Game 59 Raptors at Knicks

Hopefully games like that are behind us as the competition starts to get a little more manageable. Raptors head to New York and look at sweeping the Knicks for the first time since the '09-10 season.

• Carmelo Anthony has been officially shut down for the season due to injury and with the recent waiving of Amar'e Stoudamire and trading of Iman Shumpert and JR Smith, their list of offensive weapons has grown thin
• After last night's performance against the Warriors the Raptors have no business looking off any opponent, no matter where they stand in the conference. Energy must be there and a win is the only acceptable outcome.
• Patrick Patterson was inserted into the starting line up in favour of Amir Johnson last night. Dwane Casey continues to search for answers to get his squad back to form as they were at the start of the year.

SONG OF THE DAY

"King Of New York" - Fun Lovin' Criminals

Betcha thought these guys' only good song was "Scooby Snacks". The Fun Lovin' Criminals actually have released 7 studio albums since their inception in 1993, "King Of New York" comes off their debut album Come Find Yourself and is about mobster influence over the youth in New York.

Let's go Raptors!!

Game 58 Warriors at Raptors

Raptors return home after a rough roadtrip for the first time since before the All-Star break, sadly it's not as a welcoming return as one would hope because their opponents tonight will the NBA's top team: The Golden State Warriors

• DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry both recently referred to their respective game's as "trash" following some 4th quarter breakdowns in the latest losses. Though tonight's opponent is no push over, let's see if they can get off the side of the road.
• The Warriors played and lost last night to the Cleveland Cavaliers and didn't look like they had any gas in the tank. You can be sure they'll be looking to correct that tonight. Raptors need to focus on shutting down Curry and Thompson. Win this game with defense not offense.
• It's another throwback purple jersey night at the ACC and the first 5000 fans in attendance get a Mo Pete Bobblehead! Mo Pete!

Song of the day

"Golden Touch" - Razorlight

The crazy YOLO 3 pointers that Golden State's "Splash Brothers" (Steph Curry and Klay Thompson) are known for can definitely be attributed to a golden touch so to speak. Razorlight hail from the UK and have quite a loyal following since 2002. Their biggest hit across this pond was 2006's "America" but I preferred their first album in 2004 Up All Night. Great songs like "Somewhere Else", "Stumble & Fall" and "Golden Touch" made it instantly impactful and more memorable. 

Back home in the T DOT OH

Game 57 Raptors at Mavericks

Upward and onward! Upward...and...ok that last game was a bitter one to take. It's only one of eighty-two however, so all of Toronto's focus needs to be on Dallas tonight!!

• Patrick Patterson was sorely missed in last night's game against New Orleans. He sat out with a sore knee. Let's hope he's available tonight as JV and Amir looked gassed by the end of the game.
• The Mavericks are a serious contender to take the West this year. With recent acquisitions of Rajon Rondo from Boston and Amar'e Stoudamire who was picked up after being waived by the Knicks, this is a different Dallas team that beat us back in November.
• Looks like Dallas will be missing Chandler Parsons who is expected to be out a few more games with an ankle sprain

Song Of The Day

"Dallas" - Alan Jackson

Yeeehaaa!! Since we're back in Texas let's do a good ol' Country song! Sure Alan Jackson might be from Georgia, but we don't mind!!! Jackson is one the most decorated and celebrated Country artists of the 90's and early 2000's with countless awards and nominations under his belt. With 15 studio albums there doesn't seem to be any sign of slowing down for him, his latest, The Bluegrass Album was released in 2013.

Bring one home boys!!!

Game 56 Raptors at Pelicans

One win. One loss. The Raptors' road trip continues tonight as they head to the Big Easy to square off against the New Orleans Pelicans.

• Lou Williams, Toronto's sixth man of the year candidate, is questionable for tonight's game after spraining his ankle in Atlanta. He missed Saturday night's game against Houston
• Just like the last time we faced the Pelicans they'll be without their All Star Anthony Davis. He hasn't played the Raptors too much in his NBA career. He injured his shoulder and will be out for a week or so. The Pelicans are also without Jrue Holiday and Ryan Anderson.
• Even though they're missing some key figures, Toronto cannot sleep on the Pelicans. Especially after the last meeting saw Tyreke Evans and former Raptor Alexis Ajinca have fantastic nights against them. The Pelicans sit with a 28-27 record in the tough Western conference which lands them at 10th place.

"Song of the Day"

Pelican - "Ephemeral"

There's something about the word Pelican that just doesn't invoke fear in me. I'm not saying it's a bad name for a team or band, but it just conjures a cute or friendly image when I hear it. Pelican (the band) come from Des Plaines, Illinois and play strictly instrumental metal.  They've been going strong since 2001 so while "Ephermeral" may be a great song of theirs, it's not the right term to define the band.

Game's on TSN! Jack's Back!!!

Game 55 Raptors at Rockets

After an impressive win against the East's best team the Toronto Raptors head West to take on the Houston Rockets. It's not getting any easier for Toronto, but no one ever said it would.

• Houston sits in 4th in the West with an impressive record of 36-18. In their back court James Harden is having a remarkable season and is a serious contender for league MVP.
• The Rockets will be without All-Star center Dwight Howard as he has been sidelined since getting a bone marrow injection in his right knee earlier this month
• Houston had a little action in the most recent trade deadline, but no earth-shattering moves. Picking up Pablo Prigioni from New York and K.J. McDaniels from Philly

Song Of The Day

"Houston We Have...Uh-Oh" - Minus The Bear

This Seattle band has been described as a guitar and electronics fusion with sophisticated time signatures. Minus The Bear is a mash-up of members from other bands including Botch, Kill Sadie and Sharks Keep Moving. They are also known to have quirky, and lengthy song titles and names for their albums as well. "Houston, We Have Uh Oh" comes from the 2008 Suicide Squeeze release of They Make Beer Commercials Like This.

West is next!!

Game 54 Raptors at Hawks

..Aaaaandd we're back! And we're focused! And Buster! You can't do that in the break room buddy? All Star Break is over and we return to NBA hoops action! The Raptors kick off a road trip against the mighty Hawks!!

• 2 virtual powerhouses of the East clash tonight. Both teams had representatives at the All Star Game. Kyle Lowry from Toronto and Atlanta sent four (4!) players. Kyle Korver, Jeff Teague, Al Horford and Paul Millsap.
• The trade deadline has come and gone, and while there was plenty of action throughout the league these two teams remain intact. Neither bringing any new weapons or defenses from the previous 3 meetings. The Raptors lead the series 2-1 by the way.
• I'm feeling like James Johnson will still be getting the start with Terrence Ross coming off the bench

Song of the Day

"Atlanta" - Stone Temple Pilots

One of the greatest underrated bands from the 90's were the Stone Temple Pilots and while drugs and inner turmoil would eventually cause this mighty group to crumble they left behind a musical gold-mine for archaeologists of sound to discover. "Atlanta" is a slow, grungey ballad that can be found as the last track on their 1999 album No. 4. A solid album that also has great songs like "No Way Out", 'Sour Girl" and "Down".

Straight on to the Playoffs!!

Game 53 Wizards at Raptors (2 songs!)

After taking care of business against two tough Western Conference behemoths, the Raptors look to head into the All-Star Break strong with a win over Conference Rivals the Washington Wizards

• After tonight the Raptors get a 9 day break before heading out on the road next Friday against Atlanta, except Kyle Lowry of course who is making his first All-Star Game appearance on Sunday along side Wizards' point guard John Wall
• The Wizards share a similar break with Toronto bu they'll be back home after their 9 day wait against Cleveland
• Bradley Beal has a 'mild stress reaction' in his right leg and won't be playing tonight. He'll be reassessed after the All-Star Break, no sense risking an injury. Kris Humphries is listed day to day with a back injury
• The Raptors should be at full strength and look for James Johnson to get his 2nd consecutive start

Song(S) of the Day!

"Dirt Wizard" - Red Fang

Yep, because of the long break I'm giving you guys 2 songs to go with tonight's game! I won't see y'all for a while so view it as a token of my appreciation to those who read and something to keep you going while our Raptors get a deserved break. "Dirt Wizard" isn't a shot on the Wizards playing dirty or anything, but a great song by heavy metal/stoner rock band Red Fang. Off their album Murder The Mountains, it's a great quick, little burst of energy to pump us up before the game

"Sodom, Gomorrah, Washington DC (Sheep In Shepherd's Clothing)" - Anti-Flag

Speaking of a quick energy burst before the game, Anti-Flag is always great for some head-banging punk moments. This one kicks off their 2009 album The People Or The Gun and while not hugely popular commercially it was adored by critics and fans. Brutal, quick and scathingly political, just what we've come to expect and love from Anti-Flag.

Let's get ittttt!!!

Game 52 Spurs at Raptors

The San Antonio Spurs are kicking off their annual "Rodeo Roadtrip" tonight as they face the Toronto Raptors. It's the first time the Raptors have seen the 2014 Champions this season. Let's take a look at how they stack up

• San Antonio Coach Gregg Popovich will be going for his 1000th Career victory tonight, here's hoping the Raptors aren't the team on the losing end of that milestone.
• The Raptors come in to today's game with a 7-2 record at home against teams from the West losing only to New Orleans and Dallas
• James Johnson had a huge return game Friday night against the Clippers. With the Spurs ate full strength and 3 living legends on their current roster, the rest of the Raptors are going to follow Johnson's example.

Song of the day

"Down Rodeo" - Rage Against The Machine

I know the name of this song is a reference to a street in LA, but on paper (or screen) it definitely fits for San Antonio's Rodeo Road Trip. Plus it's a bad ass song. I always said Rage Against The Machine were not meant to be long for this world. Such mercurial energy and raw talent was slated to explode before they ever got a chance to fade away. 3 great albums. A legacy of memorable live performances. Rage Against The Machine definitely holds a high place in this 90's kid's heart.

The Champs are here!!

Game 51 Clippers at Raptors (Prime Time)

So shake that last game off and keep your eyes forward as the Raptors look to bounce back against the LA Clippers

• Not sure if you caught the Cavs/Clippers game last night, but the NBA world is all abuzz with the amount of technical fouls the Clippers received and comments Chris Paul made about rookie referee Lauren Holtkamp. I won't get into it here, but it will be interesting to see how the refs react to the Clippers tonight and if it effects the player's performance at all
• The game will be nationally broadcast on ESPN, which I know is nothing out of the ordinary for you American NBA viewers, but for us Canadian Raptor fans? It's a rare occurrence when the Raptors get the ESPN treatment
• James Johnson is listed as ready to go for Toronto tonight after recovering from a calf strain and J.J. Redick is doubtful for Los Angeles who is suffering from back spasms.

Song Of the Day

"Larry" - Tyran Brown

I made a promise to Tyran Brown to use his song as the featured tune when his LA Clippers came to town. Brown is an up and coming hip-hop artist from Inglewood, California with a clear love for the Los Angeles Clippers. I dig his smooth rapping style and sound. This song could be stacked up right along side anything you hear on mainstream radio. From one guy trying to find his name in this fast-moving world to another...good luck my friend and keep cheering your team to get that Larry!

Back to Prime Time baby!!

Game 50 Nets At Raptors

It's game 50 and the home swing continues as last year's Playoff adversaries square off in Toronto tonight. It's the Nets vs the Raptors!

• Less than a week has passed since the Raptors beat the Nets in overtime in Brooklyn. You be sure the Nets have tightened up and will have revenge in their minds
• Jarrett Jack went off the last time these 2 teams played and also had a great night against the Clippers. Which also saw the return of Deron Williams.
• There has been quite a bit of chatter lately about getting Jonas Valanciunas involved in late game situations as Dwane Casey tends to keep him glued to the bench in the 4th quarter. He's had plenty of great games lately, let's see if the Raptors unleash Jonas tonight.

Song Of The Day

"Brooklyn Blurs" - Paper Raincoat

The Paper Raincoat is a collaboration between 2 New York musicians Amber Rubarth and Alex Wong. Their songs are more experimental and imaginative than their personal songs in their respective solo careers. Their EP Safe In The Sound included the dreamy track "Brooklyn Blurs". Lets hope the Raptors are a blur to Brooklyn tonight! Hahah woo!

FUCK BROOKLYN!!!

Game 49 Bucks at Raptors (post game)

Well, all good things eventually come to an end. The Raptors fall to the Bucks 82 - 75 at home.

• Bucks were without some significant pieces in Larry Sanders, Brandon Knight, Ersan Ilyasova, Jabari Parker and Zsazsa Pachulia. Raptors were only without James Johnson
• OJ Mayo got tossed from the game early in the second quarter for getting in the ref's face after a no-call. Not a smart move for a vet playing on an already decimated team
• Raptors looked listless and slow tonight. Those 4 games in 5 nights (with 2 overtime wins) have finally caught up with Toronto it appears. We all knew there would be nights like this.

Song of the night

"Two Bucks In Cash" - The Agents Of Good Roots

This song is a blast from my past. It was a dark horse when I was in highschool (late 90's) and I'm not sure these guys have gained much steam since then. They got their start in Richmond, Virginia and have ties with The Dave Matthews Band having toured with them several times. I like their chill, jam-bandish feel. A good song to calm down with after a sad loss.

The song ain't even on Youtube...I gotta fix that. For now though the Grooveshark link will have to suffice!

Click here to check out the song!

Upward and onward!!