Game 23: Warriors at Raptors!

All Eyes On Us

• There are many games that were circled on the calendar when the Raptors' schedule was released earlier this year. This is perhaps the first one of those circled games as the reigning Champion Golden State Warriors come to town
• The Warriors went out and got All Star big man DeMarcus Cousins over the Summer, sadly he's been sidelined with an achilles injury so far this season. Interestingly enough as well Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are both out for this game. Some may see that as an advantage, but first of all this is the Warriors and they have many diverse weapons to defeat with you with and second of all a win over a fully healthy Warriors team would be much sweeter than over an injured squad.
• Alfonzo McKinnie was waived earlier this year by the Toronto Raptors after a promising rookie campaign and he found himself with Golden State. Though he is out tonight with a foot injury

Tonight's Raptors Track!

Lou Reed - "Warrior King (Revenge)"

I know, i'm sure many of you think I should pick a more upbeat, pumping track but as Kyle Lowry said earlier today this is just another regular season game. Maybe if these 2 teams meet in the playoffs down the line, I'll play a more suitable song.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Purple Helmeted Warrior

I won't comment on this drink's name, but it seems like with all it's ingredients it will get you some drunk. Blue Caracao, Southern Comfort, White Rum, Peach Schnapps and whole bunch of fruit flavours!

Raptors 1st in the East 18-4! Warriors 2nd in the West 15-7!

Game 22: Raptors at Grizzlies!

Naismith Cup Redux!

• In another era these two teams matching up against each other was known as the Naismith Cup. Back when the Grizzlies were in Vancouver (1995-2000) they would play a regular season game in a different Canadian City in honour of James Naismith the Canadian who invented the game
• The Grizzlies have surpassed expectations this year and were on top of the Western Conference standings just a few games ago. Mainly because of the outstanding performance of their point guard Mike Conley. That's not taking anything away from players like Marc Gasol, Garrett Temple and Jaren Johnson Jr. The coaching of JB Bickerstaff deserves some credit too
• Chandler Parsons and Canadian born Dillon Brooks are out tonight for Memphis as are Norm Powell and Greg Monroe for the Raptors. Greg sits with a sore back

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Nina Simone - "Memphis in June"

It's a far cry from June, but the vocal power of Nina Simone can make you forget even the harshest of Winter weather.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Polar Beer

Yes that says Polar BEER. No it's not a Grizzly bear, but referencing a bear nontheless! Drank this alot during my time in Iceland

Raptors 1st in East 17-4! Grizzlies 4th in West 12-7!

Game 21: Heat at Raptors!

The Temperature Rises

• Raptors remain at home on a Sunday night before a difficult set of games ahead of them. Have to stay focused though and keep their eye on tonight's opponent, the Miami Heat
• Heat were able to re-sign Dwyane Wade in what might be his final year in the NBA. Miami haven't changed much since last season, they still boast tough centres in Hassan Whiteside and Bam Abedayo. Canadian Kelly O'lynyk still makes his home in South Beach and former Raptor James Johnson continues to impress.
• Norman Powell will remain out while he rehabs a shoulder injury and the Heat will sit Tyler Johnson, Dion Waiters and formidable point guard Goran Dragic

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Li'l Wayne - "Tha Heat"

I try to ensure all genres of music are well represented on this blog. I've realized lately that it's been primarily rock based tracks. I'll save Pitbull for when the Raptors visit Miami, but here's a hip-hop track from a high ranking hip-hop official Lil Wayne. He's actually from New Orleans, but his track "Tha Heat" will do just fine

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

In-Heat Wheat Beer

Brought to us by The Flying Dog out of Maryland, USA, In-Heat is a Weissbier - Hefeweizen or Wheat Beer with a smooth, full mouth feel and a fruity, spicy aroma

Raptors 1st in the East 16-4! Heat 10th in the East 7-11!

Game 20: Wizards at Raptors!

Drizzy Nizzy In This Brizzy

• Raptors are back home after going 3-1 on a 4 game road trip that saw them end up in Atlanta and secure a win. That same game former Raptor Vince Carter became the 22nd player in league history to score 25,000 career points. Congrats VC!
• Washington rolls into town and things aren't so hunky dory in America's Capitol. It's been announced that the team is exploring trades on all players including starts John Wall and Bradley Beal, and tensions behind the scenes between players, coaches and the GM are reaching a tipping point. That being said their last game, against the Clippers saw them come back from a 24 point defecit and get the W
• CJ Miles returns for the Raptors tonight, with OG Anunoby marked as questionable. For the Wiz, Dwight Howard sits with a severe back injury.
• And it's the first OVO/Drake night in the Scotia Bank Place! Raptors will be donning their brand new White and Gold City jerseys. Should be a fun night!

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Metric - "White Gold"

Great song from a great Canadian group. With a name like Metric they must be Canadian. Metric hail from Toronto, Ontario and this track is from their 2007 album Grow Up and Blow Away. Classy.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Goldschlager

You had to know this one was coming. I'm not a fan because of it's cinammon-y taste, but is their anything more baller than sipping on a drink with gold flakes in it?

Raptors 1st in the East 15-4! Wizards 10th in the East 6-11!

Game 18: Raptors at Magic!

Do You Believe In Magic?

• Raptors broke their losing streak on Saturday night with a decisive win over the Chicago Bulls 122-83, which saw many bench and 905ers get some playing time
• Kyle Lowry left the game with a sore ankle but said earlier today he is feeling fine. Wouldn't be shocked if he sat this one out with Kawhi in. Miles, Anunoby and Powell still out.
• The Magic haven't looked half bad this season so far and have some tough match ups for Toronto. Nikola Vucevic has always given the Raptor bigs problems and former Toronto Draft Pick Terrence Ross has been having a sixth-man caliber season averaging close to 15 points off the bench

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Cars - "Magic"

This one actually came on while I was updating the blog, so it's kismet!

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Magical Star Cocktail

This one might only be available at a few Cocktail Bars in the adults' section at Disney and since Disney sponsor the Orlando Magic's Jerseys. Its a perfect fit!

Raptors 1st in the East 13-4! Magic 6th in East 9-8!

Game 17: Raptors at Bulls!

Upwards and Onwards!

• Another tough loss for the Raptors, losing last night to the Celtics in overtime 123-116. Gotta shake it off though and focus on tonight's opponent the Chicago Bulls
• Chicago is a notoriously tough place for Raptors to get a W, but the team isn't quite the same it used to be. They will be without some key players, Kris Dunn, Bobby Portis, Denzel Valentine and Lauri Markkanen
• Raptors out for this game are CJ Miles and Norman Powell. We'll have to wait and see if Kawhi will play in his first back to back of the season and OG Anunoby might miss this one as well

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Chevelle - "Hats Off To The Bull"

Chevelle are an Illinois band who saw their popularity peak in the mid 2000s with songs like "The Red" and "Vitamin R". This one is the title track of their 2011 album Hats Off To The Bull.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Chicago Cocktail

Named after the city it was created in, the Chicago Cocktail is a brandy based mixed drink that has its roots dating back to late 19th century

Raptors first in the East 12-4! Bulls twelfth in the East 4-12!

Game 16: Raptors at Celtics!

A Horde Of Hungry Dinos!

• Raptors hoping to get back on the winning track after a tough loss at the buzzer to the Pistons on Wednesday night. Celtics looking for some game 2 revenge as Toronto was the victor the last time these two teams squared off
• Serge Ibaka, CJ Miles, Norman Powell all sat out the game on Wednesday and Danny Green left with back tightness. Ibaka and Green are back in the line up, no word on Miles, but Powell is expected to miss significant time.
• Marcus Morris who was questionable with an illness has been upgraded to probable, which is good news for Boston fans as he has been playing quite well as of late

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Byrds - "Boston"

Boston is another one of those locations where there are countless choices for Raptor Track songs. This one comes from a very prolific group of the 60's. The Byrds.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Boston Bay "Great White" Sauvignon Blanc

It's Friday night. It's game time. It's Raptors/Celtics 2 heated rivals, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a classy drink. Boston Bay Winery is actually located in Australia, their "Great White" won the silver medal in 2009 for Best Wine to pair with Oysters. Something Massechusetts knows very well

Raptors 1st in the East 12-3! Celtics 4th in the East 8-6!

Game 15: Pistons at Raptors!

A Familiar Face

• Raptors looking to bounce back after a loss at home to the New Orleans Pelicans on MOnday night. The Detroit Pistons come to town after cooling down since getting off to a hot start
• Tonight marks the return of the most winningest head coach in Raptors history as Dwane Casey signed a 4-year deal to become the head coach of the Pistons after being fired by Toronto in June 2018.
• Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond have been playing exceptionally well for Casey and have helped Detroit become the best rebounding team in the NBA. Considering that's one of the reasons Toronto lost on Monday, they'll need to have their rebounding fixed to secure a win tonight

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Grateful Dead - "Casey Jones"

I was a fan of Dwane Casey, but I understand why Masai Ujiri let him go. A Change needed to happen and at the time Kawhi Leonard wasn't on the table. Wish nothing but the best for Dwane, he's the only coach to take the Raptors to the Eastern Conference Finals after all

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Carbonated Piston Slinger

This drink is sure to cause some internal combustion! Mix some rum, some gin and some lemon water. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and you're all set!

Raptors 1st in the East 12-2! Pistons 7th in the East 6-6!

Game 14: Pelicans at Raptors!

The Wind Under Their Wings

• Raptors are back in action after defeating the New York Knicks on Saturday. Though it was a quiet game from Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka, Toronto still found a way to get the win. Their bench gave them some impressive numbers from players like Jonas Valanciunas, OG Anunoby and Delon Wright. Pascal Siakam had a phenomenal night which included 3 made 3pt shots. He is your Eastern Conference Player Of The Week
• The Pelicans lost DeMarcus Cousins in the off season to Golden State. Though they did pick up a talented big man in Julius Randle who the Lakers let walk. Jrue Holiday and Anthony "The Brow" Davis are also capable of having All-Star nights.
• Nikola Mirotic is a day-to-day decision due to a sore ankle and Elfrid Payton is likely out as well with an ankle. He's a game time decision

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Nits - "Pelican and Penguin"

Nits are a Dutch pop-band out of Amsterdam. Formed in 1974, their career has spanned over 40 years as their latest album was released in 2017. "Pelican and Penguin" was from their 1987 album In The Dutch Mountains

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

The Screaming Pelican

Created at the Ritz-Carleton in Aruba...which is a Dutch territory....hmmm I wonder if the Pelican has some sort of significance over there. This drink is pretty danged fruity and pretty danged tasty

Raptors first in the East 12-1!  Pelicans eleventh in the West 6-6!

Game 12: Raptors at Kings!

In Sacramede!

• Raptors looking to close out their first West coast road trip tonight with a win and get the sweep! Their opponents tonight are the Sacramento Kings, who cannot be slept on. The Kings have defied expectations early on in this season and lets be honest, some weird stuff has happened the Raptors in Sacramento namely this and this
• Norman Powell left the game against Utah early with a shoulder injury. He'll likely be out a few weeks while he rehabs the sprain. Expect Kawhi Leonard to be a game time decision
• Sacramento has been slowly building assets and searching for a new superstar after trading away DeMarcus Cousins a few seasons ago. D'Aaron Fox has been stepping up, as has Buddy Heild and Nemanja Bjelica. Bogdan Bogdanovic will not play tonight due to an ankle injury

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Tragically Hip - "Wheat Kings"

With such an expansive collection of songs to pick from I could probably do a Hip song for almost every night's game. "Wheat Kings" is one of their most celebrated songs from their smash album Fully Completely.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

King's Elixir

Gin, Bianco Vermouth and Goldwasser mixed with some celery bitters and lemon peels make up this royal cocktail. Clear and crisp. Created in Seattle, WA

Raptors 1st in the East 10-1! Kings 6th in the West 6-4!

Game 11: Raptors at Jazz!

Utahraptors!

• Raptors pulled out a statement win over LeBron James last night in LA. Beating the Lakers 121-107
• Kawhi Leonard sat out the only meeting with LeBron in LA this year with a sore foot. So the long awaited match-up will have to wait until March. He is expected to go tonight as all Raptors are accounted for
• The Jazz, who handed Toronto their only Pre-Season loss, will be without their starting point guard Donovan Mitchell as he will sit with an ankle injury

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Doobie Brothers - "Beehive State"

I guess Utah's nickname is The Beehive State. I'm glad there is a song about it, because this is one match up that gets tough to come up with songs for. I suppose I could just pick any random jazz tune however

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Johnny Utah Cocktail

Made with celery seed syrup, the Johnny Utah Cocktail is bound to turn some heads at the prep station. Combined with tequila, soda water and lime juice, celery makes the Johnny Utah cocktail a memorable one

Raptors first in the East 9-1! Jazz ninth in the West 4-5!

Game 10: Raptors at Lakers!

Lake Show

• Raptors started their four game Western road trip with a win in Phoenix over the Suns 107-98. Tonight it's one of those games everyone had circled. Kawhi returns to his home town of LA where LeBron James has joined the Lakers
• Of course the news is Kawhi jammed his ankle on Friday and is questionable tonight, but let's hope he summons the strength to play
• Lakers added some odd pieces to go along with LeBron James. JaVale McGee, Mike Beasley, Lance Stephenson and Rajon Rondo. Along with their returning young guys like Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and Bradon Ingram. This should be a fun team to watch grow.
• OG Anunoby and Fred Van Vleet returned to the Team on Friday against the Suns. Both should be good tonight

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Rainbow - "LA Connection"

Rainbow is a classic hard rock band with several legendary members. Ronnie James Dio for one, who also lend his vocals to Black Sabbath and his own band Dio, and Ritchie Blackmore who's most famous work is the guitar player in Deep Purple.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Spring Laker Cocktail

Inspired by the Jersey Shore town of Spring Lake, this cocktail is 2 parts Red Bull, 1 part Vodka and splash of Pineapple Juice

Raptors 1st in the East 8-1! Lakers 11th in West 4-5!