Preseason Game 4: Nets at Raptors!

Fuque Les Nets!

• Bonjour! We are returning to preseason basketball tonight as the Brooklyn Nets are in Montreal, QC to do battle with an Atlantic division foe the Toronto Raptors
• Brooklyn is still reeling from their big blockbuster trade a few years ago that saw them give up some key draft picks for a year and a bit of Paul Pearce and Kevin Garnett. Though beams of sunlight are beginning to shine through the cracks as new Nets GM (and former Raptor) Sean Marks has slowly but steadily began to gather assets and develop young talent.
• A few former Raptors play for Brooklyn, DeMarre Carroll who the Raptors traded away before last season, Quincy Acy is back in the Boroughs and newly acquired Ed Davis was recently picked up as a free agent. Raptors drafted Davis in the 2010 Draft as a replacement Chris Bosh before trading him away in 2013 as part of the Rudy Gay deal
• Norman Powell injured his leg in the game against Melbourne United. A game that saw him score 25 points with some impressive dunks. The injury isn't serious, but he might sit out for precautionary reasons. OG Anunoby returns to the team tonight.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Sloan - "Green Gardens, Cold Montreal"

Not sure what the weather is like in Montreal tonight, but here in Ottawa it's pretty agreeable. Though any Canadian city will have a tough task to convince outsiders that they're anything but an icebox. So might as well embrace it. Today's track is from the Canadian Fab Four, Sloan who hail from the East Coast of the Country. This one is from their 2011 album The Double Cross.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Labatt Bleue

Labatt Bleue  est une bière canadienne blonde. Bouteille de style « long neck », de couleur brune, avec étiquette et capsule bleues.

Raptors Preseason record 2-1! Nets Preseason record 1-1!

Game 38: Raptors at Nets!

With the weekend off and then weather warming up, The Raptors are in Brooklyn to take on an old Atlantic Division foe, The Nets.

• Last game saw the Raptors dominate the Milwaukee Bucks. DeRozan had another fantastic night and has been named the Eastern Conference Player of the week. Valanciunas outscored and out rebounded the Bucks all on his own in the third quarter. That's what I like to see
• Raptors will have to wait to see their old teammate DeMarre Caroll in action as he's out tonight as he went down hard against Boston.
• Last time these two teams met Nik Stauskas went off in his Nets debut and lit up the Raptors from 3. Here's hoping for a better defensive effort from Toronto on that front

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Steely Dan - "Brooklyn (Owes The Charmer Under Me)"

I've never heard this Steely Dan song, but i've yet to hear that I don't like so i'm excited. Fun fact, former SNL cast member Chevy Chase was the original drummer for the group that would eventually become Steely Dan. It was in a jazz ensemble known as the Don Fagen Jazz Trio

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Brooklyn Lager

This American Amber Lager is the flagship beer of the Brooklyn Brewery founded in the 1800's. It's a Viennese-style, brewed with a British technique that's great all year round!

Raptors 2nd in East 27-10! Nets 12th in East 15-24!

FUCK BROOKLYN!

Game 75: Hornets at Raptors!

Raptors looking to make it 6 straight in the 6ix! Though it's a team with playoff aspirations coming to town, let's take a look at what the Raptors need to do to avoid getting STUNG by Hornets.

• DeMarre Carrol will likely be back and will be reinserted into the starting line up after missing a few games with a sore lower back.
• Charlotte have a fully healthy squad, which is what they want because as of now they sit 3 games out of a play off spot. Every game counts for them
• Last time these two teams met the Hornets got up big early. It was kind of the first game that started a trend of Raptors coming from behind to win. Delon Wright got serious minutes during that one, with Lowry still out, Wright will likely have to step up again

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Hold Steady - "Hornets! Hornets!"

The lead singer of this band sounds exactly like a singer from another band...hold on I'll get it... Louis XIV!!!! That's who. Remember them they had a hit back in 2000-whatever with "Finding Out True Love is Blind!" I'm playing them both. You judge.

Louis XIV - "Finding Out True Love Is Blind"

Raptors 4th in East 45-29! Hornets 11th in East 34-41!

Game 65: Raptors at Hawks!

Back to the East coast to due battle with a possible playoff first round match up! Raptors are in Atlanta to take on the Hawks!

• Sadly for DeMarre Carroll he will be unlikely for tonight's game and won't get a chance to show up his old team in his old city. Still out with an ankle injury
• Jonas Valanciunas had a huge game on Wednesday night scoring 25 points and grabbing 13 boards against DeMarcus Cousins and the Pelicans. He'll have another big match-up test tonight in Dwight Howard
• Not many other injuries to report on this one, just Kyle Lowry for us and Mike Dunleavy for the Hawks
• FORMER RAPTOR ALERT! Perhaps one of the greatest all time fan-favourite Raptors Jose Calderon recently signed with the Atlanta Hawks. He started this season in LA with the Lakers but was waived so the Lakers could tank their season with a clean conscience .

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Colin James - "Atlanta Moan"

This isn't much of a hype track, but Atlanta never seems to get too hype during games. Sorry, but thats just the way it is. So tonight we have Canadian blues guitarist Colin James and "Atlanta Moan"

Raptors 4th in East 38-26! Hawks 5th in East 35-29!

Game 61: Wizards at Raptors!

4 in a row for the new look Raptors! They'll face a difficult test in a home and home against a formidable Eastern rival in the Washington Wizards!

• Kyle Lowry underwent surgery to repair a messed up wrist on Tuesday morning. It apparently went well, hopefully that means he'll only be out of the line up for 3-4 weeks.
• Wizards played last night and beat the Golden State Warriors.  It's going to come down to defense as both teams will likely try to impose their offensive will.
• It's been reported that Brandon Jennings, who was recently waived by New York, will sign with the Wizards. Though it's likely he won't debut until Friday's game, where Toronto will travel to Washington.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Joni Mitchell - "Wizard Of Is"

This is a rare and live recording of Joni Mitchell's Leonard Cohen-esque song "Wizard Of Is". The quality isn't great, but it' still a sweet and enjoyable track

Raptors 4th in East 36-24! Wizards 3rd in East 35-23!

Game 59: Trail Blazers at Raptors!

Nice win over the Celtics on Friday night and a great debut for Ibaka and Tucker! Future looks bright buds! Portland is in town for Sunday night action!

• Kyle Lowry sat out Friday's game with a sore wrist. Looks like he injured in the game against Charlotte and hoped it would get better over the break. It didn't. He'll likely sit out these next couple of games too. Cory Joseph to start
• Great debut for Serge Ibaka and PJ Tucker on Friday night. It's that kind of defensive intensity and diversity that the Raptors will need to go deep into the play offs once again!
• Portland made a move at the trade deadline as well, sending Mason Plumlee and pick to Denver for Jusuf Nurkic. He's a versatile player and exactly the kind of player we brought Serge Ibaka in to match up against.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Replacements - "Portland"

One of my favourite lesser known bands is The Replacements. Their album Let It Be is timeless, near perfection. This track off a later album Don't Tell A Soul, but it was only included on the re-issue in 2008. 

Raptors 4th in East 34-24! Trail Blazers 10th in West 24-33!

Game 58: Celtics at Raptors!

...And we're back and we're focused and Tucker! Welcome back to the Raps buddy!!

• Welcome back from the All Star break! It's been a while since the Raptors have a played a game with so many of the public's eyes being on them. Tonight looks to be the first time we'll see Serge Ibaka in a Raptors uniform! He will wear number 9.
• The Raptors also picked up PJ Tucker from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Jared Sullinger and 2 2nd round picks! PJ was drafted by Toronto back in 2006 before being waived later that season. He wouldn't return to the NBA until 2012 when he was signed by Phoenix. Raptors fans are hoping Tucker brings some much needed toughness on the defensive end
• It appears Patrick Patterson will be in the line-up as well tonight. t marks for the first time this season that the Raptors have had a fully healthy line up.
• Boston opted to not make a move at the deadline, likely with the emergence of Isaiah Thomas as a star and closer for them in recent history.

Tonight's Raptor Track(s)!

Serj Tankian - "Empty Walls"

System of A Down frontman Serj Tankian went on his back 2007 with his album Elect The Dead. I always find it interesting when a frontman goes solo because the music usually sounds very similar to their old bands' music. Such is kind of the case with "Empty Walls"

Hootie & The Blowfish - "Tucker's Town"

From the oft-overlooked and underestimated sophomore album from Hootie & The Blowfish Fairweather Johnson, comes "Tucker's Town". I guess when your debut is such a smash and multi generational hit, anything else you do just gets left by the wayside

Raptors 4th in East 33-24! Celtics 2nd in East 37-20!

Game 57: Hornets at Huskies!

Raptors couldn't get one bugaboo off their back in losing to the Chigaco Bulls for the 11th time and tonight they face another on going drama. The Charlotte Hornets come to town and we all know of Toronto's long storied history with the Charlotte franchise!

• It's Hardwood Classics night as the ACC will transform to be the home of The Huskies once more! Love the vintage throwback jerseys and the look of the floor.
• Charlotte are also struggling just as the Raptors have. Winning only five games so far in 2017, Charlotte also recently made a trade acquiring Chris Andersen and Miles Plumlee.
• Plumlee though is out tonight along with Ramon Sessions and Cody Zeller for the Hornets. And no Serge Ibaka will not play for the Raptors, neither will Patrick Patterson

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Huey Mack - "Charlotte"

I was gonna do a Serge Ibaka inspired song tonight, but I think i'll save for his on court debut. Here is a song by Charlotte by some one with a ridiculous name

Raptors 5th in East 32-24! Hornets 10th in East 24-31

Game 56: Raptors at Bulls!

YO GIMME SOME RAPTOR NEWS!!!

• Plenty to talk about to today, but first and foremost a monster trade going down between The Raptors and The Magic sending Terrence Ross and a 2017 first round pick to Orlando for Serge Ibaka. T-Ross will be missed, but Ibaka brings a legit presence to the 4 position that has been exposed all season long for the Raptors.
• Alot of uncertainty in the Bulls lineup to day, who the Raptors are playing. Feel like I didn't mention that. Dwyane Wade is questionable with a wrist injury, Jimmy Butler is questionable with a heel injury and Nikola Mirotic is questionable with a back injury. Can't count the Bulls out though, they've delivered us 10 straight ass whoopin's in the past meetings. Patrick Patterson is probably out for the Raptors and don't expect Serge Ibaka to suit up just yet.
• It's Valentine's day, a day that has not been loving to Raptors fans. Who remembers that last game on Feb 14th when Jeremy Lin hit the buzzer beater at the peak of Linsanity. Also both the Bulls and Raptors have been dealing with internal issues, topple that with the trade buzz and there should be a very interesting energy at the ol' Madhouse tonight

Tonight's Raptor Track(s)!

Bullet For My Valentine - "All These Things I Hate"

I don't hate the Bulls, yes they also beat our ass, but they're not on my list of hated teams. I've got a connection and love for the city of Chicago. It's the only city other than Toronto i've seen a regular season NBA game in, plus the team's championship history is one to be admired. Just wanted to play a band with the word Valentine in it for today. Great song, by a great heavy band

Aimee Mann - "31 Today"

Didn't feel right to post a song that didn't in some way honour Terrence Ross. Sure he might not have developed into the player we needed, but he gave alot to Toronto and was a fun player to watch. Wish him luck

Game 55: Pistons at Raptors!

After a slight break the Raptors are back in action at home today against the Detroit Pistons!

• A much needed rest for the Raptors after having the toughest schedule of the first part of the season. Losing a tough one to Minnesota on Thursday night, let's hope the Raptors are refocus and regenerated from here on out
• The Pistons appear to be at full strength which means Toronto will have to deal with the likes of Reggie Jackson, Andre Drummond, Marcus Morris and Tobias Harris
• Jared Sullinger is down with the 905 on assignment with Bruno and Delon Wright. Patrick Patterson will be a game time decision with an agrivated knee injury.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Pist.On - "Grey Flap"

Not entirely sure what I stumbled upon here, but thats part of the reason I do this blog. Introduce Raptor fans to new music, and I sometimes get introduced to it as well. Pist.On are a hard rock band from Brooklyn. Their debut album Number One, was produced by Josh Silver of Type O Negative. It came about back in the 90's. Kind of a cool track!

Raptors 4th in East 32-22! Pistons 8th in East 25-29!

Game 53: Clippers at Raptors!

A win is a win! No matter who it's over. Raptors are back home for the last time before the All-Star Break and they look to even the series between themselves and the Los Angeles Clippers

• Clippers played yesterday in what was Paul Pierce's final regular season stop in his former home of Boston. Wonder if the Raptors will send him off tonight as we never have to worry about him knocking us out of the playoffs in a early round again
• It looks as though DeMar DeRozan will be playing tonight. He's missed a few games with a sprained ankle. Patrick Patterson out with a banged up knee
• Chris Paul is done for the season as well for LA after undergoing surgery for a torn finger ligament. He's also out of the All-Star game, which is unfortunate for any player
• FORMER RAPTOR ALERT: Alan Anderson suits up for the Clippers. He was floating around the D_League back in 2011 when the Raptors gave him a ten day contract. Liking what they saw they signed him for the rest of the year and then to a 2-year deal that expired in 2013. He has since played for Brooklyn, Washington and now the Clippers.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Run The Jewels - "Banana Clipper"

Don't know what they're going on about here, but hey Run The Jewels are A-Ok

Raptors 4th in the East 31-21! Clippers 5th in West 31-20!

Game 52: Raptors at Nets! (12pm Start!!)

Early game day likely due to the Super Bowl! So many missed opportunities to get some wins. Today must be a W. It must! As the Raptors roll into Brooklyn to take on the lowly Nets

• Patrick Patterson left Friday's game with a knee contusion, we'll have to wait and see if he's available to go today. Same with DeMar DeRozan, no word on him yet. Likely he'll rest another game, but we'll see
• Jeremy Lin is still out for an otherwise healthy Nets team. I'd say Brook Lopez is the defensive target today. Let everyone else do what they want, but stop Lopez
• Fred Van Vleet had a nice run in Friday's loss to Orlando. Getting the call off the bench over Joseph, likely just Dwane Casey trying anything to stop the bleeding.

Today's Raptor Track!

Bruno Mars - "Somewhere In Brooklyn"

Next stop Brooklyn! Let's put these guys away so I can focus happily on the Super Bowl! Go Raps! Through thick and thin!!

Raptors 5th in the East 30-21! Nets 15th in East 9-41!

Game 51: Raptors at Magic!

It's Friday night game time!!! Let's get it Raptors!!

• Raptors looking for revenge after losing a close game to the Magic on Sunday night. They beat the Pelicans on Tuesday but lost another close game to Boston on Thursday. Time to get back on the winning side of things!!
• Looks like DeMar DeRozan will miss another game due to ankle swelling. Get him better and don't rush anyone back from a nagging injury. I am ok with this
• Evan Fournier is back for Orlando but they still miss CJ Wilcox and Jodie Meeks. Lots of trade rumours twisting around Serge Ibaka aswell, who hasn't been the defensive juggernaut they were hoping for
• FORME RAPTOR WATCH: Father Biz....

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Diana Olierook - "Orlando"

Here's a Dutch artist, which I think marks the first time i've chosen an artist from the Netherlands for my blog. It's Diana Olierook with her song "Orlando". Not sure what the business is with this song, but it seems like a tropical, chilling, sexy ode to the popular vacation destination

Raptors 3rd in East 30-20! Magic 13th in East 19-32!

Game 49: Pelicans at Raptors!

It's official the Raptors have lost 2nd place to the Celtics. To get it back they're going to need some big games, and get some big W's. Like tonight when we get our first glimpse of the New Orleans Pelicans

• This is the first time in a while where the Raptors play the Pelicans and Anthony Davis is actually healthy. Jonas and Bebe will definitely have their hands full guarding the big All-Star. At least this means that Alexis Ajinca might not have a big game against us.
• Easy come easy go. DeRozan came back for a game against the Magic but struggled. So it appears he'll be sitting for 2 more games. Hope he gets healthy soon and this ankle injury doesn't linger
• Pelicans will be without Tyreke Evans, former rookie of the year, looks like he'll be sitting for a night of rest instead and Quincy Pondexter is also out for New Orleans

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Maccabees - "Pelican"

Formed in London, UK in 2004 The Maccabees have 4 studio albums to date. They went with one of my ace tips for picking a band name. Open the Bible to a random page and pick a word from that. If you're a metal band you can also use the Monstrous Manual from Dungeons & Dragons if you want. The song "Pelican" comes from their 3rd album Given To The Wild.

Raptors 3rd in the East 29-19! Pelicans 11th in West 19-29!

Game 48: Magic at Raptors!

Alright! Everything is ok again. Raptors won Friday night against Milwaukee ending a 5(!) game losing streak. Tonight it's the return of Bizmack Biyombo as the Orlando Magic come to to town

• Jared Sullinger did not play Friday night, likely due to his conditioning not being where it needed to be to go up against a face paced Milwaukee team. The Raptors gave him a game with the 905 D-League team to get some reps in. He had a nice game, scoring 18 points.
• DeMar DeRozan will likely be back after missing a few games with a sore ankle. Norman Powell has been great in his stead.
• Bizmack Biyombo makes his first return to Toronto after signing with Orlando in the off season on a 4 year deal. His Magic comes to town with Evan Fornier questionable for today's game
• Raptors will be wearing their Chinese New Year jersey tonight as NBA celebrates the Lunar New Year.
• FORMER RAPTOR ALERT: Besides Father Biyombo, DJ Augustin also plays for Orlando. He had a cup of coffee in Toronto before being waived around the time Rudy Gay was traded to Sacramento. Or he was waived to make room for Nando De Colo, can't remember.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Alice In Chains - "Rooster"

It is the year of the Rooster, so in honour of that here's some vintage Alice In Chains. The song is inspired by Alice's songwriter and guitar player Jerry Cantrell's father who spent time in Vietnam. His nickname in the war was Rooster.

Raptors 2nd in East 29-18! Magic 12th in East 18-30!

Game 46: Raptors at Grizzlies!

:(:(:(:(

When was the last time I talked about the Raptors winning? Let's leave that 4 game losing streak behind us and get a W tonight! Raptors in Memphis to take on the Grizz.

• DeRozan will be sitting tonight as he is still dealing with a sprained ankle. Patrick Patterson did come back last night and definitely made an impression bringing energy and shooting the 3. All in all the Raps only lost to the Spurs by 2
• Everyone is good to go for Memphis. Except Brandan Wright and Troy Daniels. Memphis are a big defensive team. Jonas and Bebe (Or the VN Towers as I call them) need to be on their A game
• After this the Raps get a bit of a break and head home for a 3 game home stint, Need to get this one though. No more BS

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Chuck Berry - "Memphis" (featuring John Lennon)

The great Chuck Berry makes his first appearance on Raptortracks! Another fun video for this song is the one where he's performing with John Lennon and Yoko Ono on the Michael Douglas show. Halfway through the song, Yoko feels she's not getting her creativity out and just starts worbbling into the mic. The look on Chuck's face.....haha oh man...so good. Ah hell, i'll just link it here.

Raptors (still) 2nd in East 28-17! Grizzlies 7th in West 26-20!

Game 45: Spurs at Raptors!

:(

• Bad news for Raptors fans tonight as DeMar DeRozan is expected to miss tonight and tomorrow's game against Memphis with a sore ankle. He came down on Valanciunas' foot after a jump shot in Sunday's loss to Phoenix
• Good news for Raptors fans tonight as Patrick Patterson is expected to be in the line-up. He's been dealing with a sore knee and the Raptors are 5-8 without their energetic 4. Also rumoured to be back tonight is Delon Wright, who's missed the entire season so far after having shoulder surgery
• Despite the fact that Tony Parker will be getting some rest tonight and sitting out, and that Pau Gasol and Johnathan Simmons are also out tonight, the Spurs are still the Spurs and can never be taken lightly
• No former Raptors play for San Antonio but fellow Canadian Joel Anthony has been signed to a 10-day contract. Likely to fill the Gasol void

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Legendary Shack Shakers - "Old Spur Line"

I can't comment on the content of this...I didn't listen all the way through to this boozy, swingin' obviously Southern inspired track, so I hope there's nothing inappropriate. Maybe i'm too quick to judge here................just listened to the song. Definitely judged too quick! CRANK THIS!!!!

Game 43: Raptors at Hornets!

It's Friday night and the Raptors look to close out a road trip with a victory. They take on the struggling Charlotte Hornets tonight in North Carolina.

• First off, congrats are in order to DeMar DeRozan for getting voted in to the All-Star game in New Orleans as a starter. First time in his career and well deserved. Fully expect Kyle Lowry to join him there on the reserves list
• Another player you can look for on that reserves list is Charlotte's Kemba Walker. He's been playing well despite his team's struggles
• DeMarre Carroll took a leg to the back of the head in Wednesday's game and didn't return. It appears his neck is still sore, but he may try to give it a go.
• FORMER RAPTOR ALERT: Tyler Hansbrough is playing infront of the Carolina fans once again. After spending multiple years as a Tarheel at UNC he was drafted by Indiana into the NBA. Later signing with Toronto for 2 years and then finally signing on with the Hornets. Though he doesn't get much playing time with Roy Hibbert and Cody Zeller on the roster, im sure he's happy to be back in the state he's from.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Horn - "Things In Themselves"

Just discovered that this band existed this week. A guy I know's uncle was the keyboard player. Though they didn't get much recognition, the fact they have an album uploaded to Youtube is cool enough. From Toronto, a self described jazz band with shades of Frank Zappa.

Raptors 2nd in East 28-14! Hornets 7th in East 21-21!