Game 55: Raptors at Hawks!

Big Moves! Big Changes!

• Well it's been an eventful trade deadline on Toronto's part. The biggest deal involved the Raptors trading Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright and CJ Miles to Memphis for Marc Gasol.
• Greg Monroe and Malachi Richardson were also shipped out to Brooklyn and Philly respectively to clear some space
• In some lighter news Danny Green has been named to the 3 point contest at the All Star Game.
• Hawks were quiet at the deadline. Miles Plumlee is still out indefinitely due to a knee but the rest of the team is relatively healthy

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Weezer - "My Name Is Jonas"

On the day that was set to be JV's return to the lineup we stand here today to find that the Lethal Lithuanian has been shipped of to Memphis. He's been part of the scenery since 2011, and one of my favourite Raptors, ever. So Jonas, thank you. Delon and CJ you will also be missed. But JV this one is for you. You will not be forgotten

Tonight's Game Day Drink

Brandy De Jerez

I don't want to understate the arrival of Marc Gasol, the Spanish Bull. He's ours now. A Toronto Raptor. He's being brought in to take us further in the post season than we've ever been. So tonight let's enjoy a Spanish brandy that is produced in the "Sherry Triangle" in Spain.

Raptors 2nd in East 39-16! Hawks 12th in East 18-35!

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 5: Timberwolves at Raptors!

Circus Comes To Town!

• Every year there is a team who's media circus and off court issues are ten times more covered than what their product is on the court. This year it's the Minnesota Timberwolves. After Jimmy Butler reportedly asked to be traded a few of his team mates made some snarky comments through tweets. Then during a practice, Butler assembled a team of those at the end of the bench and embarrassed the rest of the starters in a game all the while taunting and shouting at team owner Glen Taylor. Butler remains a Timberwolf, for now
• Canadian and former #1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins is questionable to play tonight, he will likely be a game time decision
• Delon Wright is likely to return to the line up for the Raptors. Just another tough point guard who can make his presence felt on the defensive end as well.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Awolnation - "Hollow Moon (Bad Wolf)"

Plenty of wolf songs to pick from when Minnesota comes to town, especially around Halloween.

Awolnation are a band from LA, fronted by Aaron Bruno. They've gone 6x Platinum and have been nominated for countless awards

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Wag The Wolf

Beau's is a local craft brewery here in Ottawa, Ontario and Wag The Wolf is one of their wheat beers that has been hopped with organic New Zealand varieties to provide abundant aromas of citrus and tropical fruits

Raptors 1st in East 4-0! Timberwolves 9th in the West 2-2!

Playoffs Round 1: Game 6: Raptors (1) at Wizards (8)!

Game 6 in Washington, DC. Raptors can wrap this series up and get ready for round 2! Need more of what worked in the fourth quarter Wednesday night and if they do this one should be in the bag.

• Raptors have announced that Fred Van Vleet is available tonight after missing most of the first round with a separated shoulder. The bench mob has been good, but has been lacking that little bit of fire that FVV brings to the second unit
• Wizards announced that Otto Porter JR will miss the remainder of the series after having a small operation on his leg.
• Delon Wright and Jonas Valanciunas gave the Raptors a huge push in the fourth quarter in Game 5. The Wizards are having a tough time adapting to Dwane Casey's various line ups

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Black Sabbath - "The Wizard"

Recently picked this album up on Record Store Day! Black Sabbath's self-titled debut. It's been on my want list for some time. Basically the first ever Metal album. This track came a little unexpected with it's aggressive guitar riffs and Ozzy Osbourne on harmonica!!

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

McHugh's RoadTrip IPA

Raptor's back on the road again and need to take a W away from home to wrap this one up. McHugh's is an Irish brewery and winery. Their Road Trip #4 is inspired by old fashioned New England IPA's

Raptors lead series 3-2!