Game 47: Pistons at Raptors

It's the last game of the hometown swing for the Toronto Raptors. Can they keep the streak alive and get their 11th straight win? They'll need to get by the Detroit Pistons first...

• The Pistons are having a solid year, thanks largely to the playing of their young big man Andre Drummond. He's been selected to the All-Star Game for the first time in his career and rightfully so. His playing alone has kept the Pistons' playoff hopes alive
• Jonas Valanciunas usually plays well against Drummond and JV has been consistent as of late. He'll need to keep the intensity up to help his Raptors secure a win tonight
• The Pistons have some interesting young talent. Reggie Jackson, Stanley Johnson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (great name!) are all players to be mindful of tonight. Whatever this season yields for the Pistons, they have a bright future indeed.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

KISS - "Detroit Rock City"

Yeah, yeah. I know. Sometimes you gotta go with the obvious choice though. Can't get much more obvious than KISS' "Detroit Rock City"

Raptors 2nd in East 31-15! Pistons 7th in East 25-22

Game 46: Knicks at Raptors

Got plenty to talk about today so let's get right to it! Raptors try to make it 10 in a row! Knicks at the ACC!!

• Scary sight at the end of the Wizards/Raptors game on Tuesday saw Kyle Lowry running to the locker rooms holding his wrist. X-Rays revealed no break, but he skipped practice yesterday. Likely be a game time decision tonight
• Someone who is already on the injured list for the Knicks is Carmelo Anthony who will sit due to a sprained knee. Former Raptor Jose Calderon will also sit out with a strained groin. Ouch.
• If the Raptors can win tonight they will set a new franchise record for consecutive wins in a row with 10. They are already tied the 2002 squad with 9.
• It was announced today that DeMar DeRozan will join Kyle Lowry at the All-Star game in Toronto as a reserve player. Many figured he deserved to start over Dwyane Wade, but i'm happy he's there. Also joining them will be Sting who was announced as the half-time entertainment. Some folks are upset over this selection, but remember back in the 90's when he did that award show and P. Diddy (then Puff Daddy) joined him on stage and sang that tribute to Biggie? I have a feeling Drake has something up his sleeve.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Sting - "Englishman In New York"

I always thought this was a Police song, but it looks like it was released when Sting decided to go solo. This song fits too perfectly with the All-Star announcement and New York coming to town. Almost divine.

Raptors 2nd in East 30-15. Knicks 10th in East 22-25

Game 45: Wizards at Raptors

The win streak is at 8! Can the Raptors get a win over the Washington Wizards and bump that number to 9? Let's check it out!

• Bradley Beal remains out for Washington. Toronto has yet to go against him this season and are 2-0 against the Wizards. This time a broken nose suffered yesterday will keep him out.
• Kris Humphries and Alan Anderson are also out for Washington, both one time Raptors. DeMarre Carroll remains out for an other wise healthy Toronto team
• John Wall and Kyle Lowry always have great battles when they face each other. Gortat and Valanciunas is another match up to watch. Gortat usually gets the upper hand, but JV has been playing well lately. 

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Silly Wizard - "The Queen Of Argyll"

Silly Wizard were a folk band from the highlands of Scotland, formed in the 70's and had various lineup changes throughout their tenure until they dissolved in 1988. They are remembered for mainly playing traditional Scottish folk tunes, from jigs, to airs, to epics like "The Queen Of Argyll"

Raptors 2nd in East 28-15! Wizards 11th in East 20-22!

Game 44: Clippers at Raptors

Perhaps the toughest game of this 7 game home stand is the one that lies before us on this Sunday afternoon. The LA Clippers come to town looking for revenge from an early season loss at the hands of the Raptors. Can we get that 8th straight win and inch closer to the #1 Spot in the East? Let's find out

• Big news as Blake Griffin was ruled out for today's game. He's nursing a quad injury and Luc Mbah-A-Moute will start in his place
• Our reserves line is thin as Bebe, Powell and Bruno are all on D-League assignment but their game today in Grand Rapids, Michigan has been postponed until tomorrow due to snow.
• The Clippers recently sent Josh Smith back to Houston where he played last year, for the rights to some overseas players and cash. Will this little shake up inspire the Clippers in their Western Conference journey? Only time will tell!

Tonight's Raptors Track!

The Skatalites - "China Clipper"

The Skatalites are a ska band from Jamaica mostly known for their instrumental jazz and ska tunes. They original had their start in the 60's but soon disbanded. After a reunion in the late 70's they decided to make music and tour again with various jazz musicians to round out their line ups. They are still active to this day

Raptors 2nd in East 28-15. Clippers 4th in West 28-15

Game 43: Heat at Raptors

Congrats to Kyle Lowry are in order as it was announced last night that he will be starting in his second straight All Star Game! This one is big because it's taking place in Toronto, ON. The Miami Heat come to town tonight, let's look at the bullets...

• It's a grim situation for Miami as they only have 8 active players due to injuries. Dwyane Wade, Luol Deng, Goran Dragic, Hassan Whiteside, Josh McRoberts and Chris Andersen will all be sitting out tonight's game.
• Miami does still have Chris Bosh and Amar'e Stoudamire, Udonis Haslem and Gerald Green, so it's not to say that this one will be a complete run away. Raptors better have their game in check, can't look past the Heat.
• Yes Kyle Lowry was announced as an All Star last night. The reserves for the game will be announced next Thursday. Expect DeMar DeRozan's name to be on that list.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Glenn Frey - "The Heat Is On"

So glad I didn't use this song as an earlier blog post. We lost The Eagle's frontman/guitarist earlier this week. After his time in The Eagles he went on to write some of the 80's most definitive songs. "You Belong To The City" was a huge hit after it was used in Miami Vice and though he didn't write "The Heat Is On" it was featured in one of the 80's biggest movies Beverly Hills Cop. There is so much Miami in this one it hurts

Raptors 2nd in East 27-15. Heat 7th in East 23-20

Game 42: Celtics at Raptors (Post Game)

It was the return of one of Toronto's most cherished sons, Amir Johnson, who signed with the Boston Celtics in the Summer on a two year deal. Could his Celtics come in to Toronto and stop the Raptor's winning streak at 5 games?

• No they could not. Raptors win 115-109.  Though it was a tight affair. Celtics were hot from three with Jae Crowder, Isaiah Thomas and Kelly Olynyk making some big threes.
• DeMar DeRozan is really proving to be one of the highlight players in the Eastern Conference this year and a damn bear lock for the All-Star Game. 34 Points tonight folks, he's got us alright
• Amir Johnson received a warm welcome on his return from the fans and the organization. They played a tribute video for his between the first 2 quarters on how the fans loved his hustle, his infectious personality and his true love for the community and city of Toronto. In fact tonight is his annual "I Roll With Amir" event where he takes Toronto fans out for a night on the town. Continuing the tradition and not forgetting the fans who loved him from the start

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Amos Lee - "Johnson Blvd"

They really should name a street after this guy. Amir Johnson I mean, not Amos Lee who is a folk singer/songwriter from Philly. "Johnson Blvd" comes from his 2013 album Mountains of Sorrow, Rivers Of Song.

Raptors now 2nd in East 27-15. Celtics 8th in East 22-21.

Game 41: Nets at Raptors

Raptors are back home in Toronto and Canada after beating the Orlando Magic in Overtime in London, England. Seems like forever but the Raptors are back and welcome the Brooklyn Nets to their home court

• There has been a significant shake up in Brooklyn. Their GM Billy King has stepped down and their head coach Lionel Hollins has been fired. No player moves yet, but you can bet there will be some scrambling around the trade deadline
• We might not get to hear the anticipated "warm welcome" former Raptors usually get as Andrea Bargnani will be a game time decision with a sore ankle. It's always fun when he returns
• The Raptors are at home for the next 7 games, after a grueling start to their season they finally get a break from the schedule and get let the teams come to them.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Peter Gabriel - "The Family & The Fishing Net"

Surprisingly, there are not alot of songs about nets out there. I think Brooklyn needs to change their team name for the sake of this blog's longevity. Peter Gabriel, inspired by the words of Dylan Thomas, wrote "The Family & The Fishing Net" from an outsider's point of view about a traditional wedding and how bizarre it must all look.

FUCK BROOKLYN

Game 40: Raptors at Magic! (London, England)

Wow it seems like it's been forever! Raptors haven't played since Saturday as they've taken to the sky and traveled across the Sea to take on the Orlando Magic at the O2 arena in London England!

• This marks the second time the Raptors have played in London. Back in 2011 they had a back to back game against the then New Jersey Nets during the first NBA regular season game played across the pond
• DeMarre Carroll did not make the trip with the Raptors as his knee has not fully healed from the surgery he had in New York a few weeks ago.
• Aaron Gordon and Shabazz Napier are doubtful for the Magic, though they did make the trip with the team it is unlikely they'll play.

Tonight's Raptors Track!

Lily Allen - "LDN"

Let's do some tracks that have to do with London!

Londonbeat - "I've Been Thinking About You"

Misfits - "London Dungeon"

Raptors 2nd in the East 24-15! Magic 8th in East 20-18

Game 39: Raptors at 76ers

Almost to the big 4-0. Raptors head into Philadelphia in pursuit of win # 24.

• Good win over Washington last night, even though the Raptors struggled at times in the frist half, they buckled down on the defensive end and eked out a 97-88 win over the team that swept them in last year's dreadful playoff series
• The Sixers are starting to become self-aware. They realize now a team full of rookies and unproven talent needs guidance. Jerry Colangelo has been recently named the new chairman of Basketball operations for the team and has committed to turning the young team around. One move he recently hinted at was signing veteran power forward Elton Brand to the Sixers squad.
• Jonas Valanciunas should look to have another big night against rookie big man Jahill Okafor. While most of Philly's offense does involve Jahill in some way, Jonas is a skilled and quick big man who should prove problematic for the young Sixer

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Saddle Tramps - "After A Sixer"

I know zero about this song and even less about the group, but since it's a country/western song i'm gonna guess the Sixer in the title has little to do with the Basketball team and more to do with a 26 fluid ounce bottle of alcohol. Good enough!

Raptors 4th in the East 23-15. Sixers 15th in the East 4-34

Ouch

Game 38: Raptors at Wizards

It's the 3rd game between the Raptors and Wizards and so for Toronto has had Washington's number. Could the Wiz push back tonight and get the W or will Toronto keep the momentum alive? Game time is 7pm

• DeMarre Carroll is still out and will be out for sometime. He was missed but not needed during the Raptors last game against Brooklyn, whom Toronto beat handily by about 20 points
• The Wizards will have some of their recently injured players back in action tonight. Nene and Gary Neal have seen playing time, albeit limited, in the past couple of games. Both were sidelined with injuries over the past few weeks. Washington is also still without former Raptor Alan Anderson
• Kyle Lowry is still in 3rd place in All-Star voting for Eastern Guards. Get to twitter, nba.com, Facebook...whatever you need to do but get out and vote our man into the starting line up!!

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Local Natives - "Mt. Washington"

Local Natives are actually an Indie-Rock band from California who got their start back in 2009 and saw early positive reception from across the pond in the UK. Their 2013 album Hummingbird also gained positive feedback from some of the tougher musical critics including Pitchfork.com who gave it an 8.1 out of 10. "Mt. Washington" comes from this album. It appears this song was also used in a video game.

Raptors 4th in the East 22-15. Wizards 12th in the East 15-18

Game 37: Raptors at Nets

After losing two in a row the Toronto Raptors are looking to get back on the winning track with a game against the struggling Brooklyn Nets

• It's kind of surprising that the Philadelphia 76ers own the worst record in the East when you look at line up of Brooklyn Nets. I mean any team can get a win on any night, but the Sixers have alot of young talent and heart, Brooklyn just appears like they don't know what they've got.
• As I say that they still have Joe Johnson and Brook Lopez, two capable scorers and players who have been Raptor killers in the past. Though they also have former Toronto #1 overall pick Andrea Bargnani. So we'll see
• Brooklyn is without their starting point guard Jarrett Jack, their rookie Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Chris McCullough. The Raptors however announced today that DeMarre Carroll will be out for 6-8 weeks after getting his knee scoped this morning.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Joe Purdy - "Brooklyn I'm Calling"

I've known Joe Purdy mainly for his fantastic 2004 album Julie Blue where he rented a lakehouse and wrote and recorded most of the tracks off the album over a 2-week stay. It's difficult to find any of his music, except for the online avenues. I ordered another album of his off Amazon, Take My Jacket & Go is a different feel than i'm used to for Purdy material, but it yields some great tunes. "Brooklyn I'm Calling" is one example

Raptors 4th in the East 21-15. Nets 14th in East 10-24

#FUCKBROOKLYN!!! Didn't think I'd forget did ya?

Game 36: Raptors at Cavaliers

Everybody is talking about last night's loss to the Bulls. Is it time to panic? Should we panic about Jimmy Butler dropping 42 points? Should panic about losing by 2 points to the Bulls? I dunno. What I do know is the Raptors are hoping to bounce back against the best of the East, Cleveland Cavaliers

• DeMarre Carroll apparently will not go tonight to rest a sore knee. This is the same injury that saw him miss a series of games earlier this year. Expect James Johnson to see some time tonight
• It's also reported that both Kevin Love and LeBron James are battling illness. Both are expected to play at this point, but anything could happen I suppose.
• Last time the Raptors saw the Cavs they were without their All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving. He is back and playing, so we'll see how that affects the squad tonight

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Bowling For Soup - "Ohio"

Bowling For Soup are a pop-punk group from Texas most known for their 2004 hit "1985" a call back to the MTV days and a namedropping song that reminds certain listenerse of their older brother's record collection. "Ohio" is a song from that same album, still dropping names, but this time it's every celebrity from Texas they could think of crammed into a 3 minute punk(?) song.

Raptors 4th in the East 21-14. Cavaliers 1st the East 22-9

Game 35: Bulls at Raptors

The Raptors got on monkey off their back by defeating the Charlotte Hornets on Friday and are now hoping to make it 2 bugaboos in a row as the tough Chicago Bulls come to town

• The Bulls are still down Joakim Noah with a knee injury, but it was their bench players like Tony Snell and Bobby Portis who rocked Toronto's defense when these last two teams met
• DeMarre Carroll says he is still not 100% but will always go out there and give it his all. He made a few key 3-pointers in the game against Charlotte and we're hoping he can do the same today
• It's possible that Kirk Hinrich will start tonight for the Bulls instead of Derrick Rose who is still managing his minutes after an early season injury. We'll see who is there for the jump ball

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Atreyu - "Becoming The Bull"

Atreyu named themselves after the child-hero in the 80's movie classic Neverending Story. "Becoming The Bull" is about taking charge of your life and living it the way you'd want instead of what others deem right for you. It comes off the 2007 album Lead Sails Paper Anchor.

Raptors 2nd in East 21-13. Bulls 4th in East 19-12

Game 34: Hornets at Raptors

First game of the year for 2016 and the Raptors are looking for their 21st win in a game against the Charlotte Hornets!

• Charlotte always gives Toronto a tough time. Last time these teams faced it was Jeremy Lin and Marvin Williams having a great night that put the Raps away in Overtime.
• Al Jefferson's suspension has been lifted but he is sidelined again with a knee injury that's going to keep him on the bench for about 6 weeks. Cody Zeller will start.
• Nicolas Batum is also back. Last time these two teams met he was out with an illness. Gotta contain him.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Kasabian - "Bumblebeee"

I know a bumble bee isn't the same thing as a Hornet, but it's pretty damn close. Both can be quite stingy and buzzy. Not many artists out there are singing about hornets. Ohh hor-NETS I get it. Is that why?

Raptors 3rd in the East 20-13. Hornets 9th in the East 17-14