Playoffs Round 1: Game 6: Raptors (1) at Wizards (8)!

Game 6 in Washington, DC. Raptors can wrap this series up and get ready for round 2! Need more of what worked in the fourth quarter Wednesday night and if they do this one should be in the bag.

• Raptors have announced that Fred Van Vleet is available tonight after missing most of the first round with a separated shoulder. The bench mob has been good, but has been lacking that little bit of fire that FVV brings to the second unit
• Wizards announced that Otto Porter JR will miss the remainder of the series after having a small operation on his leg.
• Delon Wright and Jonas Valanciunas gave the Raptors a huge push in the fourth quarter in Game 5. The Wizards are having a tough time adapting to Dwane Casey's various line ups

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Black Sabbath - "The Wizard"

Recently picked this album up on Record Store Day! Black Sabbath's self-titled debut. It's been on my want list for some time. Basically the first ever Metal album. This track came a little unexpected with it's aggressive guitar riffs and Ozzy Osbourne on harmonica!!

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

McHugh's RoadTrip IPA

Raptor's back on the road again and need to take a W away from home to wrap this one up. McHugh's is an Irish brewery and winery. Their Road Trip #4 is inspired by old fashioned New England IPA's

Raptors lead series 3-2!

Playoffs Round 1: Game 5: Wizards (8) at Raptors (1)!

We're back home and we're tied! It's come to this. This is why home court advantage is so important. Neither team has lost at home. Let's not start tonight. Get this one for the entire city of Toronto and Canada!

• All major Toronto sports teams play tonight. The Blue Jays host the Red Sox and The Maple Leafs are in a do or die game 7 in Boston against the Bruins. Raptors looking to regain the lead against the Wizards! TFC and Marlies also in action tonight.
• Fred Van Vleet practiced and looked good, but will not go tonight. OG Anunoby turned his ankle after getting hit by Ibaka and landed on by Gortat. He's a tough kid. He'll play tonight
• John Wall injured his ankle in the last game as well, but closed out the game and no update on it at this time. Probably walked (ran) it off.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Rage Against The Machine - "Know Your Enemy"

This has nothing in relation to either team name or city, but it's a fantastic pump-up song! Also it's good advice to any team or anyone looking to over come a villain. You have to know your enemy. Their strengths. Their tactics. Most importantly their weaknesses and exploit them.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Taster's Choice

Doesn't matter what you're having tonight. Whatever it is, make you sure you raise a toast to the memory of those fallen in the recent attack on citizens in Toronto. And raise another one for the heroic first responders of that magnificent city!

Series tied 2-2!

Playoffs Round 1: Game 4: Raptors (1) at Wizards(8)!

We have a series folks. Wizards took game 3, their first at home in the post season. Raptors looking to take this last one and get back that home court advantage for game 5.

• Looks like Van Vleet's injury is a little more serious than originally anticipated. He suffered a seperated shoulder after taking a nasty pick in the last game against Miami. He sits tonight
• The Wizards took advantage of OG and Valanciunas in the pick and roll. Forcing the slower JV to come out and contest Wall and Beal, which gave them easy jumpers. Lets see how the Raptors coaches will adapt to that
• The Raptors bench, which has been the difference maker all season, struggled on Friday night. We need them back to true form, getting in lanes, causing turnovers and passing the ball

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Anti-Flag - "Sodom, Gommorah, Washington DC"

Anti-Flag are a politically driven punk band out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This one is off their lesser known album The People Or The Gun.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Coors Light

Gotta go back to the silver bullet, sponsoring the Raptors and bringing it home!

Raptors lead series 2-1

Playoff Round 1: Game 3: Raptors (1) at Wizards(8)!

Game 3. F yeah. Raptors taking an RV down to Washington DC to try and wrap this thing up quick. Up 2 games. Not worrying about what you lot. Raptors, Wizards. Who ya got?

• After trying to get some burn in Game 2, Fred Van Vleet will sit again for this game. Guess his shoulder is a little worser off than realized. Fuck Miami.
• Wizards will stick with their starting lineup even though it was a few bench players who had their way with us. Mike Scott and Ty Lawson (newcomer) seemingly got whatever they wanted. Let's see how out bench reacts defensively to them tonight
• Raptors have never been up 2-0 against an opponent in a playoff series. Feels good bros. Don't take these feeling for granted at all

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Chris Jericho's Theme - "Break The Walls Down"

John Wall hasn't been terrible this series but he's complained about the refs and has had little help from his running mate Bradley Beal. So clearly if Toronto gets further into the head of John Wall it's a surefire recipe for success. Chris Jericho's early 2000's WWE theme fits that sentiment perfectly.

Tonight's Game Day Drink

Velicoraptor Double IPA

Brought to you by a brewery in my neck of the woods, Ottawa, Ontario. It's Bycicle Brewery's Velicoraptor Double IPA. What makes it a double IPA you ask? It's 8% ABV and 94 IBU. Do anything for you holmes? Thats what I thought

Raptors lead series 2-0!

Playoff Round 1: Game 2: Wizards (8) at Raptors (1)!

Game 1 in the books, but you can't get cozy yet! The weather outside has calmed down enough for the lunatics in Jurassic Park to come out in full force! Will you join them from wherever you are? As the Raptors look to go up 2 against the visiting Washington Wizards!

• Raptors took their first game 1 of a playoff series in.....well quite some time. There are still some things they can work on as the Wizards will likely come guns blazing in game two.
• Fred Van Vleet joined his squad for shoot around today so there's a chance he'll suit up for the game tonight
• Kobe Bryant did a really cool analysis of DeMar DeRozan's performance against the Wizards in game one. If you're any kind of fan i'd check it out, it's called Details. Real eye opening stuff.
• Raptors have to be ready for the Wizards' best punch today. John Wall didn't bring his A game on Saturday. You can expect him leading his team with his energy and quickness tonight

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Rascalz - "Northern Touch" feat. Checkmate, Thrust, Choclair & Kardinal Offishal

Before the Weeknd was spelling his name with flash and before Drake was rolling through the city's burroughs calling them the 6ix, Canada's Rap Game was ran by The Rascalz. And Toronto's crew were Choclair and Kardinal Offishal. These guys helped put Canada on the map when it came to rap. Doing songs with Akon and Jermaine Dupree. The Rascalz helped shine the spotlight on rap further by refusing a Juno, because their category was featured off the air for the television broadcast every year. Plus theres a super dope new promo featuring Kardinal singing this song with Raptorized lyrics

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

First Barrels Whiskey

Brought to us by the Toronto Distillery co. This is straight Canadian Whisky. No BS. Only 1452 Bottles exist of this fine elixir. So if you find yourself with a glass of it in front you, take some time to savour the dream

Raptors lead the series 1-0!

Playoff Round 1: Game 1: Wizards (8) at Raptors(1)!

Are your ready? It's what we've all been waiting for...the NBA Playoffs! Raptors for the first time have clinched the 1st Seed in the East and finished with a franchise high of 59 wins! They've drawn a familiar foe in the Washington Wizards in the first round!

• Though I used the picture from Jurassic Park outside the ACC at the top it appears the square will be closed for this one due to weather. Snow I guess. Welcome to the North.
• Wizards will be without Jodie Meeks for the remainder of the playoffs as he was suspended for violating the NBA's drug/wellness policy. Using performance enhancement drugs. Mike Scott who suffered a concussion on Wednesday should be available. As will the rest of the Wizards
• Fred Van Vleet took a hard shot from a pick on Wednesday and left the game. He's questionable tonight, but it's the playoffs, I don't imagine he'd let a sore shoulder hold him back
• This isn't 2015 anymore when the Raps got swept by Washington. This is a different, more confident team. Beal and Wall are fantastic players, but if Toronto sticks to the game plan that got them here, this should be a short series.

Today's Raptor Track!

Peter Jackson - "North Over Everything" feat. Karl Wolf & 4Korners

4Korners is the ACC's house DJ. The guy spinning all the tracks you hear during the game and breaks. This is the official Playoffs Hype Track produced by 4Korners.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Coors Light

Had to do it. Not only are they official Raptors sponsors, but that commercial with the smokeshow Bartender plays during every show break! Let's go Raptors!!!

Game 82: Raptors at Miami!

In what could be a 1st round playoff matchup, the final game of the season sees Toronto in Miami to face the former World Champion Heat. I remember a time when game 82 meant it was the last chance to watch Raptors basketball until October. This is the 5th straight season that Toronto has clinched a playoff berth, and it doesn't show any sign of changing soon.

• It's likely going to be either Miami or Washington vs the Raptors in the first round, and it hasn't been announced if it's Saturday or Sunday. So likely all members of the Raptors will play tonight to ensure that they're focused and ready for the weekend
• Raptors have officially signed G-League guard Lorenzo Brown for the playoffs. Brown was awarded G-League MVP even though the 905 lost to the Austin Spurs in the G-League Championships
• Miami have a full squad save for Dion Waiters who is out due to an ankle injury.
• A Raptors win tonight will mark the first time in Franchise history they've had a 60 win season.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Taking Back Sunday - "Miami"

Why not take back Wednesday with a little mid 2000's emo/punk. Taking Back Sunday are from Long Island, NY and are one of the more influential bands of the emo/punk scene of the early 2000s. "Miami" comes off their 2006 album Louder Now

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Miami Weiss Wheat Beer

I gotta say when I think of something i'd like to drink in Miami, a wheat beer does not come to mind. This one is actually from the Great Lakes Brewery in Etobicoke, ON. Apparently the name is something the marketing team came up with as it is more of a traditional German Wheat Beer.

Raptors 1st in the East 59-22! Heat 7th in East 43-38!

Game 81: Raptors at Pistons!

Gravy baby, all gravy from here on out. The Raptors end the season on a 2 game roadtrip which concludes Wednesday night in Miami, but first it's a stop in to their home away from home in Detroit Michigan as we take on the Pistons.

• Pistons made an attempt to provide a surge at the end of the year to try to nab one of the final Playoff spots. Even acquiring Blake Griffin from the Clippers in doing so, sadly their efforts fell just short as they were officially eliminated from playoff contention last week
• As predicted the Raptors are resting players down the stretch. Last night was DeRozan and Valanciunas and tonight i'm sure it's Lowry and/or Ibaka's turn.
• Vanvleet and Nogueira both left yesterday's game with sore back and muscle tightness. While worrisome, i'm sure these are simply precautionary measures to get them back to full stregth for the Playoff
• Drummond sits for the Pistons

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Milk Carton Kids - "Michigan"

Don't worry, i'll get things amped up when the playoffs roll around. Milk Carton Kids are a folk duo from Eagle Rock, California. That doesn't mean they can't weave an impressively haunting song about a state on the other side of the country.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Detroit City Homegrown Whiskey

Getting their start in the 20's providing booze to those who spat at prohibition Detroit City Distillery is one of Michigan's best known makers of small batch whiskey, vodka and gin. Detroit velvet smooth.

Raptors 1st in East 58-22! Pistons 9th in East 38-42!

Game 80: Magic at Raptors!

It's the last home game for the Raptors in the 2017-2018 season. In year's passed that meant the last chance for fans to see their boys at the ACC for the year. Not so this time. The Raptors will finish the year atop the Eastern Conference and look to have a deep run in the playoffs. Magic in town tonight against the Raptors.

• With their win against Indiana on Friday the Toronto Raptors have officially clinched the 1st in the Eastern Conference for the first time in Franchise history. They also earned a franchise high of 57 wins. The rest is simply gravy
• Magic might be waving the white flag for this one as they have quite a laundry list of injuries. Johnathan Simmons, Johnathan Isaac and Evan Fournier are officially out. With Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon and former Raptor Terrence Ross are all questionable with various issues.
• Raptors are at full strength but look for the starters to get limited minutes as rest is expected as the regular season games start to dwindle.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Steppenwolf - "Magic Carpet Ride"

It has been a wild ride for Raptors fan this season and here's hoping for some magic from our boys come playoff time. It's also a nod of the cap to Orlando, cheer up lads...maybe things will be better next year and Steppenwolf being one of Canada's first Heavy Metal groups. All sorts of homages tonight.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Swing Bridge Ale

Sometimes the game day drink is a clever tie in with the team we're playing, others it's because it's what i'm currently downing. Guess which one this is tonight!

Raptors 1st in East 57-22! Magic 14th in East 24-55!

Game 79: Pacers at Raptors!

Raptors only need one win or one Boston loss to clinch first seed in the Eastern Conference! And it just so happens to be another Drake night in the 6ix! What better game to clinch against than in a match against our old playoff rivals the Indiana Pacers!

• Raptors had a huge win against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night which showcased the bench mob in full force! Delon Wright, Lucas Nogueira and of course Fred Van Vleet showed the world what the young Raptors are capable of
• The Pacers have clinched a playoff spot as well as they currently sit in the 5th spot. Victor Oladipo, Myles Turner and former Raptor Cory Joseph have Pacers fans very excited for the post season
• Both teams appear to be at full strength. As long as there are no last minute scratches it's do or die for the Raptors tonight....well not really, but lets get this first seed business out of the way so we can rest some guys for the last few games!

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Drake - "God's Plan"

I always try to include one Drake song for the night's they don his OVO colours. It's only fair. He's one of the world's biggest rap stars and he chooses to sit court side for the Toronto Raptors. It's pretty cool!

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Indiana Whiskey

Distilled in South Bend, IN. The Indiana Whiskey Co. specializes in small batch whiskeys. Getting Hoosiers all sorts of drunk.

Raptors 1st in East 56-22! Pacers 5th in the East 47-32!

Game 76: Celtics at Raptors!

It was a rough few days for Raptors fans. Watching our boys fall to two Eastern Conference rivals. The Celtics on Saturday and Cleveland last night. Cannot hang the heads however, Boston is in town tonight for what they think is another W. Toronto must resist. Retain that #1 spot.

• Saturday's game had a fourth quarter collapse from the Raptors, offensively and defensively. We must punch first tonight and reduce turnovers and defensive lapses.
• Boston is red hot right now. Coach Brad Stevens deserve a ton of credit as his team is winning without the likes of Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward, and Marcus Smart.
• Raptors are at full strength and both teams played last night. No excuses. Get this one

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Celtic Frost - "A Dying God Coming Into Human Flesh"

Celtic Frost are a black metal band from Switzerland. They got their start in the 80's and as such influenced many bands that would dominate the scene in later years. They officially called it quits in 2008. Here is "A Dying God Coming Into Human Flesh"

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Douglas Celtic Brown

I'm not normally a fan of Brown Ales. They call this one a Scotch Ale. From Belgium. It's a 7.9% ABV so it'll get ya where you're going in a hurry if you so desire

Raptors 1st in the East 55-22! Celtics 2nd in the East 53-24!