Game 30: Raptors at Trail Blazers!

After a quick rest home for the Holidays the Raptors are hitting the road again to continue the West coast swing! Tonight they get their first look at the Portland Trail Blazers.

• Blazers All-Star point guard Damian Lillard is unlikely to ply tonight as he is nursing an ankle sprain. Also likely to miss tonight's game are Evan Turner, Al-Farouq Aminu and Festus Ezeli
• CJ McCollum, Lillard's running mate is going to have to carry the majority of the load on the defensive and offensive end. But there is a reason why Portland is ranked the number 30 defense in the league
• FORMER RAPTOR ALERT: The only former Raptor who currently suits up for Portland is Ed Davis who was drafted by Toronto in 2010 at number 13. He played a few great years with the Raptors until he was shipped off to Memphis as part of the original Rudy Gay deal. He would also play for the Lakers before finding a nice home in Portland

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Clutch - "Oregon"

Clutch are an American rock band with a huge cult following with very little mainstream success.

They have been gaining more steam in recent years with an online buzz giving them a wider audience. "Oregon" is from an album of rarities called Slow Hole To China.

Raptors 2nd in East 21-8! Trail Blazers 9th in West 13-19!

Game 29: Raptors at Jazz!!

Happy Holidays!! It's becoming an annual tradition that the Raptors go on a lengthy roadtrip around Christmas as their home the ACC is hosting the World Juniors Of Hockey this time of year. Raptors' first stop is Utah to take on the Jazz.

• The Jazz are a different team from the one that the Raptors saw last year, and they beat us once last year. The Jazz have added a few significant pieces in Joe Johnson, former Spur Boris Diaw and point guard George Hill who the Raptors remember from the Indiana series last year
• It seems Utah are dealing with some injuries as the aforementioned Hill is out tonight. Also on the sides will be Dante Exum and Alex Burks. Rodney Hood will be a game time decision with gastric distress....err gross.
• There's talk of Jared Sullinger being seen without his walking boot lately, but that shouldn't be news to get too excited over. He's still estimated to be out for about a month, then fitting him into the current rotation will be a tough task for Coach Casey.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Emarosa - "Utah"

A hardcore band from Kentucky, Emarosa got their start in 2007 and after a few line-up and style changes began leaning more on the rock side of the genre. Their debut EP This Is Your Way Out was one of their only hardcore offerings and it's where you'll find tonight's Raptor Track "Utah"

Raptors 2nd in the East 20-8! Jazz 6th in the West 18-12!

Game 28: Nets at Raptors!

The back and forth between home and away games continues as The Raptors host the Brooklyn Nets in an Atlantic division showdown and Toronto's last home game of 2016!

• Cory Joseph sat out Sunday's game against the Magic with flu like symptoms which meant Fred Van Vleet got some meaningful minutes and played well! Looks like Joseph is available for tonight's game
• Brooklyn is still in a struggling mode and adding and subtracting new pieces year to year including a new coach. Kenny Atkinson has Jeremy Lin, Randy Foye and Trevor Booker are new comers and playing well for the Nets, while Brook Lopez is still a dominant force in the middle, though he may be resting tonight.
• Though Lin has been dealing with some injury issues it appears he will be back in the starting lineup tonight. Lin has always been a problem for the Raptors to contain. The defense will need to be on point tonight
• FORMER RAPTOR ALERT! A couple familiar faces come to town tonight in Canadian boy Anthony Bennett is getting a second life with the Nets. Bennett played sparingly for Toronto last year and was eventually waived to make room for Jason Thompson. Greivis Vasquez played 3 games with the Nets this year before being cut in November and everyone's favourite one-year rental Luis Scola also now makes Brooklyn his home. Scola was brought in to Toronto to fill a back-up role and provide some veteran leadership, though he soared and eventually took the starting 4 position from 2Pat. Don't need to tell Raptor fans that Scola can shoot the 3

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Main Drag - "Dove Nets"

When you say Dove Nets a certain way it can kinda sound like we're saying "Da Nets" like "The Nets" but slangy. Dove Nets.

Raptors 2nd in East 19-8! Nets 14th in East 7-19!

Game 27: Raptors at Magic! (Post Game)

After a tough loss to Atlanta on Friday night the Raptors rolled into Orlando in hopes of getting back on the winning side. And win they did...

• It was a slow start for Raptors allowing Orlando to score over 30 points in the first quarter alone. Toronto looked slow and complacent like it was still Friday night, until a flagrant foul from Jodie Meeks on Kyle Lowry woke something inside them. Don't poke the bear.
• It was the first time the Raptors faced their old team mate in Bizmack Biyombo and though he only played a lone year in Toronto his energy and attitude were a big reason for the playoff success last season
• Since the poking of the bear incident the Raptors out scored the Magic something like 73-36 points for a final score of 109-79 for their 19th W of the season
• FORMER RAPTOR ALERT: Along with Bizmack Biyombo the Magic have another former Raptor in DJ Augustin. Augustin signed with Toronto in 2013 but only played sparingly. After the Rudy Gay trade brought us Greivis Vasquez he was waived and has played for many teams since.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Go Mason Go - "Don't Poke The Bear"

Indeed...

Raptors Now 2nd in East 19-8! Magic 12th in East 12-16!

Raptors next game is Tuesday against Brooklyn!!

Game 25: Raptors at 76ers!

Keep those wins coming! The Raptors absolutely trounced the Bucks on Monday winning by 22 points. Let's see how they match up against the Sixers!

• Tonight should be our first look at Philly rookie sensation Joel Embiid. He's been sidelined for a few years with injuries and is on a minutes restriction this year, so he didn't make the trip when the Sixers came to Toronto. Should be a good match up with JV
• Nerlens Noel who missed the beginning of this season is back to the DL after spraining an ankle like 5 minutes into his first game back. Poor Sixers can't catch a break
• FORMER RAPTOR ALERT: Though Canadian Nik Stauskas was a huge Raptor fan growing up, the only former TO player in Philly right now is Jerryd Bayless. Bayless spent a few years in Toronto after being trading from New Orleans with Peja Stojakovic for Jarrett Jack and a few other players. He was never fully healthy though and gave up most of his starts to Jose Calderon. He declined to resign with the Raptors after Toronto traded for Kyle Lowry. Bayless is injured and will not play tonight

Tonight's Raptor Track!

G-Love & The Special Sauce - "I 76"

G. Love & The Special Sauce are a funk, hip-hop, alternative band straight outta Philly. On their 1997 album Yeah, It's That Easy they pay tribute to the city and their favourite basketball team the Philadelphia 76ers with the track "I-76". They name drop a ton of former players including current Toronto assistant coach and 905 head coach Jerry Stackhouse.

Raptors 2nd in East 17-7! 76ers 15th in East 6-18!

Game 24: Bucks at Raptors!

Raptors make another stop in at home to take on the visiting Milwaukee Bucks for the second time this season. Let's see how it stacks up

• Raptors should have a full squad tonight. Norman Powell started against Boston on Friday as DeMarre Carroll didn't make the trip. Powell had one of his best games of the season as a result
• The Bucks are going to be without Khris Middelton as they have for most of the year as he recovers from a ruptured hamstring
• FORMER RAPTOR ALERT: The only former Raptor on the Bucks is Milwaukee native Steve Novak. He was the lone player that actually played for Toronto who was involved in the Bargnani trade with New York back in 2013. Marcus Camby and Quintin Richardson were either waived or moved elsewhere. Novak played one year with the Raptors before being traded to Utah.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Tyler Flowers - "The Deer Song"

I guess I coulda picked a Christmas song since we're close to that time of year. Something about a reindeer or what not, but instead i'm going with this back road country track about good ol' boys huntin' deer. Yeehaw!

Raptors 2nd in East 16-7! Bucks 9th in East 11-11!

Game 23: Raptors at Celtics!

The homestand is over and the Raptors went 5-1! Not too shabby! They hit the road tonight and the first stop is Boston to take on the Celtics.

• Playing the Celtics these days isn't the walk in the park that it's been over the past few years. Though they didn't land KD, Boston did attract another big name free agent over the off season in Al Horford. Though he was hurt earlier in the season, he's been back and ripping it up as of late
• Someone who is hurt for the C's is Isaiah Thomas their all-star point guard. He'll be sidelined tonight with a groin injury
• It's the first time Jared Sullinger will visit his former team and city since signing in Toronto. Though he won't play, he'll still be there
• FORMER RAPTOR ALERT: Amir Johnson....*sniff*...he'll always be a Raptor in my heart. You can see his face still adorning the background of my blog.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Dream Syndicate - "Boston"

Never heard this song before so it's an exciting experience for me as well! I think i've heard the band name before, but don't know much about them. Here we go!!

Raptors 2nd in East 15-7! Celtics 3rd in the East 13-9!

Game 22: Timberwolves at Huskies!

We're nationally televised tonight folks as Minnesota rolls in to town! The Raptors are also re-donning their ol' Huskies uniforms for another throwback night!

• The Timberwolves are a young team, but they've been turning heads as of late. Zach Lavine, Karl Anthony-Towns and Canada's own Andrew Wiggins are all having big games for the Wolves
• The Raptors six game win streak is over as they lost to the Cavs on Monday, but another is potentially in sight as Toronto's schedule is on the lighter side coming up, albeit on the road.
• DeMarre Carroll will play for Toronto, usually will sit on one game of a back to back and the Raptors play in Boston tomorrow night. Nikola Pekovic is out for the Timberwolves
• FORMER RAPTOR ALERT: John Lucas III is a 2nd or 3rd string PG for the Wolves. He played for the Raptors back in the 2012-2013 season. He once went 5/5 from 3 during his Raptor tenure. yep

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Metallica - "Of Wolf & Man"

Ah so good. This song is actually about werewolves I think, but basketball players are men and one team is called the TimberWOLVES. So this game is of wolf and man as well! And Metallica is the best band in the world!

Raptors 2nd in East 14-7! Timberwolves 13th in West 6-15!

Game at 7pm (ET)

Game 21: Cavaliers at Raptors!

SIX IN A ROW BAYBAY!!!

It's the third meeting between the Cavaliers and Raptors and both teams are in two very different places from when they met previously. Let's take a look at what's going down

• Cavaliers and Raptors are tied for first place. This is a rematch and possibly a preview of the Eastern Conference Finals. It should be a good one
• Cavs are on a 3 game losing streak, losing to the Clippers and Bulls after they lost to the Bucks back on the 29th. Both teams are going to be coming out hard tonight
• JR Smith and Mike Dunleavy JR are questionable for tonight's game. Smith dealing with a sore knee and MDJ is returning from a concussion

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Drowning Pool - "Step Up"

Just wanted a tune to get us amped up! Both teams are going to be saying that they need to step up tonight, just hoping that the Raptors step up a little more

Raptors tied for 1st in East 14-6! Cavaliers tied for 1st in East 13-5!

Game 20: Hawks at Raptors!

5 wins in a row for the Toronto Raptors!! Longest streak of our season! We're only 20 games in but let's see if we can make it 6 as the Atlanta Hawks come to town!

• DeMarre Carroll sat last night against the Lakers. He's on a restriction where he doesn't play both games of back to backs. I'm sure he chose to sit against LA so he can have a shot against his former team
• Atlanta landed one of the biggest free agents of last summer in Dwight Howard. Howard is an Atlanta native and wanted a shot to not only be back in the Eastern Conference but play for his hometown Hawks
• No Paul Millsap for Atlanta tonight as he didn't make the roadtrip with the team. Thabo Sefalosha has been starting in his stead
• FORMER RAPTOR ALERT: Kris Humphries now plays for Atlanta. He's bounced around alot since leaving Toronto all those years ago, playing for the Nets, Celtics, Wizards, Mavericks and Suns

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Hawkwind - "Silver Machine"

Long before Lemmy was the whiskey-swillin', broad-bashing, chain-smokin' lead singer of Motorhead, one of planet Earth's loudest bands, he was in an acid band called Hawkwind. They liked drugs, trippy-dippy drugs. Lemmy was kicked out for doing the "wrong kinds of drugs" as he put it and in retaliation shagged all his old bandmate's old ladies. 

Raptors 2nd in East 13-6! Hawks 9th in East 10-10!

Game 19: Lakers at Raptors!

Another win during the six game home stand! Raptors beat Memphis 120-105 on Wednesday night! It's Friday night in TO and the lake show is in town!

• The Lakers have an impressive young team coached by an impressive young coach in Luke Walton. Plenty of talent to keep an eye on tonight: Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram, Larry Nance Jr and Jordan Clarkson
• D'Angelo Russell and Jose Calderon are on the injured list for LA. Usual 2 for the Raptors (Sullinger and Wright)
• Raptors got Hawks tomorrow and Cavaliers on Monday, so a win tonight would be nice before they head into that tough 2 game stretch.
• FORMER RAPTOR ALERT: One time Toronto Six Man Of The Year Lou Williams now makes his home with the LA Lakers and still finds himself in a comfy bench role and as mentioned earlier Jose Calderon, long time Raptor mainstay and fan favourite, also dons the purple and gold, though tonight he will be sitting on the bench

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Tragically Hip - "Lake Fever"

Don't think they were talking Showtime when Gord and the boys recorded this one for their 2000 album Music @ Work.  But a great song nonetheless. With their young core I can see why many LA fans have caught the Laker Fever, they'll be a good time for years to come.

Raptors 2nd in East 12-6! Lakers 9th in West 10-10!

Game 18: Grizzlies at Raptors!

The homestand continues as the Toronto Raptors welcome back their one time fellow country team in the Vancouver Grizzlies, who have since moved to Memphis!

• The Grizzlies are riddled with injuries tonight and are missing 6 of their 15 players. Vince Carter is out with a hip injury, Mike Coneley is six weeks with his back, Zach Randolph is out for personal reasons, Chandler Parsons his knee, Ennis calf and Wright ankle.
• For the Raptors only Sullinger and Delon Wright are injured. The game against Philly gave some of our starters time to rest and we saw VanVleet, Bruno, Bebe, Norman and Jakob Poetl get court time.
• Jonas Valanciunas came down awkward on his ankle in the game against the 76ers too and Raptor nation collectively held their breath. Thankfully he was back on the bench after a quick check in the locker room. If he goes tonight expect limited minutes.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Yo Gotti - "Grizzly"

Maybe next time i'll do Grizzly Bear

Raptors 2nd in East 11-6! Grizzlies 4th in West 11-7!

Game 17: 76ers at Raptors!

Raptors are back home in Toronto the day after the 104th Grey Cup! Congrats to the Ottawa Redblacks! Visiting Toronto today are the Philadelphia 76ers! Let's take a look!

• The 76ers hold the worst record in the East, but not the entire NBA. That honour belongs to the Dallas Mavericks.
• The Sixers will be without their rookie of the year prospect Joel "The Process" Embiid. I Didn't think we were allowed to give ourselves nicknames, I thought that automatically designated us with some real shitty nickname like "Sheet Stain" or "Weebit". Embiid is on a minutes restriction and didn't travel with the team
• Sixers still have a bundle of exciting young talents in players like Nerlens Noel, Jahill Okafor and Dario Saric

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Eve - "Philly, Philly"

Haven't heard much from Eve lately, first heard of her back in 1998 when she signed on with Dre's Aftermath entertainment group and later with DMX Ruff Ryders. It appears she most recently had an album in 2013. This song is from her 1999 album Let There Be Eve.

Raptors 2nd in East 10-6! 76ers 15th in East 4-13!

Game 16: Raptors at Bucks!

Happy Black Friday! Whatever the hell that means. People pushing, people shoving and the girls that try to look pretty. That's basically my understanding of it. Raptors close out their roadtrip tonight in Milwaukee and hope to end on a high note with a win over the Bucks

• Nothing but improvement in Milwaukee's world. Jabari Parker is finally healthy and having a great season, plus the Bucks added Matthew Dellavadova from last year's Champion Cavalier team. Also Mirza Teletovic and Tony Snell have been added
• In an odd turn Bucks' coach Jason Kidd has been benching Greg Monroe as of late with no real reason. Milwaukee don't have too many other bigs on the roster especially one that can match up with Jonas Valanciunas
• DeMarre Carroll and Cory Joseph both had a fantastic game on Wednesday. It's that kind of production the Raptors need from their complimentary players in order to compete in this league
• FORMER RAPTORS ALERT: Steve Novak, the Milwaukee native, was included in the trade with New York that banished Andrea Bargnani from Toronto forever. Novak played a year with Toronto before being traded to Utah.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Both - "Milwaukee"

The Both is a duo made of Aimee Mann (formerly of 'til Tuesday) and Ted Leo (Of Ted Leo & The Pharmacists). To this date they've only released one album, a self titled effort made in 2014. The first single and video off the album was called "Milwaukee"

Raptors 3rd in East 9-6! Bucks 8th in East 6-7!

Game 15: Raptors at Rockets!

Game 4 of the 5 game road trip is almost under way. The Raptors are hoping to get out with a winning record to dot hat they'll need to beat the Milwaukee Bucks this weekend and the Houston Rockets tonight.

• Houston has made some big additions this season. After losing Dwight Howard to Atlanta Clint Capela has be awarded the starting center postition. But he's surrounded by some serious fire power. Ryan Anderson, Eric Gordon and Canadian Tyler Ennis are all new to the Rockets this year, along with James Harden who is now their one true point guard
• The Rockets also have a new coach in Mike D'Antoni. Known for his offensive strategies he most recently coached the Lakers and the Knicks
• Donatas Montejunas, JV's fellow Lithuanian countryman, had been holding out for a good offer from the Rockets as he is an RA this season. Today it was announced that Houston has pulled it's latest offer....which I guess means he's unrestricted now....we do need a 4 y'know....

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Soul Coughing - "Houston"

From New York, New York Soul Coughing had most of their sunshine years in the 90's. Probably best known for the song "Super Bon Bon", this song is off their 1998 album El Oso. It's called "Houston" and it's today's Raptor Track

Raptors 5th in the East 8-6! Rockets 5th in West 9-5!

Game 14: Raptors at Clippers!

What a bunch of horseshit.

I'm sure anyone interested in the NBA heard about the abyssmal call to end the Kings-Raptors game in Sacramento's favour last night, so I won't go into details. Just another day in the life of a Raptors fan.

Tonight they're in Los Angeles to take on the top of the league Clippers

• It appears the Raptors will launch a protest against the NBA after the circumstances of last night's game. Not sure what could come of it, but at least it's something
• The Clippers as I mentioned own the best record in the NBA and sit atop the Western Conference. Tonight they'll also get Wes Johnson back who has been out with an ankle injury
• It's another tough back-to-back for Toronto, but hopefully some of that anger can be used to secure a key road win tonight at the Staples Centre

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Metallica - "Here Comes Revenge"

Not only do the Raptors have revenge on their mind which they're willing to take out on anyone in their path, but Metallica released their 10th studio album on Friday Hardwired...To Self-Distruct. So far I like what I hear...this is a fitting song from the record

Raptors 5th in the East 8-5! Clippers 1st in the West 12-2!

Game 13: Raptors at Kings!

Game number 13! Will be unlucky as the Raptors roll into Sacramento to take on a team that always seems to have our number or will Toronto get another win on this 5 game road trip?

• Lucas Noguiera missed the game in Denver as his wife was delivering their first child! Bebe is expected to play tonight in Sacramento
• Terrence Ross had arguably one of his best games of his career and hit a dagger three in Overtime in the game against the Nuggets. Raptors will need that kinda of play on a consistent basis
• Though they always seem to trounce us things are all not well in Kings land. All kinds of trade rumours swirl overhead with names like DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay being tossed around. Or maybe another Head Coach's head will roll. Time will tell

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Linkin Park - "Wretches & Kings"

Love the chugging drum and bassline in this one. Linkin Park usually had no problem pumping out songs to get people amped. This one is no exception. Not sure what these guys are doing now, though I think Chester is done with Velvet Revolver, maybe they'll be back around

Raptors 3rd in East 8-4! Kings 12th in West 4-9!

Game 12: Raptors at Nuggets!

The back to back from hell is behind us yes, but things haven't eased up for The Raptors yet. Tonight they face the Denver Nuggets on their turf and playing at altitude is always a grind.

• Last time these two teams faced each other it was a shoot out. The Raptors eventually edged out The Nuggets, but it wasn't easy
• Will Barton got hurt in that first game and new coach Mike Malone has started Canadian Jamal Murray on several occasions, with veteran Jameer Nelson getting the start lately. Malone has also replaced Nikola Jokic in the starting line up with Kenneth Faried
• The game against the Warriors was lost by only 4 points. The Raptors understand they need to tighten up the D and limit the opposing team from getting big quarters against them if wins are going to start piling up

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Movement - "Mile High"

The Movement are a reggae band from North Carolina. Though they don't really consider themselves rasta or roots reggae, more infused with rock and hip-hop along with elements of Hip Hop. Denver is known as the "Mile High City" and it's usually a disadvantage for other teams to play there due to the effects that high altitude can have on conditioning.

Raptors 5th in East 7-4! Nuggets 10th in West 4-7!

Game 11: Warriors at Raptors! (Drake Night)

Valiant effort last night by the boys in Red, but they came up a bit short to the 2016 Champs Cleveland Cavaliers. It doesn't get any easier i'm afraid as the Raptors return home to face the Golden State Warriors.

• This is the first true look the Raptors will get at the Warriors since signing Kevin Durant in the off season. The Warriors aren't off to as hot a start this year though and currently sit at 8&2.
• Hopefully DeMarre Carroll will get some time tonight to guard KD as he sat last night due to rest on one game of a back to back
• It's Drake night at the ACC so the Raptors will be wearing their very sleek OVO inspired black and gold jerseys. KD is close to Drake so it must be by design that Drake picked his one visit to Toronto to host the game...show him what this city is all about before another look at free agency

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Drake - "Back To Back"

It's just too perfect,,,,

Raptors third in East 7-3! Warriors second in West 8-2!

Game 10: Raptors at Cavaliers!

Only 10 games in and we're seeing the Champs for the second time in this early season! Raptors on a 3-0 run as they roll into Cleveland tonight!

• DeMar DeRozan was named as the Eastern Conference Player of the Week recently and rightfully so. He's had 8 games with 30+ points to start the season.
• Raptors are on the first game of maybe their toughest back-to-back ever. Tonight in Cleveland to face the defending champs and then back home tomorrow where the Golden State Warriors wait for them. We're going to find out what they're made of.
• DeMarre Carroll did not play on Saturday against the Knicks, likely due to keeping an eye on his knee on a back-to-back. Not sure if he'll go tonight. Norman Powell will likelt go in his stead

Tonight's Raptor Track!

J. Frank Wilson & The Cavaliers - "Last Kiss"

Perhaps the best known cover of our time is Pearl Jam's "Last Kiss". It was originally written by Wayne Cochrane back in 1961 and covered several times. A few bands that did versions were Wednesday, Trent Dabbs, the aforementioned Pearl Jam and these guys J.Frank Wilson & The Cavaliers.

Raptors 3rd in East 7-3! Cavaliers 1st in East 8-1! 

Game 9: Knickerbockers at Huskies!

Sorry about the non-post for the Charlotte game last night, my power was out and had to watch the game at the local pub instead. Raptors won however 113-111 with DeRozan getting ANOTHER 30+ point game. I'm telling ya guys.

Tonight The Raptors will become the Toronto Huskies and honour their history along with the history of the entire NBA. The first ever NBA game was played 70 years ago in 1946 in Toronto. It featured the then Toronto Huskies hosting the New York Knickerbockers. While the Huskies only lasted the one year, the Knickerbockers have a long storied lifespan in the NBA and are now known as simply The Knicks

• Both teams are on a back-to-back as I mentioned the Huskies beat the Hornets last night and The Knicks lost to Boston
• People say The Kings like to fire/hire their coaches, but the Knicks are on their 4th head Coach in 3 years. Jeff Hornacek came over from Phoenix to see what he can do with the enigmatic New York squad
• Plenty of new faces on the Knicks too. Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah signed in the off season from Chicago. New York also got Brandon Jennings and Courtney Lee. Carmelo Anthony, who was ejected in last night's game, is on his 6th year with the team. 
• It's a celebration of the League's history tonight, so expect a full house with many famous faces. Also expect some excitement from the referees too, i'll just leave it at that

Tonight's Husky Track!

Husky - "History's Door"

Now that's a perfect track for a historic night where the Raptors are donning their Huskies jerseys. I believe the floor at the ACC is going all Huskified too. Husky is an Australian band from Melbourne. They have 2 albums to their name and have opened for such acts as Gotye, Neil Young, The Shins and Dallas Green.

Huskies 2nd in East 6-2! Knickerbockers 10th in the East 3-5!

Game 7: Raptors at Thunder!

We've still got Basketball to enjoy. Remember that friends.

Raptors are in Oklahoma City to take on the surging Thunder, who Toronto faces for the first time in a long time without Kevin Durant

• Valanciunas is day-to-day with a knee contusion. He missed Sunday's game against the Kings, which the Raptors lost and it appears he might miss tonight. Poeltl started in his stead and we're getting to see how the young front court handles pressure as Jakob, Siakam and Bebe should all see significant playing time
• Russell Westbrook is playing like a man possessed. There's really nothing much else to say there, he's averaging a damn near triple-double.
• Sunday was also the first game that DeMar DeRozan didn't crest 30 points. Still played well and I expect him to have another good game tonight

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Boys Like Girls - "Thunder"

Not sure what the dealio is with this song. It's from a couple years ago, but I can honestly say i've never heard it. Boys Like Girls eh? Let's see what they're all about...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikPXpMhDinU

Well there's the link...since they're record has blocked the video from being streamed on other sites. I even tried some ghetto fan made lyric videos.

Ah well

GO RAPTORS!!

Game 6: Kings at Raptors!

I will try to most more consistently on game days. I didn't do one for the Heat game on Friday because I was en route to Toronto to attend the game LIVE!! WOOO With my balls out!!!

• The Kings are not having the start they were hoping they would. It's another year and another new coach in David Joerger, but the Kings find themselves with a 2-5 record.
• Despite the record the Raptors have historically had their problems with the Kings and their former teammate Rudy Gay. Valanciunas has another tough task in front of him as he'll be matching up with DeMarcus Cousins.
• DeMar DeRozan had another 30+ point game on Friday night. The only other player to start a season with 5 straight 30+ point games? Michael Jordan.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Kurtis Blow - "Basketball"

Some rough news today as hip-hop legend Kurtis Blow suffered a heart attack, but survived. He credits the LAPD police officers and first responders for saving his life. Refreshing in this day and age. Why haven't I picked this song on here before? Unknown, but here it is today!

Raptors 3rd in East 4-1. Kings 12th in West 2-5

Game 4: Raptors at Wizards!

Raptors hit the road for the first time in this early season to take on the Wizards in Washington, DC. Washington's Marcin Gortat has called this a must win. We'll see about that

• It's Washington's home opener and the Wizards are 0-2. So I guess I can see why Gortat would say such a drastic thing so early in the season. The Raptors lost to the Wizards in the preseason and the 3-ball was a big factor in that
• There's a new coach in town for the Wizards. Gone is Randy Whitman and in his stead is former OKC Thunder coach Scott Brooks
• Raptors almost gave up a huge lead to the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, but were able to hold on and close them out. We'll see what Dwane Casey has in store to prevent such a thing from happening tonight

Tonight's Raptor Track!

John Mellencamp - "To Washington"

Here's one from a bygoned era of yesterday. Remember when all of America and most of the world as alight with politcal fervor when W. Bush was first elected back in 2000? It inspired a myriad of anti-war and protest songs. one can only hope that a similar uproar would come to fruition if a certain republican candidate gets elected next week. If anything good could come out of that situation...Back in 2000 John Mellencamp, one of America's favourite sons, grabbed his guitar and had something to say about the state of the White House in his song "To Washington"

Raptors 2-1 and the Wizards are 0-2!

Game 3: Nuggets at Raptors!

We never get to play on Christmas Day, but at least The Raptors always get the Halloween game! That's gotta count for something right? They'll be plenty of costumes in the crowd as the Denver Nuggets make their only visit to the ACC tonight

• Raptors lost a close battle against defending champs The Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night. DeMar played exceptionally well again with 32 points and a huge jam. 
• The Nuggets always seem to give us trouble and this year should be no different. A great front court of Jokic and Gallanari. Returning players like Nuric, Faried and Chandler. And of course the young Canadian Jamal Murray in the mix, makes this team playoff contenders for sure
• Pascal Siakam, the Raptors 2nd pick rookie, has been starting in the absence of Jared Sullinger, keep the bench unit intact with Patrick Patterson. He will need to have another big game tonight

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Redman - "Watch Yo Nuggetz"

Can't remember if i've done this one or not....ah well. Repeating songs is scary business and it's Halloween. So here's "Watch Yo Nuggetz" by Redman. Remember him?

Both Raptors and Nuggets are 1-1!

Game 1: Pistons at Raptors! OPENING NIGHT!!!!

ALTHOUGH THAT WAS THE SHORTEST OFF-SEASON IN RAPTORS HISTORY IT FELT SO LONG!!!!!!

The Toronto Raptors kick off their 2016-2017 Season with a home game against the Detroit Pistons!

• Some injury news for the Raptors to start the year off. What else is new? Jared Sullinger had foot surgery and will be out for a few months. Bebe is also out with a sprained ankle. Patrick Patterson will start tonight.
• The Pistons have a solid team this year and look like they have a bright future. Stan Van Gundy is a guy who knows Basketball and can only do good not only as coach of the team but also acting GM
• There is a lot of expectation for Toronto (not from me) to do again this year what they did last year. I think last year's learning experience was more beneficial than any of us could know, maybe losing a few more games will help the team be hungrier going into the playoffs. We'll just have to see

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Joe Budden - "Fire" feat. Busta Rymes

This song has nothing to with Detroit....I think....let me check. Nope he's from New York..though it appears Buddens has had a beef with sh'boy Drizzy. Ah well, this song is too hype to not include it as my opening night fire song. "Fire"!

OPENING NIGHT!!!!!

Preseason Game 7: Raptors at Wizards!

We're back on TV! The Raptors roll into unfriendly territory as they visit Washington to do preseason heat with the Wizards

• What do you think is The Wizards the best team name for the sports franchises of Washington? You have the unoriginal Nationals of the MLB. The Capitals of the NHL, which is quite vague and nondescript. And I'm not even gonna mention the racist NFL franchise team name. Wizards wins
• There is some speculation that Jared Sullinger could miss the home opener with his nagging foot injury that will keep him out of his 6th straight game
• Who did the Wizards add/subtract this year? No major names. One familiar one to Raptors fans as Ian Mahinmi who JV did battle with in the first round of the playoffs last year when he played with Indiana. Jason Smith is new from the Magic. They lost Alan Anderson to the Clippers and Nene has moved on to the Houston Rockets .

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Magnetic Fields - "Washington, DC"

What do we got here? This refreshing little track is from an indie band from Boston, MA. They have written a little ditty to tribute Washington, but as the lyrics quickly describe, the joy the city brings the city is simply because the city is where the object of her affection calls home! Coolness!

Last preseason game bitches!!

Preseason Game 6: Raptors at Pistons! (Post Game)

One more Preseason game to go before the kick off of the Raptors NBA 2016-17 season starts next Wednesday! Tonight the Raptors faced the same team they'll see on opening night, the Detroit Pistons. Let's take a look!

• Jared Sullinger still did not play for Toronto. Guess Casey does not want to risk sending him out while his foot is naggin' him and keep him in prime shape for the regular season, Pascal Siakam got the start and scored 7 points.
• Detroit's team looks very similar to the way it did at the end of last year. Piston fans are hoping a full season with Tobias Harris and Marcus Morris will increase their post season chances.
• Demar and Kyle are eager for the season to start as both scored 20+ points tonight. The only other Raptor in double digits was Corey Joseph with 10
• Raptors won 103-92

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Crashpalace - "Perfect"

Though the Raptors weren't perfect tonight, the Pistons do play at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Such a cool name for an arena. During the regular season it doubles as Toronto's 2nd home as many Raptor fans make the trek down to Detroit for games. Not sure what happened to Crashpalace, one of those early 2000 hard rock groups that were here and gone in a snap

Well i tried to find a link, but failed. Just as there was no TV for the game tonight, there will be no Youtube video...you're welcome to go hunting for it though!

6 Days!!

Preseason Game 5: San Lorenzo de Almagro at Raptors!

We're back at the ACC as the Raptors host an international guest for preseason action. It's an Argentine team San Lorenzo de Almagro rolling into Toronto to take on the Raptors

• Terrence Ross sat out last night's game due to a sore knee, Jared Sullinger sat out with the ongoing foot issue and DeMar DeRozan sat out to get some rest. No word on who, if anyone is sitting out of this one yet.
• Sadly I don't know much about the team from Argentina, but should be a fun game to watch.
• Even with all those scratched from yesterday's line up the Raptors were still able to defeat the Cavaliers. Although some guy named LeBron didn't play for them
• I don't expect many Toronto fans to be tuned into this game as it is game 1 of the ALDS which sees the Blue Jays take on Cleveland. Go Jays Go.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Tokyo Police Club - "Argentina (Parts I, II & III)"

Taken from Tokyo Police Club's 2014 album Forcefield, "Argentina" was a bit of a shift from the group's usual sound. Kind of like Green Day's "Jesus Of Suburbia" it was a longer song with several parts and timing changes. Very cool and very beautiful song for a band from Toronto, named after Tokyo and singing about Argentina

Let's go Blue Jays! And Raptors...though it's only preseason...

Preseason Game 4: Raptors at Cavaliers!

Blah blah blah LeBron. Blah blah blah Cleveland. Ok I guess you can tell i'm sick of hearing about this team, but the Raptors face them today in the Preseason so I guess I have to talk about them

• Yes it's a rematch from last year's Eastern Conference Finals that saw the Cavaliers defeat the Raptors in 6 games. Cleveland then went on to win the NBA finals against the Golden State Warriors. Impressive
• An interesting thing is happening Friday when the Toronto Blue Jays take on Cleveland in ALDS action. Basically the same thing as the Eastern Conference Finals. It's only the 7th time in history that the same cities teams have played each other in those kinds of finals in the same year!
• Who did Cleveland add and subtract? Let's see Matthew Dellavadova signed in Milwaukee. Timofey Mozgov signed in LA with the Lakers. And JR Smith is currently teamless(?). A few additions to the Cavs are Mike Dunleavy, Birdman Chris Andersen and Cory Jefferson.

Today's Raptor Track!

Wire - "Champs"

Wire were a British punk band that got it's start in 1976. Though they never sold a mega-ton of records their influence in the world of punk rock and beyond is remarkable. Bands like The Cure, REM, Sonic Youth,  Manic Street Preachers, Bloc Party, Blur, Elastica and Franz Ferdinand have all cited Wire as inspiration. Their most notable album came in 1977 and is called Pink Flag. "Champs" is a song from that record.

See ya in the finals again Cleveland

Preseason Game 3: Raptors at Clippers!

Raptors head out to the Western states for the first time this season in a preseason bout with the LA Clippers

• Paul Pierce aka "The Truth" has announced that after this season he will be retiring. As a Raptors fan who has been burned by him multiple times I don't think i'm alone in saying "Thank fuck and good riddance you dreadful old geezer" just kidding. He's had a wonderful career and it will be odd without him around, though I don't expect a Kobe-esque farewell tour in each city he plays in this year
• Last game saw DeMarre Carroll and Jared Sullinger sit out. Carroll for rest and Sully for a foot injury, nothing serious, but it's preseason so c'mon. Bruno got the start.
• Not too many new faces on the Clippers this year, but some are Marresse Speights, former Raptor Alan Anderson and Delon Wright's brother Dorell.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Mobb Deep - "Matic Clips"

Here is a song that has the word Clips in it. 'cuz Clippers. Sorry...it's late...i is tired

WE THE NORTH

Preseason Game 2: Nuggets at Raptors!

Woo the Raptors beat Kevin Durant and the Warriors! Yes, it's only preseason, but a woo is still in order eh JV?

Tonight the cross Canada series continues as the Nuggets fly into Calgary, Alberta to face the Toronto Raptors.

• Tonight we get our first glimpse of the #7 overall pick Jamal Murray from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. I'm sure The Nuggets couldn't believe their luck when he fell to them in the 2016 Draft
• Raptors fans got a good look at some of the new blood on the team with Jared Sullinger, Pascal Siakam and Fred Vanvleet all having great showings on Saturday night
• The Nuggets are a young team looking to make a name for themselves. Last year's draft pick Emmanuel Mudiay continues to impress, as well as players like Jusuf Nurkic, Nikole Jokic and Kenneth Faried.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Elliott Brood - "Oh, Alberta"

Not a person's name but a 3-piece country/blues/rock group from Toronto, ON. They got their start way back in 2002, but have yet to earn themselves a larger than cult following. I'm sure they're just fine with that. 

Make it loud Calgary!!

Preseason Game 1: Warriors at Raptors!

Weeeheeellllll look at thisssssss!! The NBA is back baby and we kick it off with the Golden State Warriors rolling into Vancouver, BC to do Preseason battle with the Toronto Raptors!!

• We haven't seen the Raptors since they lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals in six games. The Cavs would then go on to beat The Warriors for the NBA Championship
• Raptors have some new faces. Jared Sullinger has signed for 1 year, he last played for the Boston Celtics. And we have a few new draft picks in Jakob Poeltl and Pascal Siakam
• Lowry and DeRozan had a big summer playing in the Rio Olympics for team USA and winning gold. Jonas Valanciunas played for Lithuania but failed to earn a medal.
• The biggest news of the Off-Season was Kevin Durant signing with the Warriors. No one is really sure how this will turn out, but we'll get to see our first glimpse tonight

Today's Raptor Track!

Jeff Buckley - "Vancouver"

This one might not get us super pumped for the kick off of the season, but it's a sweet tune nonetheless. Jeff Buckley is always good for a sweet melody. I'm just glad the season is back and I look forward to another great season full of ups and downs for the Toronto Raptors

WE THE NORTH

Playoff Series Round 3: Game 6 Cavaliers at Raptors

Back home in the 6ix as The Raptors face elimination one more time in these playoffs. Cavs took game 5 decisively. Let's look at what the Raptors need to do to stay alive

• Jonas Valanciunas got some burn in the last game. Though he didn't start, he didn't look too out of step with the rest of his team. Not sure that his skillset is what is going to secure a win against Cleveland like it has with other teams
• Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving got going in the last game, and though LeBron did Lebron things, those other 2 were the real reason the Raptors were set packing.
• Remember if the Raptors lose tonight and their season comes to an end it's not the worst thing in the world. The future is bright for Toronto.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Papa Roach - "Do Or Die"

'Nuff said.

Cavs lead series 3-2!

Playoff Series Round 3: Game 4 Cavaliers at Raptors

We have ourselves a series! Raptors defeated the Cavs on Saturday night to bring the series to 2-1 and hand Cleveland their first loss in the post-season.

• Saturday also marked the first time that an Eastern Conference Finals game was played outside Canada and the first ECF win in Raptors franchise history!
• Bizmack Biyombo had a monster game grabbing 26 rebounds and altering/blocking countless shots. He took a low blow near the end of the game at the hands of Dahntay Jones, who has been suspended for 1 game.
• The rumours are swirling that Jonas Valanciunas' status has been raised from doubtful, to gametime decision, to "i'm playing"; that last one being from the man himself. He's been sidelined since game 3 in the Miami series with a sprained ankle

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Econoline Crush - "Home"

Nothing like playing in front of your home crowd and Kyle Lowry was recently quoted as saying that the team feeds off the ACC crowd's energy and want them to be as loud as possible. It definitely helped last home game and here's hoping the same magic and energy is seen tonight

Cavs lead series 2-1!

Playoff Series Round 3: Game 2 Raptors at Cavaliers

Ok I know it was an ugly game. The Cavaliers had 9 days of rest and the Toronto Raptors had one. And they likely practiced that day too. Here's hoping Game 2 goes a little better for Toronto.

• The Raptors started off well on Tuesday with DeMar DeRozan playing his tail off. We need both him and Kyle Lowry to lead the offense for this team to have a shot at winning
• It wasn't just LeBron for Cleveland either. While he had a great game and was near unstoppable, he had great support from Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving, Matthew Dellavadova and Channing Frye
• Still no Valanciunas for TO. Though he's reportedly not wearing his walking boot anymore, so we got that going for us....which is nice

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Bleachers - "I Wanna Get Better"

Bleachers are an American rock band from New York. I say band but it's really just the solo side project of Fun member Jack Antonoff. Bleachers' debut came in 2014 and "I Wanna Get Better" was the first single

Cavs up on the series 1-0