Game 52: Raptors at Mavericks!

Lonestar State Showdown!

• Raptors have lost 2 in a row. First to Indiana and an epic battle on Friday night to the red hot Houston Rockets. Tonight they continue their Western road trip in Dallas and do battle with the struggling Mavericks
• Danny Green missed Friday's game with a sore hand, but is available tonight. As are Kawhi Leonard and OG Anunoby, who have been out for various reasons as of late
• Dirk Nowitzki's final season rolls on but not as he thought it would. Luka Doncic has been a bright spot for Dallas this season and there are even whispers of All Star. JJ Barea is out for the remainder of the season due to an achillies injury.
• Congratulations to Kawhi Leonard for being named as a starter for the Eastern Conference All Stars at this year's All Star Game in Charlotte.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Flatlanders - "Dallas"

It's almost a given that the Raptors Track selection when the Raptors face Dallas is going to be  a country/western song. Not every time I suppose, but 9 times out of 10. Here are the Flatlanders from Lubbock, Texas with tonight's offering

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Maverick Estate Wines

This Winery is located in Oliver, British Columbia. A far cry from the Lonestar State, but great wine is almost always worth the trip. Couldn't find much on their specific wines as their website is under construction, so just enjoy an easy classic and try their Pinot Gris.

Raptors 2nd in East 36-15! Mavericks 12th in West 22-26!

Game 49: Timberwolves at Raptors

The homestand continues as does the Black & Gold jerseys. Raptors looking for a little payback after week's loss as Minnesota comes to town

• Fred Van Vleet recently became a father. Congrats! But he will go tonight it appears. CJ Miles on the other hand is a late scratch due to some knee soreness
• Maybe in CJ's absence Norman Powell can get some minutes and make the most of them. Get some confidence back in front of the home crowd
• It's all hands on deck for the Timberwolves as no players are listed as OUT. They did play and lose in Atlanta last night so hopefully we can catch them on a back to back just like they caught us
• Also a big congrats to Dwane Casey and his coaching staff who will be heading to LA to Coach Team LeBron at the All Star Game next weekend

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Mountain Goats - "Minnesota"

I'm not sure if the Timberwolves will be donning their flourescent green jerseys tonight or not, so just gonna pick a song with Minnesota as the title. It's The Mountain Goats from Claremont, California.and a cut from their 4th album Full Force Galesburg.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Timber Beast

From the Lazy Magnolia Brewery out of Kiln, MS. It's Timber Beast beer! Crisp & Bold caramel flavour with grapefruit and citrusy pine aroma.

Raptors 2nd in East 33-15! Timberwolves 4th in West 32-21!

Game 30: Raptors at 76ers!

It's the second night of a back-to-back for Toronto and the Raptors cruise into Kyle Lowry's hometown of Philadelphia to rumble with the youth oriented Sixers!

• Raptors will take on the 76ers again on Saturday in Toronto as part of a home and home for both teams. As I mentioned yesterday, there is always some hitch in the scheduling for Toronto over the holidays
• No CJ Miles again for the Raptors tonight. Must have had some teeth pulled as he is listed out due to a dental procedure
• Joel Embiid will likely miss both games against the Raptors and will also be without JJ Reddick and of course Markelle Fultz. The Sixers recently traded Jahill Okafor and Canadian Nik Stauskas to Brooklyn for Trevor Booker, though it's unlikely he sees time tonight as well

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Mark Knopfler - "Sailing To Philadelphia"

Knopfler is most well-known for being the singer of the British rock group Dire Straits. He is quite the accomplished songwriter, guitar player and has had a long and succesful solo career as well. This track also features James Taylor

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Petty Island Rum

Coming from Cooper River Distillers, Petty's Island is nestled between Philadelphia and Camden in the Delaware River. This rum features hints of smoke and vanilla and is perfect this time of year for those Eggnog cocktails

Raptors 2nd in East 21-8! 76ers 10th in East 14-16!