. Their big break was in 2009 with Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix and their songs "1901" and "Listzomania". This song comes off their 2006 album It's Never Been Like That.

Get the last one on the road boys!!!!

Game 33 Raptors at Warriors

The fellowship from Toronto continue their trek across the Western United States as the Raptors are in Oakland to face the Golden State Warriors the top team in the West.

• Not getting any easier for Kyle Lowry who's had to guard such talented PGs as Derrick Rose, Chris Paul, Damian Lillard and now Steph Curry.
• Warriors' center Andrew Bogut has missed the last 10 games with a knee injury and will miss tonight's game along with Festus Ezeli who has a sore ankle. Raptors' guard DeMar DeRozan has begun practicing with the team, but still expecting another week or so before returning to the court for games.
• Warriors and Raptors are known to play well against each other with teams splitting the seasons for a few years now. The Raptors need to contain Steph Curry and Klay Thompson and play hard inside for a shot at winning this and holding on to the #1 spot in the East

SONG OF THE DAY

"Brown Eyed Warrior" - LAL

LAL were a Toronto-based group consisting of various musicians representing many different cultures. Uganda, Barbados, Bangladesh and India are some of the countries the members call home, which is fitting for a culturally diverse city like Toronto. I say the 'were' a group because I can't find any music from them beyond 2007 and this is the only song of theirs in my personal collection. "Brown-Eyed Warrior".

10:30 start in Eastern Time!!