Game 68: Raptors at Cavaliers!

The East Moves Through Cleveland

• Raptors took care of business last night in Miami and look for another W on this, the second night of a back to back in Cleveland to take on the suffering Cavaliers
• Kawhi Leonard should be playing tonight after sitting out last night's game.  Cleveland is seeing a slew of injuries from players like Tristan Thompson, John Henson, and Larry Nance Jr. Also the enigmatic JR Smith has still yet to play for Cleveland this season
• Patrick McCaw got the start in last night's game for Leonard and performed well. After nearly 6 months on the free-agent market McCaw initially signed with the Cavaliers, after being waived 3 games later, the Raptors were quick to snatch him up

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Drake - "Back To Back"

I could really pick a Drake song for every game I guess due to his affiliation with the Raptors. "Back To Back" is apparently a diss track aimed at Meek Mill, who is from Philadelphia. 

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvignon

Well the Cavaliers jerseys are considered "Wine and Gold" I guess

Raptors 2nd in East 48-19! Cavaliers 14th in East 16-50!

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 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!

Playoffs Round 2: Game 4: Raptors (1) at Cavaliers (4)!

I Don't want this to be the final post I write this season. Stay alive Raptors. Let's do this..

• LeBron James is an absolute beast. There's really no other way to say it. We should all be sure to cherish the fact that we are seeing him do incredible things as they happen. That being said, The Raptors need to find a way to neutralize his scoring ability or take everyone else out of the picture. Otherwise, this season is done
• Masai Ujiri was fined $25,000 by the NBA for walking on the court and confronting a ref about the officiating. That's a President of a Basketball Club ladies and gents
• Fred Van Vleet was inserted into the starting lineup in replace of Serge Ibaka. Though the Raptors got off to a slow start, the minutes seemed to pay off down the stretch

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Band - "Look Out Cleveland"

It's a Canadian group lamenting about Cleveland. Kinda like what we got going on in this game.

I don't understand how people cannot enjoy The Band

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Vodka Red Bull

Frig I can't stand the smell or taste of Red Bull but it does give you an energy boost. That's exactly what the Raptors need right now. Ram this game down their throats and stay alive!

Cavaliers lead series 3-0!

Playoffs Round 2: Game 3: Raptors (1) at Cavaliers (4)!

Well things are pretty grim around Raptor world these days. It's the playoffs though! Have to believe! Pull out all the stops! Take no prisoners! Raptors in Cleveland for game 3!!

• Raptors need to either find an answer for LeBron or let him go off and take care of his supporting cast. Can't have LeBron, Love and Jeff Green getting whatever they want.
• Serge Ibaka is missing. It's a fact. Dwane Casey needs to either figure out a different starting line up or pull Ibaka quicker if it's clear that the same woes are befalling him
• I said last game was a must win. Tonight. We. Must. Win.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Offspring - "Defy You"

Need some more pump up songs in this one! Offspring's "Defy You" from the album Conspiracy of One  is one of my all time favourites!

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Pregnant Wife

Don't be reading super into this one folks. A buddy of mine is coming with a bottle of gin. Mix that with lemonade and thats what they call it! A pregnant wife.

Cavaliers lead the series 2-0!

Playoffs Round 2: Game 2: Cavaliers (4) at Raptors (1)!

Sorry about missing game one. Had an old friend in town and was in no shape to Raptor Track! Raptors took care of the Wizards in 6 games, but dropped the first game of round 2 to the Cavaliers! Gotta get this next one at home!!

• Raptors led for the entirety of Game 1 in regulation time. And lost by one point in overtime. Must clean up turnovers, take care of the 3 point line and make your free throws!
• Where the Raptors have a deep bench and used it on Tuesday night, the Cavaliers kept their bench short. Larry Nance Jr, Cedi Osman and Jose Calderon all failed to see court time
• Raptors need to get this one. It's dangerous to go down 2 heading into Cleveland. Early start tonight 6pm!

Tonight's Raptor Track!

James Vincent McMorrow - "Cavalier"

McMorrow is an Irish singer/songwriter from Dublin. He has 3 studio albums to his name. The lead off track from his 2014 album Post Tropical is called "Cavalier". Perfect fit

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Budweiser

Well...it is the King of Beers!

Cavaliers lead the series 1-0!

Game 71: Raptors at Cavaliers!

It's back to back time again baby! And they don't get much rougher than this! Cleveland looks a little different since the last time the Raptors and Cavaliers faced! Big game in The Land!

• The Cavaliers were the busiest team at the trade deadline this year by far. Shipping out or buying out players like Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Derrick Rose, Channing Frye, Iman Shumpert and Dwyane Wade. The "squad" they got back was youthful and ready to go. Larry Nance Jr, Jordan Clarkson, Rodney Hood & George Hill
• DeRozan is back today for the Raptors with CJ Miles and Fred Van Vleet being game time calls. Though with being a big game in Cleveland im sure they'd want to go no matter what.
• Cleveland will be without Tristan Thompson and Rodney Hood. As long as they got #23 it matters little who he's surrounded by however. Focus must be HIGH

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Frank Zappa - "Let's Move To Cleveland"

What's up baby snakes? Yeah, why not the strange one Frank Zappa? We need some more diverse and wonderous music around these parts!

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Cavalier Courage

This Golden Blonde Ale comes from Vic, Brunswick down under in Australia! The name of the brewing company is Cavalier Beer as well! Mixed with all the fresh Summer ingredients it's soft fruity aroma and crisp golden colour make it the perfect beer for all occasions!

Raptors 1st in East 53-18! Cavaliers 3rd in East 41-29!

Playoff Series 2: Game 4 Cavaliers at Raptors!

Do or Die Time Boys!!

Well it's game 4 and the Cavaliers have a 3-0 advantage in the series....you gotta fuckin' get em now

• Kyle Lowry missed game 3 with a sore ankle. This might be the last game of the year so I would expect him to play tonight
• The Raptors had a better showing on Friday night. Holding a lead into the 3rd quarter until the Cavs barrage of three pointers continued with Kyle Korver...fuckin guy...leading the charge
• Raps need a win today to extend their season. Though game 5 will take place back in Cleveland which hasn't been an easy place for anyone to play

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Lenny Kravitz - "It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over"

Playoff Round 2: Game 3 Cavaliers at Raptors!

Protect Home Court!!!

After a poor showing and a loss in game 2 The Raptors are hoping to bounce back against Cleveland tonight on their home court for game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals

• LeBron James seems to be un-goddamn-stoppable. But I don't appreciate him trying to clown the Raptors. Next time he spins the ball before he shoots it I hope Ibaka puts him on his ass
• Kyle Lowry injured his ankle in game 2. It didn't keep him down for long, but it has been reassessed for tonights game. Everyone knows Lowry would need to amputate a limb to keep from playing, but anything can happen
• Dwane Casey and his coaching staff had better figure out a plan to keep these Cavs at bay, or it's going to be a short series

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Schoolhouse Rock - "3 Is A Magic Number"

Picked this one for more than one reason. First of all it's a badass song. Secondly it's game three, at home anything can happen and it needs to happen for a little optimism and lastly The Raptors need to makes some threes to keep up with Cleveland's onslaught of shooting. LET'S GO RAPS!!!

Playoff Series 2: Game 1 Raptors at Cavs!

ROUND TWO BITCHES!!!

Raps took care of business in round 1 eliminated the Bucks in less than 7 games for the first time in franchise history! Now no one is giving them a snowball's chance in hell against the Cavs in round 2...except me

• The Cavaliers took care of the Indiana Pacers in a 4 game sweep and have been waiting for us since April 24th.
• Though they looked like they were slipping since the All-Star break, losing the 1st seed and resting their star players, the Cavs came back with force in the first round. Their new additions of Deron Williams, Derrick Williams, and Edy Tavares (Raptors 905 alumni) seemed to fit in well
• Raptors need to swing the ball out of double teams, hammer down on defense and release the Norm!

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Coheed & Cambria - "Here We Are Juggernaut"

This is a great song to go along with facing great adversity, David & Goliath. Looking death in the eye. Laughing at danger and breaking all the rules!

Game 21: Cavaliers at Raptors!

SIX IN A ROW BAYBAY!!!

It's the third meeting between the Cavaliers and Raptors and both teams are in two very different places from when they met previously. Let's take a look at what's going down

• Cavaliers and Raptors are tied for first place. This is a rematch and possibly a preview of the Eastern Conference Finals. It should be a good one
• Cavs are on a 3 game losing streak, losing to the Clippers and Bulls after they lost to the Bucks back on the 29th. Both teams are going to be coming out hard tonight
• JR Smith and Mike Dunleavy JR are questionable for tonight's game. Smith dealing with a sore knee and MDJ is returning from a concussion

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Drowning Pool - "Step Up"

Just wanted a tune to get us amped up! Both teams are going to be saying that they need to step up tonight, just hoping that the Raptors step up a little more

Raptors tied for 1st in East 14-6! Cavaliers tied for 1st in East 13-5!

Game 10: Raptors at Cavaliers!

Only 10 games in and we're seeing the Champs for the second time in this early season! Raptors on a 3-0 run as they roll into Cleveland tonight!

• DeMar DeRozan was named as the Eastern Conference Player of the Week recently and rightfully so. He's had 8 games with 30+ points to start the season.
• Raptors are on the first game of maybe their toughest back-to-back ever. Tonight in Cleveland to face the defending champs and then back home tomorrow where the Golden State Warriors wait for them. We're going to find out what they're made of.
• DeMarre Carroll did not play on Saturday against the Knicks, likely due to keeping an eye on his knee on a back-to-back. Not sure if he'll go tonight. Norman Powell will likelt go in his stead

Tonight's Raptor Track!

J. Frank Wilson & The Cavaliers - "Last Kiss"

Perhaps the best known cover of our time is Pearl Jam's "Last Kiss". It was originally written by Wayne Cochrane back in 1961 and covered several times. A few bands that did versions were Wednesday, Trent Dabbs, the aforementioned Pearl Jam and these guys J.Frank Wilson & The Cavaliers.

Raptors 3rd in East 7-3! Cavaliers 1st in East 8-1! 

Preseason Game 4: Raptors at Cavaliers!

Blah blah blah LeBron. Blah blah blah Cleveland. Ok I guess you can tell i'm sick of hearing about this team, but the Raptors face them today in the Preseason so I guess I have to talk about them

• Yes it's a rematch from last year's Eastern Conference Finals that saw the Cavaliers defeat the Raptors in 6 games. Cleveland then went on to win the NBA finals against the Golden State Warriors. Impressive
• An interesting thing is happening Friday when the Toronto Blue Jays take on Cleveland in ALDS action. Basically the same thing as the Eastern Conference Finals. It's only the 7th time in history that the same cities teams have played each other in those kinds of finals in the same year!
• Who did Cleveland add and subtract? Let's see Matthew Dellavadova signed in Milwaukee. Timofey Mozgov signed in LA with the Lakers. And JR Smith is currently teamless(?). A few additions to the Cavs are Mike Dunleavy, Birdman Chris Andersen and Cory Jefferson.

Today's Raptor Track!

Wire - "Champs"

Wire were a British punk band that got it's start in 1976. Though they never sold a mega-ton of records their influence in the world of punk rock and beyond is remarkable. Bands like The Cure, REM, Sonic Youth,  Manic Street Preachers, Bloc Party, Blur, Elastica and Franz Ferdinand have all cited Wire as inspiration. Their most notable album came in 1977 and is called Pink Flag. "Champs" is a song from that record.

See ya in the finals again Cleveland