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 6: Mavericks at Raptors!

The Doncic Show!

• Friday night Basketball at the Scotia Bank Place. Yes, maybe I haven't mentioned it yet, but the Raptors' home court is no longer the Air Canada Centre, but the Scotia Bank Place. The Bank!
• Mavericks come to town with who many believe will be the rookie of the year in Luka Doncic. He was drafted 3rd by the Hawks and traded to the Mavs for Trae Young. He never played NCAA basketball, but has had some great years under his belt overseas.
• Yes Dirk Nowitzki is still playing.  At age 40 he is entering his 21st NBA season. Good on ya Dirk.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Suzanne Vega - "Luka"

I don't normally pick songs that have to with a player, but every once in a while it's alright. Especially with a team like Dallas when it seems every song available is a Country one.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

The Maverick Cocktail

Part Malibu Rum, part amaretto and pineapple juice makes this refreshing cocktail a hit at any party. Some variations include Mezcal and coconut. Get creative

Raptors 1st in the East 5-0! Mavericks 9th in the West 2-2!

Game 68: Mavericks at Raptors!

Raptors looking to keep the good times rolling as they return home in search of their 11th straight win. Last time Raptors saw the Dallas Mavericks things weren't so pretty as we've been used to lately. Looking for a bit of revenge at the ACC tonight! Mavericks at Raps! Friday night fights!

• A little scare yesterday when CJ Miles went down hard and got up nursing his elbow. He did finish the game and at practice today he said it was fine. "Just a little stinger"
• Things haven't been going so hot for the Mavericks lately. Team Owner/GM Mark Cuban was recently fined $600,000 for admitting on a radio show that his purpose this year was to "tank" in hopes of securing a top draft pick
• That said Dallas still has some dangerous players. Future Hall of Famer and Mav 4 Life Dirk Nowitzki is still an offensive threat even at the ripe old age of 39! There's Canadian Dwight Powell and don't forget Raptor Sniper Doug McDermott who found himself as part of the Dallas squad after being first traded from OKC to NYC and then NYC to Dallas.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Mavericks - "Dance The Night Away"

I'm sure ive done these guys before, but you gotta go back to them every once in a while. The Mavericks are one of Rockabilly's biggest acts and they hail out of Miami, Florida. "Dance The Night Away" was off their fifth studio album Trampoline.

Today's Game Day Drink!

Maverick & Gose

Coming from the Second Self Brewing Company it's a newer beer crafted in Atlanta, GA. Designed to beat the heat, Maverick & Gose has a tart & salty nature combined with coriander and fruity mosaic hops.

Raptors 1st in the East 51-17! Mavericks 12th in the West 22-46!

Game 32: Raptors at Mavericks!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a cold beer! Hope everyone had a safe and joyous Holiday season.  The Raptors hit the road for their first encounter with the Dallas Mavericks tonight!

• The Raptors are officially first in the East! Due to the Celtics and Cavaliers losing their Christmas Day match ups. 
• I guess CJ Miles got an infection due to his dental procedures. Yuck. Meaning he's a game time decision 
• Mavericks will be without Nerlens Noel, Seth Curry and Josh McRoberts. They still have the legendary Dirk though

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Poco - "Dallas"

Typically the songs I pick when the Raptors play the Mavericks are all Country. I'm on my new tablet so I can't preview the song, but I don't think this one is country. 

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Baileys and coffee

Baileys creamy. It's still the holiday season so why not curl up next to the fire watching this game with a warm cup of coffee and baileys?

Raptors 1st in East 23 - 8! Mavericks 15th in West 9 - 25!

Game 73: Raptors at Mavericks!

Yes it's been a few games since i've posted and it's been a few games since the Raptors have lost! Since that tough loss to OKC the Raptors held a player's only meeting and have gone 4-0 and the defense has been a big reason why

• Serge Ibaka will return tonight for the Raptors after serving a one game suspension after a fight broke out during the Chicago game. Ibaka and Robin Lopez were both suspended for throwing punches at one another
• Last time these two teams played the Mavericks were without Nerlens Noel, it appears he is available to play tonight. And he will likely get the start
• With a win tonight the Toronto Raptors will clinch a playoff berth for the 4th straight season. If the defense keeps up like it has been then there are bright things on the horizon for T.Dot.

Tonight's Raptors Track(s)!!

Riff Raff - "Twisted Pistons"

I missed some great games and some good songs to go along with them. So to start with the first win against the Detroit Pistons...

Brantley Gilbert - "Indiana's Angel"

And for the Pacers who might very well be another first round match up for Toronto in the post-season...

I Fight Dragons - "Chicago"

Closest thing for Bulls fighting Raptors..

Hot Hot Heat - "Talk To Me, Dance With Me"

A Canadian band for the great win over the surging Miami Heat...

Big Tuck - "Welcome 2 Dallas"

And finally for tonight's match up with the Mavericks in the Lonestar state...

there I think we're all caught up

Raptors 4th in East 43-29! Mavericks 9th in the West 30-41!

Game 67: Mavericks at Raptors!

Raptors go 2 - 3 on a tough road schedule and seem to be on a bit of a slide at a time when we need to be building momentum going into the post season. It's our first look at the Dallas Mavericks as they invade the ACC!

• This is another game where you can't look at the opposing team's record and think it'll be a gimme. Dallas may have started out the year struggling, but they have been on the up and up as of late.
• The Mavericks recently waived super star players Deron Williams and Andrew Bogut, who weren't operating at their full potential. This gave way to better play from players like Harrison Barnes, Wesley Johnson, rookie Yogi Ferrel and Steph Curry's brother Seth
• Last time I said DeMarre Carrol wouldn't be playing because of his ankle and he actually started that game. Then he sat for the Miami game, so I don't know what his situation it's clear. But there's nothing like a healthy squad.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Teenage Bottlerocket - "Maverick"

Teenage Bottlerocket are an American punk band from Wyoming. Their song "Maverick" appears to be inspired by the Tom Cruise vehicle "Top Gun". Not a bad little fun track! Haven't really heard much from these guys, but that might change...

Raptors 4th in the East 38-28! Mavericks 10th in the West 28-37!