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!