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!

Game 4: Raptors at Warriors!

It's deep into enemy territory tonight as The Raptors are in Oakland to face the defending champion Golden State Warriors. It's game 2 of a 6 game road trip and things aren't getting any easier

• Still no Jonas Valanciunas for the Raps tonight as he is nursing a sore ankle. Lucas Nogueira took a spill Monday night and will miss the game as well. DeMar DeRozan, the ever durable, will play even though he suffered a leg injury against the Spurs
• Warriors have a fully healthy squad except for someone named Damian Jones. They added Nick Young and Omri Casspi over the off season...as if they needed more help
• The Raptors can't afford to shoot the way they did on Monday, barely making over 25% of their three point shots. Lowry, Miles and even Ibaka are going to need to be on their A game to combat the take and make style of Warriors like Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant and oh yeah, Steph Curry

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Gold Lion"

The NHL now has the Golden Knights (woo), so their is a little bit more precious stone about in the North American world of professional sports, but the Golden State Warriors have brought home the golden hardware that really counts. Maybe a Gold Lion statute would be cool to hand out to the champs...

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Golden State Of Mind

Though maybe I should of done coffee or something with caffeine in it because these West Coast games are so late...i'm bring you Golden State of Mind from Ale Industries in Oakland, California.

It has a translucent golden yellow color with two fingers of fizzy white head and quite a bit of carbonation. Sounds perfect from draining trays all day

Raptors 5th in the East 2-1! Warriors 8th in the West 2-2!

Game 3: Raptors at Spurs!

Raptors are kicking off a long, hard Western road trip tonight as they meet the mighty Spurs head on in San Antonio.

• Raptors are on a 2 game win streak after defeating an up and coming Philadelphia team on Saturday. The Spurs are also undefeated having beat the Timberwolves and Bulls
• Jonas Valanciunas twisted his ankle in the 2nd quarter of  Saturday's game and did not return. Though he has said the injury is not bad it's not likely he'll play tonight. Look for Lucas Noguiera to get the start
• The Spurs have a few players out as well Kawhi Leonard with a torn quadriceps and Tony Parker after tendo surgery. You can never count the Spurs out though. They are still one of the league's toughest teams and still have many dangerous players like LaMarcus Aldridge, Pau Gasol, Manu Ginobli and Patty Mills.

tonight's raptor track

The Doobie Brothers - "China Grove"

There's a sleepy little town, right around San Antone...whoa oh.....China Grove. I love when the Raptors play the Spurs...it's usually a great game and it's fun. This is a fun song too...gets me in a good party mood!!

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Silver and Black Cocktail

This one might be hard to come by unless you're down at The Juniper Tar in San Antonio. It was the brainchild of bartender Benjamin Krick who came up with the Silver and Black cocktail during the Spur's 2016 playoff run. It's got Mezcal in it so it's alright in my books...

Raptors 2nd in East 2-0! Spurs 4th in West 2-0!

Game 1: Bulls at Raptors! (Home Opener!)

OOOOEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOO it looks like the Raptors are back in action as we finally get some NBA Basketball that counts!!! The self-destructing Chicago Bulls are in town for the Throwdown in Six town!!

• All systems are go for the Toronto Raptors as non of our players are scratched. Alfonzo McKinnie was rewarded the final roster spot after some impressive preseason performances, which means KJ McDaniels and Bruno (!) will be inactive.
• Raptors rookie OG Anunoby who was slated to be a top 10 pick in the 2017 draft but fell due to an injury is active. The injury was supposed to keep him out until November/December, but it appears the kid is tougher than once thought
• Oh The Bulls.....poor Chicago. As if they didn't have enough to stress over after yard sailing Jimmy Butler, Rajon Rondo, Taj Gibson and Dwyane Wade away. The already tanking Bulls had another hiccupp as Bobby Portis and Nikola Mirotic got into a scrap during a recent practice. The ensuing brawl left Mirotic with a broken face and Portis with a suspension. Neither will play tonight. Neither will Zach Lavine, Cameron Payne and Kris Dunn

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Korn - "Let's Do This Now"

Enough screwing around! Let's get to some Toronto Raptor Basketball! DeRozan! Lowry! Valanciunas! Ibaka! Powell! Miles!

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Rye & Coke

You guys can have whatever you'd like. I never preach about another man's drink, but i'm going with my old faithful Rye & Coke. 3 ice cubes. Clinky clink. Jack my recommend some MGD or a little BACAHDI! But tonight for me....it's this...

RIP John Dunsworth & Gord Downie...

Preseason Game 5: Raptors at Bulls!

It's the fifth and final preseason game before games that count get under way! Toronto will kick off the season against Chicago next Thursday and they are our adversaries tonight as well!!

• The Bulls are in a semi-tank/rebuild mode. Losing Dwyane Wade to the Cavaliers after buying out his contract. They also lost Jimmy Butler to the Timberwolves and Rajon Rondo to the Pelicans
• Raptors rookie OG Anunoby saw some action last game and though shaky looked promising. The Raptors are banking hard on the youth of this team, but they are all straight character guys and seem to be up to the challenge
• The Bulls did pick up dunk master supreme Zach Lavine in their deal with Minnesota and still have Robin Lopez, Nicola Mirotic, Denzel Valentine and Cristiano Felicio. Only Quincy Pondexter sits out. Bulls are typically a thorn in Toronto's side, so we'll see how tonight goes

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Chicago - "You're The Inspiration"

Chicago got bit and bit hard by the 80's cheese music bug. They went from a formidable 70's rock group to a soft around the edges, power ballad hit machine. It's only the preseason, but i'll put more effort into these when the season starts.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Chitown Pier Pale Ale

I've spent some time in Chicago but didn't get a chance to try this beer! I did try my first (and last) Bloody Mary though....i'll stick with the Canadian Caeser thanks....

Preseason Game 4: Pistons at Raptors!

We are finally home in Toronto for the first time this preseason! It's the Detroit Pistons who have come to play as the game gets under way at 7pm!

• How different do the Pistons look this year? Nothing has changed drastically. Detroit did pick up Avery Bradley from Boston trading Marcus Morris to get him. Though he tweaked his ankle earlier this year, so it's likely that he's out
• Andre Drummond sat the last game out with pink eye (yikes), but according to Pistons head coach and GM Stan Van "The Man" Gundy, he will play. It's always a fun battle down low with Drummond and Valanciunas
• OG Anunoby has been cleared for 5 on 5 action and is not listed as out for this game, so it could be the debut of the Toronto rookie

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Poisonblack - "Piston Head"

We get our song from Finnish heavy metal band Poisonblack tonight and their song "Piston Head". Track 1 on their 2011 song Drive.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Pistonhead - Flat Tire Lager

Pistonhead are created and distributed from Swedish based Brutal Brewing co. Here's a description of Flat Tire from their website: A balanced and rich malt body and balanced, slightly marked bitterness. Centennial and mosaic varieties of hops give the beer a fresh floral aroma with hints of tropical fruit and citrus.

Preseason Game 3: Raptors at Trailblazers!

While they're not playing at 1am on a weeknight in this one, it's still a late game as The Raptors are on the West Coast for a match up with the Portland Trailblazers! Oregon yo.

• Though he missed last game due to sore ankle it has been reported today that Norman Powell has agreed to a 4yr $42 Million Contract Extension with the Toronto Raptors. Considering the hype around this guy, his potential ceiling and what we've already seen on the court, this is a very very good deal for Toronto. Praise Masai.
• Lowry sat for the last game to have a little rest. Nothing to worry about, though i'm going to assume DeRozan or Ibaka, maybe both will rest tonight. No word yet though.
• Not much has changed in Portland over the offseason. The Blazers still have their studs Lillard and McCollum. They still have Jusuf Nurkic after acquiring him in a trade last year with the Nuggets, which i'm sure was only to stop the confusion with Nikola Jokic.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Al Stewart - "Katherine Of Oregon"

Al Stewart was a Scottish singer/songwriter from Glasgow. He knew Yoko Ono before she met John Lennon and even shared a flat with a young Paul Simon. Quite a Forrest Gump here. "Katherine Of Oregon" comes from his album A Beach Full Of Shells released in 2005

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

McTarnahan's Amber Ale

This is one of Portland Brewing's 2 offerings, the other one being an IPA with an Elephant on it. I like elephants. And I like Beer. The Amber Ale sounds like a nice refreshing ale to kick back and enjoy a good match with. Pick me up a 6 pack would ya?

https://www.portlandbrewing.com/

Preseason Game 2: Clippers at Raptors!

Yeah I know officially the game is booked as a home game for LA, but I got it backwards on Sunday so i'm switching it up for tonight's header. Raptors are still in the Island State as they face the new look Los Angeles Clippers in Honolulu, Hawaii.

• Raptors won the first match-up between these two teams on Sunday. It was a good showcase for the young talent trying to make the team on both sides
• Fred Van Vleet and Delon Wright looked good for the Raptors as did Norman Powell. Though we knew he's going to turn out pretty well. Hopefully we get to see more of Alfonzo McKinnie, KJ McDaniels and few others tonight
• The Clippers have an interesting rookie prospect in Milos Teodosic. Though he's 30 years old he's considered a rookie because it's his first year in the NBA, having played the majority of his career in Europe

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Strokes - "Hawaii"

The Strokes have always seemed to just bounce off me. Never a huge fan and no real disdain for them either, but lately i've been checking them out more and more. I Like what I hear. "Hawaii" was the b-side to the single "Jukebox" released in 2005.

Tonight's Game Day Drink

Great Lakes Alberta Clipper

Sure it comes out of Ohio based brewing company Great Lakes, but it is called Alberta Clipper and at 7.8% abv it'll likely get you drunk. It's a late game so don't have too many of these, but it's the drink of choice as the NBA Preseason Hawaii games finish up tonight

BruNo? BruYes!

Preseason Game 1: Raptors at Clippers!

HOOOOWEEEEOOOOOOO it's basketball season again! And this year the Raptors are kicking things off in Hawaii!! There's been a few changes so let's take a look at the rundown as the Raptors take on the Clippers tonight!!

• It's a new season and with every new season there are new changes. Patrick Patterson has signed in OKC. PJ Tucker is now a Houston Rocket. DeMarre Carroll has been traded to the Brooklyn Nets and Cory Joseph has been traded to the Indiana Pacers for CJ Miles.
• With the 20th pick in the draft the Raptors selected OG Anunoby who last played at Indiana University. OG was slated to be a top 10 pick but fell to the Raptors after some injury issues. No word on whether he'll play tonight.
• The Clippers have been through a few changes as well, namely Chris Paul who was traded to Houston for a myriad of players including Lou Williams, Sam Dekker and Patrick Beverly.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole - "Somewhere Over The Rainbow"

As tonight's game is coming from Honolulu, Hawaii I figured i'd play a song from one of their favourite sons. Big IZ was an acclaimed ukelele player and singer, though due to his weight issues he passed away at the age of 38. Scenes from his funeral are in the below video. His ashes being spread into the Pacific Ocean.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Spiked Hawaiian Punch

It's a new feature here at Raptors Tracks! Nothing better than kicking back while watching a game and having a cold drink. So to go with the games i'm gonna make a friendly drink suggestion. Tonight's is simple enough. Some spiked Hawaiian Punch