Game 37: Raptors at Magic!

Sink Florida! Sink.

• Raptors snuck away with another win in Miami on Boxing Day as they outlasted the Heat 106-104. Danny Green made another big late game shot. We all remember what happened last time the Raptors were in Orlando...see above
• Kyle Lowry rests tonight as Norm Powell has been excused for personal reasons, so expect CJ Miles to see some play time tonight
• Magic are at pretty much full strength, just Timofey Mozgov is out, but he hasn't played all year. It's gonna be another tough grind as Evan Fournier basically had his way with Toronto last time

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Yo La Tengo - "Let's Save Tony Orlando's House"

Yo La Tengo are an alternative rock band that saw their popularity soar in the 90's. From Hoboken, New Jersey they have 15 albums to their name and show no sign of slowing down. This song is from their 2000 album ..And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out. This will be my last post for about 3 weeks, but by my calculation i'll only miss 10 games. So enjoy this one! And I'll see you on the 19th when the Raptors play the Grizzlies!

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Florida Cocktail

Mix gin, triple sec and cherry brandy with some lemon juice and you got this refreshing favourite of the Sunshine State

Raptors 1st in East 26-10! Magic 10th in East 14-19!

Game 36: Raptors at Heat!

Boxing Day Bout!

• Raptors had yet another Christmas Day off as they were left out of the much touted Dec 25th games within the NBA. While it did mean they got to spend time with their families, they most likely had to do it in Miami as they face the Heat on their own court on Boxing Day
• At first it seemed like Toronto would have a full squad, except JV, at practice, but today it seems Lowry and Green might both be questionable. Leonard and Ibaka should be good to go
• Goran Dragic has been out for the Heat for sometime with a knee injury and will likely remain that way for the forseeable future and Dwyane Wade's farewell tour rolls on as the future Hall of Famer plans to hang it up after this season

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Jan Hammer - "Theme From Miami Vice"

I could be wrong but I believe The Heat are wearing their bright neon Vice Night alternatives for tonight's game. So I thought some Don Johnson style 80's tunes are in order

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Miami Vice Cocktail

Rum, Pina Colada Mix, Daquiri Mix and whole lotta ice is all you basically need for this Cocktail inspired by the show that inspired the Heat's jersey's tonight

Raptors 1st in East 25-10! Heat 7th in East 16-16!

Game 35: Raptors at 76ers!

Suffering Squad

• A solid win at home during the Raptors' last game at the Scotiabank Arena before Christmas last night brings us to a game in Philadelphia against Conference rivals the 76ers
• Raptors are down basically all their starters. As Lowry, Ibaka, Valanciunas, Green are likely out tonight and Kawhi is resting on a second night of a back to back
• Just Wilson Chandler and the enigmatic Markelle Fultz are out tonight for the 76ers. Embiid, Redick, Simmons and Jimmy Butler all likely to go

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Jethro Tull - "Ring Out, Solstice Bells"

I looked up Christmas songs released in 1976 and this was the most interesting one. Merry Christmas from all of us here at Raptortracks! Go Raptors and remember, Wu-tang is for the children

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

76 Beers

Just have 76 beers, drinks, shots, glasses of wine whatever. With friends and family. It's what it's all about this time of year! Cheers!

Raptors 1st in East 25-9! 76ers 4th in East 21-12!

Game 34: Cavaliers at Raptors!

White & Gold

• Raptors seemingly stole a win on Wednesday after a no-call on a foul from OG on Bogdan Bogdanovic. A win is a win though and especially since the Raptors are down some key members
• Kyle Lowry and Jonas Valanciunas remain out and will not likely return until after Christmas. Serge Ibaka is still out with knee soreness as is Danny Green
• The Cavaliers aren't immune to the injury bug either. Tristan Thompson, Jeff Green, Kevin Love and JR Smith not in action tonight
• It's also another OVO night as the Raptors don their White and Gold jerseys

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Corb Lund - "I Wanna Be The Cavalry"

Corb Lund is a Canadian country and western singer from Alberta Canada. Nine albums to his name and 3 certified gold. He's also been known to dabble in hard rock as well

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Spiked Eggnog

This being the last home game before Christmas, I think it's fitting to have a nice Christmas staple.

Happy Holidays everyone! Be safe and warm!

Raptors 1st in East 24-9! Cavaliers 13th in East 8-24!

Game 33: Pacers at Raptors!

Back Home!

• Raptors return home after a tough 4 game road swing which saw Toronto go 2-2! It doesn't get any easier though as their opponent is the surging Indiana Pacers
• Big news for the Raptors tonight as Norman Powell returns to the line up after missing a slew of games due to a shoulder injury. Pascal Siakam and Fred Van Vleet also return. Lowry, Ibaka and Valanciunas remain out
• Kawhi has kind of a tie to the Pacers as they were the team to draft him back in 2011, but they quickly traded him to San Antonio for George Hill feeling he was the better fit next to a blossoming young star in Paul George.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Converge - "Glacial Pace"

Somewhere between the chaotic worlds of hardcore punk and metal core lay Converge, a band from Salem, MA.  With 9 albums to their name, their first being released in 1994, Converge have amassed a rabid fanbase from all over the world. "Glacial Pace" is from their 2012 album All We Love We Leave Behind

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Pace Car Racer

From Bear Republic Brewing Co. comes Pace Car Racer a hoppy session IPA that features pine and citrus aromas to empty your glass at a speedy pace

Raptors 1st in East 23-9! Pacers 3rd in East 20-11!

Game 32: Raptors at Nuggets!

Mile High Game

• Raptors fought back in a tough loss against Portland on Friday night, but it wasn't enough. Today they roll into one of the toughest arenas in the NBA, not only because of the altitude one encounters when playing in Denver, or the rabid Nugget fan base. It's just that this season, the Nuggets are really, really good
• Kyle Lowry sat out Friday's game with a thigh contusion and Fred Van Vleet got the start. NO word on whether he's good to go tonight, but Kawhi Leonard should be good. JV remains out after having thumb surgery
• Last time these two teams met the Nuggets were relatively healthy. Tonight they'll be with Paul Millsap and Gary Harris, both join Wil Barton on the injury list

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Kanye West - "Gold Digger"

I know it doesn't directly invlove Nuggets, Denver or Colorado, but their team name is all about the gold rush. What kind of gentlemen from pioneer days were most likely to discover gold nuggets? Boom

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Bailey's Chocolate Luxe Gold Edition

It's near Christmas time and the weather has a bit of a chill to it. No better time to have some Bailey's in your coffee than now!

Raptors 1st in the East 23-8! Nuggets 1st in the West 19-9!

Game 31: Raptors at Trail Blazers!

Walking Wounded...

• Raptors shocked the Golden State Warriors and basically the whole NBA by dominating them in a 113-93 win on Wednesday night. Kawhi Leonard did not play
• He's listed as questionable tonight aswell as Kyle Lowry who is suffering from a thigh bruise. Jonas Valanciunas took a hard swipe from Draymond Green on Wednesday night. He's out for approximately 4 weeks with a dislocated thumb
• Raptors also call up Canadian Centre Chris Boucher from the 905 in JV's absence. Maurice Harkless returns to the Trail Blazers tonight so they come at the Raptors at full strength

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - "Oregon Girl"

Also known as SSLYBY, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin are an indie pop group from Springfield, Missouri. Their name has made them semi-stars in Russia and played a concert in Moscow just 3 months after Yeltsin's death

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Ink & Roses IPA

This one comes from the Portland Brewing Company located where else but Portland, OR. Since the Trail Blazers play at the Rose Garden, I felt it fitting to include this IPA named Ink & Roses.

Raptors 1st in East 23-7! Trail Blazers 9th in West 15-13!

Game 30: Raptors at Warriors!

Back in the Saddle Again!

• Raptors started off their 4 game Western swing with a decisive win against the LA Clippers, handing the surprising Los Angeles team their biggest point defecit loss of the season 123-99
• The last time these two teams saw each other it was a shoot out between Kevin Durant who scored 51 points and Kawhi Leonard who got 36. Steph Curry and Draymond Green are back for the Warriors tonight with Igoudala and Cousins still on the mend. 
• Kawhi sat out last night's game at the Staples Center, he's still listed as questionable due to a sore hip, but it seems likely he'll go. Delon Wright took an elbow above his eye last night that required stitches, but he won't miss any time

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Lil Wyte - "Bay Area"

Don't know a thing about this guy. This is my first time hearing it too! Here we go!

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Warrior Beer

Brought to us by England's Elgoods Brewery Warrior is a truly traditional English style bitter ale. A blend of the finest pale ale, amber and crystal malt

Raptors 1st in the East 22-7! Warriors 2nd in West 19-9!

Game 29: Raptors at Clippers!

LaLa Land!

• Raptors embark on a 4 game West coast trip that sees them playing the Warriors, Blazers and Nuggets, but not before a stop in Los Angeles to match up against the Clippers.
• After the Clippers lost Chris Paul to Houston and Blake Griffin to Detroit, DeAndre Jordan signed with Dallas in the off season. The Blake Griffin trade saw Tobias Harris and Boban Marjonovic (former Spur and teammate of Kawhi and Danny). Harris has been playing exceptionally well for LA and Lou Williams (former Raptor) is having another 6th man of the year calibre season too
• Kawhi Leonard is listed as questionable tonight with a bruised hip. Conspiracy theorists will suggest that he is being kept from playing at Staples Centre as not to get too keen on playing there, thus potentially signing in LA in the offseason. It's likely a precautionary thing as this is the first game of a back to back and he hasn't played in both nights of one yet

Tonight's Raptor Track!

X - "Los Angeles"

One of the most legendary and influential punk bands to come out of LA in the 1970's and 80's. They were also featured heavily in the first part of the documentary called The Decline Of The Western Civilization which highlights the LA punk and rock scene of the early 80s

Tonight's Game Day Drink! 

Original Clippers

Apparently you need to be a brave soul with a strong constitution to stomach this 15% Malt Beer. Think Colt 45 with a hint of nailpolish

Raptors 1st in East 21-7! Clippers 4th in the West 17-9!

Game 28: Bucks at Raptors!

Freaskish Claws!

• After splitting 2 games with some Atlantic Division rivals the Raptors face another tough Eastern Conference tonight as the Milwaukee Bucks come to town. This is the first meeting between Giannis Antentokoumpo and Kawhi Leonard since the latter came to the East.
• The Bucks recently made a trade to acquire George Hill from the Cavaliers, sending John Henson and Matthew Dellavadova to Cleveland. Unsure whether Hill will go tonight
• Powell is still the only Raptor out tonight with a shoulder injury. Kyle Lowry has been dealing with a sore back and it might be part of the cause to his shooting woes lately

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Sick Of It All - "Pass The Buck"

Getting their start in Queen's, New York Sick Of It All are a legendary punk band who have toured the world and been affiliated with acts like NOFX, Sepultura, The Bouncing Souls and Agnostic Front

Tonight's Gameday Drink!

Buck-A-Beer

Without getting too politcal, Ontario's PC party recently dropped the "Buck-A-Beer" challenge reducing the minimum allowed price for a beer to a $1. Only 3 breweries signed up for the initiative however and the hubbub surrounding the challenge has since died down

Raptors 1st in the East 21-6! Bucks 2nd in the East 16-8!

Game 25: Nuggets at Raptors!

Battle Of The Ones!

• Another top team in the West comes to town to try and take out the #1 seeded Toronto Raptors. Denver is a definite contender in the West and that is not a stretch. Toronto sees another tough match up as the season goes on
• Kyle Lowry missed Saturday's game with a sore back, but will be returning to the line up tonight. Norman Powell has been recovering and is about 7-10 days away and Kawhi Leonard has been named the Eastern Conference player of the week. The second Raptor to be named such this season, the first being Pascal Siakam
• The Nuggets have many weapons at their disposal and have used them to dispatch many top teams this season. Big Man sensation Nikola Jokic is always dominant, Paul Millsap signed in the offseason to add some veteran scoring and presence and Canadian Jamal Murray has been turning heads and shooting lights out. Isaiah Thomas is sidelined due to a hip injury, Denver picked him up for the vet minimum over the Summer

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Yello - "Goldrush"

Yello is a Swiss electro-duo who found their fame in their 80s. Known mostly for their song that goes "Ohhh Yeahhh" they have had a career that includes 13 studio albums to their name. Who knew

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Nugget Nectar

Coming from Troeg's Independant Brewing Co. , Nugget Nectar is a 7.5% Amber Ale that is dry-hopped with pine, resin and mango

Raptors 1st in the East 20-4! Nuggets 1st in the West 15-7!

Game 24: Raptors at Cavaliers!

once and former kings

• After a monumental statement win against the Golden State Warriors that saw Kevin Durant put up 51 points and Kawhi Leonard 37, the Raptors head to Cleveland for a match up against the Cavaliers
• The Cavaliers' season hasn't been going quite the way they hoped and currently find themselves in last place in the Eastern Conference. They recently traded Kyle Korver to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Alec Burks and 2 second round draft picks
• Injuries are a growing problem for the Cavs as well. Kevin Love is out with a toe injury, George Hill and Sam Dekker are also expected to miss the game and JR Smith is out with an "Injury" but more than likely won't play with Cleveland again this season after making it rather clear that he wants a trade.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Bowling For Soup - "Ohio"

Although this song is called "Ohio" it basically name drops a bunch of people from Texas. Oh those Bowling For Soup early 2000 pop-punk hijinxers!

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Bud Light

Bud Light recently had a promotion that saw them lock a bunch of beer fridges around Cleveland until the Cleveland Browns win a game. That event came and went, so have a Bud Light Cleveland! Try not to think too much about the state of the your sports teams....do y'all cheer for the Blue Jackets there?

Raptors 1st in the East 19-4! Cavaliers 15th in East 4-17!

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!

Game 8: 76ers at Raptors!

All Good Things Come To An End

• The Raptors' undefeated streak ended last night as they fell to the Milwaukee Bucks 124-109. It just wasn't their night as many of their players were missing and others went cold
• It doesn't get any easier as another Eastern Conference rival comes to town in the Philadelphia 76ers.
• Kawhi Leonard returns tonight after resting last night's game. OG Anunoby has been excused for personal reasons and Fred Van Vleet is also unlikely.
• Philly's biggest off season acquisition was Wilson Chandler, but he won't play tonight with a hamstring strain

Tonight's Raptors Track!

The Skyhooks - "1976 Guitar"

I know the Philadelphia 76ers are named after the year 1776 in honour of the Declaration Of Independence, but trust me finding songs about 1976 is much easier

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

The French 76 Cocktail

This is a twist on the French 75 Cocktail with vodka, champagne, grenadine syrup and lemon juice.

Raptors 2nd in East 6-1! 76ers 6th in East 4-3!