Game 34: Hawks at Raptors!

Well, those last 2 games were not good. Hopefully returning back to their homecourt will get the Raptors back on track. Hawks come to the ACC for some Friday night NBA action!

• Some strange news coming out of the Raptors camp today as Serge Ibaka has been suspended for tonight's game due to an incident that occured after the loss to the Thunder on Wednesday night. 
• Things haven't been great for Atlanta this year, but one shining star has been point guard Dennis Schroder. He's a crafty player who's tough to contain.
• Dwayne Dedmon and Mike Muscala are both out for the Hawks and as I mentioned earlier only Serge Ibaka is out for the Raptors

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Daniel Lanois - "Where The Hawkwind Kills"

One of my favourite and most prolific Canadian Singer/Songwriters is Daniel Lanois. He's also a famed producer working on some legendary albums from U2, Bob Dylan and Peter Gabriel. This one is off his 1989 album Acadie.

Tonight's Gameday Drink

Eaglehawk Chardonnay

Going a little classy tonight for the game day drink! Eaglehawk Chardonnay is an South Eastern Australian wine of Wolf Blass winery.

Raptors 2nd in East 23-10! Hawks 15th in East 9-25!

Game 33: Raptors at Thunder!

Well...easy come, easy go. Raptors held on to the top seed in the East for just over 24 hrs after falling back to second after a bad loss to the Mavericks. They'll be looking to bounce back tonight in OKC against the Thunder!

• CJ Miles returned last night for the Raptors to play, and lose in front of his hometown Dallas crowd
• OKC has a bit of a different look this year. After losing Kevin Durant to Golden State a few years ago the Thunder have swung for the fences. Acquiring Paul George from Indiana and Carmelo Anthony from New York,. In the process they lost some key bench members like Victor Oladipo, Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott and Domantas Sabonis
• Raptors will encounter a familiar face as Patrick Patterson signed with OKC in the offseason. Patterson was a part of that Rudy Gay trade that changed the fortunes for Toronto all those years ago

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Van Zant - "Oklahoma"

Consisting of brothers of the late Ronnie Van Zant, singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd who perished when their small engine air plane crashed in the 70's, the band Van Zant was known for their southern root rock style. "Oklahoma" was off their album Van Zant II

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Beer Schooner

It's my annual trip to the Boston Pizza in North Bay to have a few drinks and catch a basketball game with some mates over the Xmas Holidays! It's a cold one out there, so have a big tall cold one in there! Schooners of beer! Let's have 12!

Raptors 2nd in East 23-9! Thunder 5th in West 19-15

Game 32: Raptors at Mavericks!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a cold beer! Hope everyone had a safe and joyous Holiday season.  The Raptors hit the road for their first encounter with the Dallas Mavericks tonight!

• The Raptors are officially first in the East! Due to the Celtics and Cavaliers losing their Christmas Day match ups. 
• I guess CJ Miles got an infection due to his dental procedures. Yuck. Meaning he's a game time decision 
• Mavericks will be without Nerlens Noel, Seth Curry and Josh McRoberts. They still have the legendary Dirk though

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Poco - "Dallas"

Typically the songs I pick when the Raptors play the Mavericks are all Country. I'm on my new tablet so I can't preview the song, but I don't think this one is country. 

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Baileys and coffee

Baileys creamy. It's still the holiday season so why not curl up next to the fire watching this game with a warm cup of coffee and baileys?

Raptors 1st in East 23 - 8! Mavericks 15th in West 9 - 25!

Game 31: 76ers at Raptors!

Hey didn't we just play these guys?? No It's not a Festivus mix-up or Holiday Hijinx! It's the only home and home of the season for The Raptors as Philadelphia comes to town for a little Thursday night rematch!

• That image right there basically sums up Thursday night in Philly. The Sixers had no answer for DeMar DeRozan who had a career high of 45 points and made 3 pointers to help power the Raptors through to the win
• Still no CJ Miles tonight for Toronto due to this dental procedure he had, must be getting dentures or something. Terrible time of year to have any kind of tooth issue.
• It's an early-ish game starting at 5pm tonight I guess so guys can get to the airports and head home for Christmas. After tonight the Raptors don't play again until Boxing Day

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Urge Overkill - "76 Ball"

I've been told I should get into these guys more. All I really know by them is their cover of "Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon". Maybe this track "76 Ball" will get that ball rolling.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Great Lakes Brewery - Winter Ale

'Tis the Season here in Canada and usually what that means for me is time to break out the toques, hockey gloves and winter ales. This week's choice is from an Etobicoke based brewery called Great Lakes Brewery and they bring out their Winter Ale for us to enjoy! at 6.2% it's sure to keep you warm on those long, cold, Canadian nights

Raptors 2nd in East 22-8! Sixers 10th in East 14-17

Game 30: Raptors at 76ers!

It's the second night of a back-to-back for Toronto and the Raptors cruise into Kyle Lowry's hometown of Philadelphia to rumble with the youth oriented Sixers!

• Raptors will take on the 76ers again on Saturday in Toronto as part of a home and home for both teams. As I mentioned yesterday, there is always some hitch in the scheduling for Toronto over the holidays
• No CJ Miles again for the Raptors tonight. Must have had some teeth pulled as he is listed out due to a dental procedure
• Joel Embiid will likely miss both games against the Raptors and will also be without JJ Reddick and of course Markelle Fultz. The Sixers recently traded Jahill Okafor and Canadian Nik Stauskas to Brooklyn for Trevor Booker, though it's unlikely he sees time tonight as well

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Mark Knopfler - "Sailing To Philadelphia"

Knopfler is most well-known for being the singer of the British rock group Dire Straits. He is quite the accomplished songwriter, guitar player and has had a long and succesful solo career as well. This track also features James Taylor

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Petty Island Rum

Coming from Cooper River Distillers, Petty's Island is nestled between Philadelphia and Camden in the Delaware River. This rum features hints of smoke and vanilla and is perfect this time of year for those Eggnog cocktails

Raptors 2nd in East 21-8! 76ers 10th in East 14-16!

Game 29: Raptors at Hornets!

The Holiday Season is upon us and it's time for the yearly awkwardly arranged Raptors game schedule. They begin on the road tonight in Charlotte with a game against the Hornets

• CJ Miles will miss another game tonight due to a "dental" procedure. CJ has missed a few single game tenures for various reasons. Get them out now, we're gonna need his sharpshooting for the Playoffs.
• Serge Ibaka will return tonight for Toronto. He missed the last game with a sore knee
• Last time these two teams squared off the Hornets were without All Star starting point guard Kemba Walker. Charlotte has been a notoriously frustrating place for the Raptors to play. Walker must be kept in check for a shot at a W

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Cure - "Charlotte Sometimes"

Sometimes the Raptors play well in Charlotte, sometimes not. This Cure is inspired by a children's book of the same name, it's also where the songstress Jessica Poland got her stagename: Charlotte Sometimes

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Screwdriver

I'm a little under the weather tonight. So this game day drink is inspired by the fact that it's made with orange juice. Gotta replenish my fluids with a strong serving of Vitamin C...and yes VODKA

Raptors 3rd in East 20-8! Hornets 12th in East 11-19!

Game 28: Kings at Raptors!

After taking care of the Brooklyn Nets on Friday the Raptors remain in Toronto to host the Sacramento Kings in an afternoon game at the ACC!

• Friday's game saw Kyle Lowry log the 11th triple double of his career. With 10 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds.
• CJ Miles who sat out Friday with a sore shoulder returns for Toronto while Serge Ibaka will miss the game due to a sore knee. Delon Wright also returned Friday night after being sidelined for a few weeks with a dislocated shoulder
• The Kings will be without Zach Randolph and De'Aaron Fox. While George Hill and Willie Caulie-Stein are back in the rotation. A much different looking team than a week ago

Today's Raptor Track!

Kings Of Lean - "Notion"

Nothing out of the ordinary here. Just the fact that Kings is in their name. Off their electric 2008 album Only By The Night, which everyone owns. I knew early on that "Notion" would be a single and boom number 4. Though all the songs are great, "Notion" stood out to me upon first listen

Today's Game Day Drink!

Russian Imperial Stout

This may seem like an odd choice for a game between the Raptors and Kings, but this hearty brew is brought to us by the Sacramento Brewing Company out of California. Sh'yeah!

Raptors 3rd in East 19-8! Kings 13th in West 9-19!

Game 26: Raptors at Suns!

Well every streak has to come to an end and Toronto's 6 game win streak ended on Monday night in Los Angeles. But hey, every new streak comes from some other streak's end! Raptors in Phoenix tonight.

• Jonas Valanciunas has been all over the media lately, but not because of his terrific performance on Monday night against the Clippers, it's because 2 of Lonzo Ball's brothers recently signed contracts to play Basketball in Lithuania
• Phoenix will be without their young scoring sensation Devin Booker who strained a leg muscle during last week's meet up between these 2 teams. 
• Phoenix will also be without Brandon Knight, Alan Williams and Davon Reed. Raptors still missing Delon Wright and Bebe.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Nelly Furtado - "Phoenix"

I've been a fan of this Canadian songstress for a long time. She's one of the few artists who've actually pulled of the genre-shift throughout her career. Beginning life as a folk/rock singer-songwriter in 2006 she released Loose which was more of a dance hall/pop record. This song is off her new album called The Ride. "Like a phoenix rising from the ashes." Indeed.

Tonight's Game Day Drink

Phoenix Tears Spiced Rum

I'm not sure what this Firebox is all about but im going assume that Phoenix Tears Spiced Rum is extra spicy! Sadly it appears it's not available in Canada yet. Looks like a trip across the pond is in order soon!

Raptors 3rd in East 17-8! Suns 13th in West 9-20!

Game 25: Raptors at Clippers!

It's a late one tonight folks! The Raptors are in Los Angeles to face the Clippers so that means Pacific Time! Tip-off is at 10:30pm ET as Toronto goes for their seventh straight win

• These two teams met a few times in the pre-season as the NBA was showcasing itself in Hawaii to reach a broader audience. Since then they've been on quite separate paths.
• Milos Teodosic signed with the Clippers in the Off-Season after playing six years in Russia. He declared for the NBA Draft in 2009 but went undrafted, meaning any time had a shot at his rights. He's been out for a period of time with a foot injury but is likely returning tonight. He makes passing fun.
• Patrick Beverly is also out for the Clippers. He came over in the Chris Paul trade which also saw the Clippers receive Sam Dekker, Montrezl Harrell and former Raptor 6-man of the year Looouuuuuu Williams

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Blink 182 - "Los Angeles"

Blink 182 made a return to the alt-punk scene in 2016 with their new album California. It received mixed reviews from fans and critics due to their newer, maturer sound and look, which can also be attributed to the departure of Tom DeLonge. He was replaced on guitar and vocals by Alkaline Trio's Matt Skiba. Not terrible, just not exactly Blink...hard to pinpoint.

Today's Game Day Drink

Red Eye

Typically reserved for those mornings after a marathon drinking session just to ease your system out of the shock or as a transition between marathon drinking tours. It can also be perfect for those late nights, when you want to drink but not suffer from a hangover to badly the next day. Like when the Raps are playing LA at 10:30pm. Take a Coors Light and mix it in a tall glass with some cold Clamato. Add some salt and pepper for flavour, some rim, and baby, you've got a Red Eye!

Raptors 2nd in East 17-7! Clippers 10th in West 9-15!

Game 24: Raptors at Kings!

Raptors took care of business on Friday night and now it's off to Sacramento to play the Kings. Things don't always go as expected in Sacramento, will the Raptors be able to pull one off and avoid the yearly Sacramento Screw job? Let's find out

• It appears Sacramento will be missing a few key players. Willie Caulie-Stein and George Hill are both missing this one for the Kings
• Last year the Kings unloaded DeMarcus Cousins to New Orleans for Buddy Heild. In the Summer they added Hill, Zach Randolph and former Raptor great Vince Carter.
• Raptors are on a 5 game win streak and with the schedule ahead, adding more Ws onto that line isn't completely unthinkable

Today's Raptor Track!!

T-Nutty - "Sac Kingz"

This song didn't just come out of the woodwork, it's been around since about 2004. Don't know why I haven't featured this one yet. Plenty of songs about other kinds of kings I guess.

Today's Game Day Drink!

Budweiser

Hey, it's the King of Beers after all. Simple as that

Game 23: Raptors at Memphis!

20 years ago whenever the Raptors and Grizzlies faced off it would be known as the Naismith Classic and it would be held in a different Canadian City each time. Of course that was when the Grizzlies were playing in Vancouver as 1 of the only 2 teams in the NBA situated outside of the US. Today only the Raptors remain as the Grizzles folded up shop and moved to Memphis in 1999. Will we ever see another Vancouver NBA team? Here's hoping, but only time will tell!

• Things haven't been a dance around the maypole in Memphis lately. After a disastrous start the organization fired head coach David Fizdale, and it has been hinted that they are listening to trade offers for Marc Gasol. Toronto has been one of the teams that those rumours are linked to.
• Mike Conley is out for the Grizzlies too. Another point of contention for Memphis fans is the highly paid point guard has spent plenty of time on the injured list instead of on the court
• Raptors are still without Delon Wright and Lucas Nogueira. Toronto is hoping to remain mostly healthy heading into the holidays, but they have a 4 game road swing to get out of the way first. It starts tonight in Memphis

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Joe Jackson - "Memphis"

Joe Jackson has been mainly known for his roots and inspiration of the New Wave scene of the late 70's and early 80's before shifting over to a more Jazz infused style. "Memphis"is off the soundtrack to the 1983 movie Mike's Murder which Jackson composed the music for

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Ambear Red Ale

For tonight's game day drink I needn't look much further than the glass in my hand. My wife picked up a Cameron's Brewing Sampler on her way home and the AmBEAR Red Ale is one of the options. This frothy, amber beer is best served cold. Sure the bear on the can is more Black Bear than Grizzly and Cameron's is a Canadian brewing company and not in Tennessee, but work with me here! It's a BEAR people!

Raptors 3rd in East 15-7! Grizzlies 12th in West 8-16!

Game 22: Suns at Raptors!

After an unusual 3 day break the Toronto Raptors return to their home court to take on the setting Phoenix Suns!

• Raptors should be well rested and relaxed after a few much needed days of home cookin'. Though Delon Wright continues to rehab his dislocated shoulder, Lucas Noguiera will sit with a torn pectoral muscle and Jakbo Poeltl is questionable after missing practice yesterday with an illness.
• Another familiar face around the ACC will return tonight as former Raptor head coach Jay Triano was named the interim head coach for Phoenix after Earl Watson was fired earlier this year. Triano was head coach in Toronto during some rough years. 2009-2011 and was the NBA's first Canadian born head coach
• Masai Ujiri was also busy today as he hosted his 4th annual Giants Of Africa event that honours Nelson Mandela and raises awareness and funds for the struggles of African youth. Expect a few big names and high rollers at the game tonight

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Glorious Sons - "Everything Is Alright"

Hailing from Kingston, Ontario, Canada, the Glorious Sons have been making waves and gaining fans inside and outside of the Great White North. "Everything Is Alright" is from the 2017 album Young Beauties & Fools. It's a sentiment the Phoenix Suns could adopt, as their season hasn't gone quite as well as they hoped.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Tequila Sunrise

Some tequila, some orange juice and some grenadine will get you a nice little warm weather cocktail known as the Tequila Sunrise. For a bonus fun fact, this drink was created at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in.....wait for it...........let me finish......Phoenix! Boomshakalaka!

Raptors 3rd in East 14-7! Suns 11th in West 9-16!

Game 21: Pacers at Raptors!

It's the return of the prodigal son as Cory Joseph and the Indiana Pacers come to get rowdy in the ACC!

• It's true. Cory Joseph is now a Pacer. He was a sacrifice the off-season gods demanded. We got another CJ in the trade that sent him to Indiana. CJ Miles, who's 3 point shooting has made him a welcome sight off the bench
• Pacers also lost Paul George who basically asked for a trade when he said he wouldn't re-sign with the team when his contract was up in 2018. He was traded to OKC for Victor Oladipo, Domantas Sabonis and Others
• There always seems to be some animosity between these two teams. When I started watching the Raptors it was Danny Grainger and Leandro Barbosa. Now it's the pesky Lance Stephenson who body checked DeMar DeRozan in the last meet up and didn't get a foul called on him.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Amps - "Pacer"

There are a few teams where it's tough to come with a new song each time we play them. Denver is one, but we play them twice a year. Indiana is another, but it appears I have forgotten an old gem. The Kim Deal fronted 90's indie band released a new album back in 1995 and it was called.....PACER! Here is the title track! Pretty groovy!

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Pacer 2.8 by Fortitude Brewing Co.

Can't get blitzed for every game...though it is Friday Night. It's not quite an non-alcoholic beer, just one with a low percentage. Pacer 2.8 is brought to us by the Australia based Fortitude Brewing Co. Guess i'll need 14 of these babies

Raptors 4th in the East 13-7! Pacers 7th in the East 12-10

Game 20: Hornets at Raptors!

Guess who's back? Back again!! That's right suckahs! After a week's vacation i'm back in the Raptor-cheering saddle! Though I proudly represented the 6ix down in Cancun! Since i've been away the Raptors have gone 2-2. Losing to New York and Indiana and beating Washington and Atlanta. Tonight we host the Hornets!

• Norman Powell and Serge Ibaka are back for Toronto, though Norman is now back to the bench after OG Anunoby has impressed with starters minutes. I think it makes sense. Norm is too similar to DeMar and he gets more touches off the bench. 
• Delon Wright remains out with a dislocated shoulder. Last year against Charlotte was kind of his arrival party as he lead the comeback from a defensive stand point when the Raptors were down big
• Kemba Walker appears to be out for the Hornets, Michael Carter-Williams will likely get the start. Charlotte also added All-Star big man Dwight Howard over the summer, just adding to the long list of Raptor killers on this Hornet team

Tonight's Raptor Track!!

Hawkwind - "Lord Of The Hornets"

Hawkwind was Lemmy from Motorhead's band before Motorhead. They were more acid influenced than whiskey influenced and definitely more experimental. It also featured Robert Calvert who wrote most of the lyrics and had a successful solo career. Which is why it's featured on both artists' albums.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Jack Daniels' Tennessee Honey

You might remember this commercial from a few years back that featured a swarm of bees surrounding a whiskey bottle. I dunno...didn't really make me want to drink booze, a bunch of gross insects flying about, but the commercial and song stuck with me. So it's enough to include it here tonight

Raptors 4th in East 12-7! Hornets 11th in East 8-11!

Game 15: Knicks at Raptors!

2 impressive back to back wins on the road against very tough teams and now the Raptors return home to take on an Atlantic Division rival. It's the Knicks coming to own for a Friday night showdown.

• It's a new look for the Knicks this year as Carmelo Anthony was traded to the OKC Thunder. Derrick Rose signed with Cleveland and Phil Jackson has stepped down as GM. New members include Enes Kanter, Jarret Jack and Doug McDermot
• Delon Wright dislocated his shoulder in the game against New Orleans and will not play tonight. Norman Powell is also out. The Raptors have called up Lorenzo Brown from the 905.
• The Knicks' most exciting player is by far Kristaps Porzingis. This kid was booed on draft night by Knicks fans but is now the one they're looking to take the franchise to new heights, and he just might do it

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Ace Frehley - "New York Groove"

I'm not really a Kiss fan, like not at all, but this song by their ex-guitarist, Spaceman Ace isn't half bad. I think it's really the Gene Simmons attitude and flare or substance approach that really puts me off of Kiss.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Double Rye & Coke

Tonight I have my ticket firmly in hand! Yes I will be in attendance wearing a My Name Is Jonas shirt. One thing I learned about going to games is how/when to drink and minimize bathroom visits. Try to get an aisle seat and drink double mixed drinks instead of beers. My drink of choice is the Rye and Coke. See y'all there and go Raps!

Raptors 4th in East 9-5! Knicks 5th in East 8-6!

Game 14: Raptors at Pelicans!

These guys again!!? Raptors are hoping the high from ending the Rockets' winning streak carries into tonight's game as they stop off in New Orleans to take on the Pelicans, for the second time in less than a week.

• It's the first back-to-back for the Raptors tonight as they also played and won last night in Houston. Pelicans did not play. We'll see if that helps or hinders
• OG Anunoby started in the place of the injured Norman Powell and he had quite a game. He is looking more and more like the steal of the draft when the Raptors selected him at #23 in the 2017 draft
• Rajon Rondo will likely play tonight after missing Thursday's game due to injury. He's a dangerous player who has the ability to take advantage of this road weary Raptors team

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Gary "US" Bonds - ''New Orleans"

This is one of this Rock n' Roll legends more popular songs. Gary "US" Bonds was known for his energetic jazz style of performing. He's got countless albums to his name and even guest starred in the ill-fated Blues Brothers 2000.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Old New Orleans Cajun Spiced Rum

Cajuns love their spicy food, spicy music and spicy women. Why not add spicy liquor to that mix? Old New Orleans Spiced Rum has a kick of cayenne and cinammon, hints of nutmeg, ginger and cloves. Yum?

Raptors 4th in East 8-5! Pelicans 5th in West 8-6!

Game 13: Raptors at Rockets!

Would have been nice to get that W in Boston. Raptors fell to the Celtics by one point. It's not getting any easier for Toronto as they head down to the Lonestar State to face the Houston Rockets.

• Norman Powell left the game on Sunday after colliding with Boston big man Aron Baynes. It's reported that he suffered a 'hip pointer' and may be out for the forseeable future.
• Houston really did everything they could to build a championship team over the Summer. They traded Patrick Beverly, Sam Dekker and Lou Williams (Louuuu) to the Clippers for Chris Paul, even though he's only played one game for Houston this season so far and will miss tonights game.
• Raptors will see a familiar face in PJ Tucker, who only played the final half of the year for the Raptors before his contract was up. He signed with Houston in the off-season. His defensive intensity is what is missed most. It's almost contagious. Maybe OG Anunoby can watch some of his tape and turn into that kind of player for the future

Tonight's Raptor Track!!

Herbie Hancock - "Rockit"

Herbie Hancock is a jazz pianist and virtually a legend in the field. He ventured away from jazz for the first time into a more post-modern direction with his 1983 album Future Shock. The album's big hit was "Rockit". Known most for it's music video which feature dancing, and walking automatons. It cleaned up at that year's MTV video awards where it picked up 5.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Mama Tried IPA

Coming from the Bazos Valley Brewing Company nestled about an hour away from Houston. Named after a Merle Haggard song, it's got an ABV of 6.6% and 55 IBUs. Described as crisp and smooth with a definitive backbone malt. It's been called one of Houston's best IPAs.

Raptors 4th in the East 7-5! Rockets 1st in the West 11-3! Really? 11-3?? Christ....

Game 12: Raptors at Celtics!

Raptors finished their homestand strong after taking care of the Pelicans and the Bulls. Now it's off to Boston to face the top team in the East. Let's see what it will take for the Raptors to find success against the Celtics!

• Quite a few changes have taken place in Boston before the Raps have even had a chance to see them. First of all Gordon Hayward signed in Boston over the Summer, and Kyrie Irving was traded to Boston from Cleveland for Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder.
• I think we all know what happened to Hayward in his first game with Boston. He suffered a horrific ankle injury and is out indefinitely. Kyrie suffered a concussion after an errant elbow from Aron Baynes and is likely not playing tonight.
• Raptors are at full strength but will need every ounce of it take on the streaking Celtics and end their 10 game win stretch

Today's Raptor Track!

Dermot Kennedy - "Boston"

It's got a Josh Ritter, Damien Rice singer/songwriter vibe. Don't know alot about him, but it's a decent enough track! Check it out

Today's Game Day Drink!

Samuel Adams

Obviously. Maybe a little too obvious. Ah well. It's the flagship beer of the Boston Beer Company. Gotta have it when you're anywhere in New England!

Raptors 3rd in East 7-4! Celtics 1st in East 11-2!

Game 11: Pelicans at Raptors!

It was tight, but Raptors took care of business on Tuesday against the Bulls. Tonight it's the last game of the 3 game home stretch as the new look Pelicans come to town.

•  Jonas Valanciunas usually plays well against DeMarcus Cousins, but he always had big games against us when he was on the Kings.  It will be a battle of the big men tonight as New Orleans has 2 of the best in Cousins and Anthony Davis.
• Good news that one of the other feared Raptor killers, Alexis Ajinca is out for the Pelicans until atleast December. As is Solomon Hill, Omer Asik and Rajon Rondo who is sidelined with a groin strain
• Anthony Davis was in town last night at a media event and called tonight's game an L for the Raptors. Nothing wrong with some smack talk, but let's hope Toronto heard it too and come ready to fight

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Ludacris - "Eyebrows Down" feat . Tity Boi, and Dolla Boy

A few boys on this track. Fun fact Tity Boi would go on to be the rapper known as 2 Chainz, a little more marketable I suppose. The call Anthony Davis 'The Brow' because of his signature unibrow. Believe it or not there are not many songs written about eyebrows...someone should change that. Thankfully Ludacris gave us this one back in 2008

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Pelican Brewing Company

Sure they're out of Pacific City, Oregon, but what other beer company could use a Pelican as their logo? They appear to make a wide range of different beer from the standard stouts and IPAs to an Irish Style red and a black lager. Will definitely need to try it out when i'm in the area

Raptors 4th in East 6-4! Pelicans 7th in West 6-5!

Game 10: Bulls at Raptors!

The home stand didn't get off to the start the Raptors had hoped with a loss to the Wizards. Gotta shake it off and get your head right as the tricky Bulls come back through for a rematch from opening night.

• Kyle Lowry was ejected early in the second quarter during Sunday's game. It's something to watch this year as the refs are seemingly not tolerating much mess from players and pulling a quick trigger on ejections.
• Either way the Raptors need to have better starts. It was a problem last year digging out of large defecits, especially at home. Alfonzo McKennie was sent down the 905 G-League affiliate. Other than that all Raptors are go.
• Bobby Portis returns for the Bulls tonight after serving an eight game suspension for an in-practice brawl with Nikola Mirotic. Mirotic is still out along with Zach Lavine and Cameron Payne

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Cat Empire - "Bulls"

The Cat Empire have been writing and performing their own unique brand of ska, reggae and jazz Down Under since around 1999. Their 2016 album Rising With The Sun has quite a few tracks named after animals. Track #2 is called "Bulls"

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Bloody Mary

I'm picking this tonight because of the time I spent in Chicago. It was the first time I had a Bloody Mary, the US' answer to Canada's Caesar. Typically made with Tomato juice and vodka, each bartender seems to put their own unique twist on the drink. Which is what I like about bartending. Another outlet for one's creativity

Raptors 5th in the East 5-4! Bulls 14th in the East 2-6!

Game 9: Wizards at Raptors!

We're going home! We're running free!! After a 6 game Western Road Swing the Raptors went 3-3 and now have arrived back in Toronto to find the visiting Washington Wizards!

• The biggest news here is that John Wall will not play for Washington today as he suffered a shoulder injury in the game against the Cavaliers. Though there is no structural damage, he is experiencing soreness and tightness.
• CJ Miles missed Fridays game against Utah due to illness and it appears he is still not 100%. Likely a game time decision
• Washington was another of those teams, like Toronto, that stayed mainly intact over the Summer. They did lose Bogdan Bogdanovic, but added Sheldon Mac.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - "Rattlesnake"

These guys are the current buzz band in the vinyl and hipster crowd. Though they formed in Australia in 2010, they've only gamed traction in North America in the passed year. They perform a style of psychadelic rock that harkens back to a 60's/70's style. Check 'em out and draw your own conclusions.

Today's Game Day Drink!

Coors Light

Put it on ice Matty D!!! It feels so long since we've been at home, we've got to celebrate with one of the Raptors proud sponsors and supporters!! Crack a cold silver bullet and enjoy the game courtside at the ACC (*this post was not sponsored or endorsed by Coors Light)

Raptors 4th in East 5-3! Wizards 8th in East 4-4!

Game 8: Raptors at Jazz!

I think we should all forget about that last game. It was ass. No one played well. Thankfully we have reached the last game of the dreaded West Coast Road Trip as the Raptors land in Salt Lake City to take on the Utah Jazz

• I love that picture of DeMar cramming it on Rudy Gobert. Such a devastating dunk on a dominating shot blocker. And Rudy Gobert has only gotten better
• CJ Miles missed morning shoot around with the Raptors as he had flu-like symptoms. Apparently he will be a game time decision.
• Utah's biggest loss this year so far has been Gordon Hayward who signed with the Boston Celtics this off season. Though Utah picked up Ricky Rubio, their up and coming star Dante Exum is out indefinitely after shoulder surgery and ISO Joe Johnson is also out with a sore wrist

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Huggy Bear - "Herjazz"

What about the son of the guy who played Huggy Bear? No Startsky & Hutch just a punk group from Brighton (London) England composed of a relentless band of ladies. "Herjazz" was a single released in 1993. They performed this song on British television where there was an incident. Some biting was maybe involved? I dunno, but they would break up soon after in 1994.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Polygamy Porter

Isn't Utah a dry county or something? Not exactly, but they do have very stingy alcohol laws. That being said you can still find a few places to have a pint and watch the game. Like the Wasatch Brewpub in Park City, UT. Where you can settle in an enjoy a bottle or can of Polygamy Porter? Why have just one?

Raptors 6th in East 4-3! Jazz 6th in West 5-3!

Game 7: Raptors at Nuggets!

Another good win in the books as the Raptors took care of the Blazers on Monday night! They land in Denver, Colorado to do battle with the Nuggets

• Thankfully the NBA did away with games that are back to backs for the team visiting Denver. The altitude always makes The Pepsi Centre a difficult place to win. Expect it to be a factor tonight
• Both Serge Ibaka and Jonas Valanciunas have stated that they're playing tonight. No word on whether their minutes will be limited tonight or not
• Denver added sought after big man Paul Millsap to their lineup in the offseason and veteran Richard Jefferson after he was waived by Cleveland. They have a hungry young team which included Nikola Jokic and Canadian Jamal Murray. Should be a good matchup.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Flying Burrito Brothers - "Colorado"

Not really the sound I was expecting from these guys, but why not? Since Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman of the Byrds were founding members. Though this song was off their third album which did not feature Parsons. 

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Incredible Pedal IPA

This IPA is courtesy of the Denver Beer Co. It even shares it's colour scheme with the Nuggets, blue and yellow. It's known as a hoppy beauty that will take you for a ride!

Raptors 4th in East 4-2! Nuggets 13th in West 3-4!

Game 6: Raptors at Trail Blazers!

The Western swing rolls on for Toronto as they stop in Portland, Oregon to face the Beaver State's only professional sports team, The Portland Trail Blazers

• Raptors are still without their starting big man tonight, Jonas Valanciunas and it has been announced that Serge Ibaka will also not be playing. Though the reason for Serge sitting has yet to be announced.
• Trail Blazers will be without Meyers Leonard, CJ Wilcox, and Noah Vonleh, but with all stars like Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum still in the line up it's likely the Raptors won't notice
• Look for Pascal Siakam and Jakob Poeltl to continue to improve as they get heavy minutes tonight and hopefully Norman Powell wakes up from the funk that he seems to be in

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Cowboy Junkies - "Oregon Hill"

I was going to include Drake's "Portland" here, but it appears there is some issue with having the video uploaded to Youtube as all I can find is the instrumental version. So here's Canada's Cowboy Junkies instead!

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Port

Port is a famous after dinner wine which is typically a fortified wine from Portugal. It's usually a sweet red wine, but there are also dry, semi-dry and white varities. As well as Canadian, Australian, Indian and South African types. On a cool night like this a snifter of Port will warm your core!

Raptors sixth in the East 3-2! Trail Blazers fourth in the West 4-2!

Game 5: Raptors at Lakers!

It's the Lonzo Ball show as the Raptors roll into Los Angeles for a battle with the Lakers! Since we just faced Steph Curry we'll see if Ball Sr. is correct in comparing the two...

• It is Lonzo Ball's birthday today, so hopefully the Raptors can spoil the 2nd overall pick's birthday celebrations.
• Still a bit too early to tell if Jonas or Bebe will be playing for Toronto. Both were sidelined with ankle injuries earlier this week, though Jakob Poeltl has been playing execptionally well in their stead. In fact he leads the league in offensive rebounds
• Lakers should be at full health. That includes Brook Lopez who they acquired from Brooklyn and rookie sensation Kyle Kuzma, who has cooled off a bit since his sizzling debut

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Tragically Hip - "Lake Fever"

Yes Gord Downie has passed and left a nation in mourning. Thank goodness we'll always have fantastic music like this to remember him by. It's not Ball fever, though tonight might feel that way, it's Lake Fever from the Hip

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Highball

In honour of Lonzo Ball we'll be having a taster's choice tonight! A Highball isn't exactly a specific drink, rather it's a glass or any drink mixed with a spirit and larger proportion non-alcoholic mix. Highball it up my friends!

Raptors 8th in the East 2-2! Lakers 7th in the West 2-2!