Playoff Round 2: Game 7: 76ers at Raptors!

Game 7!!!

• All of Toronto and most of Canada will be on the edge of their seat for this one! Another game 7 between the Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers! Some demons need to be exorcised tonight for sure
• Gonna need a full team effort on defense and rebounding for the Toronto to slow down the Butlers and Simmons of the Philly.
• No update on how Embiid is feeling or any other injury news for that matter. Just go out there and play. We know OG Anunoby is still out due to his surgery

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Papa Roach - "Do or Die"

Pretty straight forward reason for this one to be here

But I also need some pump up songs!! Toronto!! Canada!! Ottawa! Vancouver!! Montreal!! Calgary!! Pond Inlet!!! GET LOUD TONIGHT!!!!!

Baroness - "Shock Me"

Metallica - "Spit Out The Bone"

Spit out 76 bones tonight Raptors!! Let's Gooooooooooo!!!

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Coors Light

The official beer of the Toronto Raptors! Keep it simple, keep it clean!

Wait, there's a Coors Light Orange now?? Better not, that sounds kinda cursed

Series tied! 3-3!

Playoff Round 2: Game 6: Raptors at 76ers!

Deep Breath...

• Raptors have a shot at ending it TONIGHT! With a win in Philly the Raptors would advance to the Eastern Conference Finals to face the Milwaukee Bucks. The 76ers aren't just going to lay down and die though. Need a professional approach
• Serge Ibaka got knocked in the head by Kawhi Leonard and came back with an ugly bump and 3 stitches. Played a great game though and will go tonight
• No word on how Embiid is feeling. Philly fans need a big performance from him tonight for their team to have a fighting chance

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Mobius Band - "Philadelphia"

Coming from their 2005 album The Loving Sounds of Static, "Philadelphia" is a song by the Brooklyn based electro-pop trio Mobius Band. Enjoy!

Tonight's Game Day Drink

Spirytus Gdanski 76%

Released earlier this year, this Vodka is a 76% alcohol volume delight, brought to us from Poland

Raptors lead series 3-2!

Playoff Round 2: Game 5: 76ers at Raptors!

Best of 3

• Raptors return home, where the second round playoff series with the Sixers has become a best of three. Since Toronto won on Sunday the series is now tied 2-2
• Joel Embiid, who will likely play tonight, has been reportedly dealing with an upper respiratory infection. It appears he will be a game time decision
• Pascal Siakam who was dealing with a swollen calf on Sunday will play. OG Anunoby is still out after having an emergency appendectimy.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Elton John - "Philadelphia Freedom"

I meant to pick this one a few games ago, better late than never i guess

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Smithwick's

It may or may not have been cheap night for Irish beer at the local watering hole. I may or may not have a few Smithwicks tonight.

Series tied 2-2!

Playoff Round 2: Game 4: Raptors at 76ers! (POSTGAME)

Exhale...

• There will be a game 6. Raptors defeated the 76ers 101-96 in game 4 at the Wells Fargo arena in Philadelphia. That brings the series to a tie once again at two apiece.
• Kawhi Leonard had another monster game with 39 points, including a go ahead 3 late in the 4th to essentially seal the game. Pascal had a quiet night, but was unsure if he would play due to a swollen calf
• Joel Embiid was also questionable due to illness, but he did play and was rendered rather quiet compared to his game 3 domination. 

Tonight's Raptor Track!

City & Colour - "Comin Home"

Game 5 is Tuesday back in the comfort of the Scotiabank Arena. Raptors fans, get loud and get there early to show your colours for the team!

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Champagne

Hey, a win is a win! So pop the cork and take a little swig of the bubbly! Enjoy what's left of this beautiful weekend!

Series tied 2-2!

Playoff Round 2: Game 3: Raptors at 76ers!

Philadelphia Freedom!

• Philadelphia tied the series at 1 game a piece on Monday after coach Brett Brown made some great adjustments dealing with the Raptors' offence and a sluggish performance from said offence. Let's see if Toronto can bounce back tonight like they did against Orlando after a loss
• Greg Monroe left game 2 with a sore ankle and did not return. A welcome sight to Toronto fans as he was torching the Raptors' defence, yes that Greg Monroe. Joel Embiid was dealing with stomach issues. Both are likely to play this game
• Kyle Lowry is a Philly kid first and foremost. He gets +1/+1 when playing here. With a little help form his supporting cast I think the Raptors shouldn't have much of a problem tonight. But the playoffs are a different animal and the 76ers fans are rabid! Should be a blast!

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Metallica - "For Whom The Bell Tolls"

Philadelphia likes to ring a replica of the Liberty Bell before games. Hence the inspiration for tonight's song. I have a feeling the bell will toll for the home team tonight

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Philadelphia Beer

It's a basic name from a similarly basic-named brewing company, The General Investment Company. It's a boring 5%, without a memorable after taste. It won't fill you up so you're left wanting more...

Series tied 1-1!

Playoff Round 2: Game 2: 76ers at Raptors!

The Times They Are A' Changin'

• Raptors took care of home court in Game 1 with a decisive win over the 76ers. Kawhi had 45 points and has become the most efficient scorer in NBA Post Season history, shooting a blistering 62.3% from the field
• Can't have any let up however, as many of the Sixers had poor nights including Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris. JJ Redick didn't make a shot until the 3rd quarter, but got hot fast. Toronto has to keep the defensive intensity up
• Joel Embiid, who scored only 3 points when Marc Gasol was on the floor, missed morning shoot around with a stomach bug. He is listed as probable for the game

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Maestro - "416/905"

Drake was among the many courtside celebrities at game 1, but he was not the first Toronto rapper to rhyme about the various burroughs and area codes of the GTA. Maestro "Fresh" Wes had a resurgence the late 90's and was very proud of his Canadian roots. I get a kick out of the employees ar "Maestro Headquarters" jammin' to the beat as they are hard at work.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Sam '76 Beer

This one could also be used if the Raptors ever do a cross over game and play the New England Patriots. Of course it's from the Boston brewing company known as Samuel Adams, they call it an American Lager. Very patriotic

Raptors lead series 1-0!

Playoff Round 2: Game 1: 76ers at Raptors!

Round 2 Babies!

• Raptors took of business and defeated the Orlando Magic in 5 games. Tonight their 2nd round opponent comes to town, the Philadelphia 76ers, who in turn defeated the Brooklyn Nets in 5 games
• The Eastern Conference Playoffs are out to be a bloodbath. The Sixers are a tough team with some big time talent. Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and TJ McConnell are all stars from within the organization and they brought in Jimmy Butler, Tobias Harris and JJ Redick this year for added intensity
• OG Anunoby is still recovering from his appendectomy, but his return should be some time during this series and Canadian Chris Boucher is out with a sore back. Raptor killer Mike Scott is out for the 76ers with a heel injury

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Clutch - "Spirit Of '76"

Clutch is a cult-rock/metal group from Maryland with 12 studio albums to their name. "Spirit of '76" is off their latest album Book Of Bad Decisions released in 2018.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Whiskey & Coke

For round 2 you obviously need 2 shots of rye and 2 cubes of ice!

Let's do it boys!

Series tied 0-0!

Game 35: Raptors at 76ers!

Suffering Squad

• A solid win at home during the Raptors' last game at the Scotiabank Arena before Christmas last night brings us to a game in Philadelphia against Conference rivals the 76ers
• Raptors are down basically all their starters. As Lowry, Ibaka, Valanciunas, Green are likely out tonight and Kawhi is resting on a second night of a back to back
• Just Wilson Chandler and the enigmatic Markelle Fultz are out tonight for the 76ers. Embiid, Redick, Simmons and Jimmy Butler all likely to go

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Jethro Tull - "Ring Out, Solstice Bells"

I looked up Christmas songs released in 1976 and this was the most interesting one. Merry Christmas from all of us here at Raptortracks! Go Raptors and remember, Wu-tang is for the children

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

76 Beers

Just have 76 beers, drinks, shots, glasses of wine whatever. With friends and family. It's what it's all about this time of year! Cheers!

Raptors 1st in East 25-9! 76ers 4th in East 21-12!

Game 8: 76ers at Raptors!

All Good Things Come To An End

• The Raptors' undefeated streak ended last night as they fell to the Milwaukee Bucks 124-109. It just wasn't their night as many of their players were missing and others went cold
• It doesn't get any easier as another Eastern Conference rival comes to town in the Philadelphia 76ers.
• Kawhi Leonard returns tonight after resting last night's game. OG Anunoby has been excused for personal reasons and Fred Van Vleet is also unlikely.
• Philly's biggest off season acquisition was Wilson Chandler, but he won't play tonight with a hamstring strain

Tonight's Raptors Track!

The Skyhooks - "1976 Guitar"

I know the Philadelphia 76ers are named after the year 1776 in honour of the Declaration Of Independence, but trust me finding songs about 1976 is much easier

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

The French 76 Cocktail

This is a twist on the French 75 Cocktail with vodka, champagne, grenadine syrup and lemon juice.

Raptors 2nd in East 6-1! 76ers 6th in East 4-3!

Game 31: 76ers at Raptors!

Hey didn't we just play these guys?? No It's not a Festivus mix-up or Holiday Hijinx! It's the only home and home of the season for The Raptors as Philadelphia comes to town for a little Thursday night rematch!

• That image right there basically sums up Thursday night in Philly. The Sixers had no answer for DeMar DeRozan who had a career high of 45 points and made 3 pointers to help power the Raptors through to the win
• Still no CJ Miles tonight for Toronto due to this dental procedure he had, must be getting dentures or something. Terrible time of year to have any kind of tooth issue.
• It's an early-ish game starting at 5pm tonight I guess so guys can get to the airports and head home for Christmas. After tonight the Raptors don't play again until Boxing Day

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Urge Overkill - "76 Ball"

I've been told I should get into these guys more. All I really know by them is their cover of "Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon". Maybe this track "76 Ball" will get that ball rolling.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Great Lakes Brewery - Winter Ale

'Tis the Season here in Canada and usually what that means for me is time to break out the toques, hockey gloves and winter ales. This week's choice is from an Etobicoke based brewery called Great Lakes Brewery and they bring out their Winter Ale for us to enjoy! at 6.2% it's sure to keep you warm on those long, cold, Canadian nights

Raptors 2nd in East 22-8! Sixers 10th in East 14-17

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!

Game 77: 76ers at Raptors!

Back on the winning side as the season is winding down! The 76ers have already been eliminated from playoff contention, but they can still play spoiler for everyone else! Philly at Toronto! Tonight!

• Philly has shut down Joel Embiid for the year after suffering an injured knee and Ben Simmons hasn't played yet this year and there is no timetable for his return. Maybe 2018?
• Jahill Okafor, Embiid's back-up is also out for the 76ers along with Jerryd Bayless, Robert Covington and Sergio Rodriguez. They're basically just waiting for the season to end
• It would be nice if Kyle Lowry could suit up for a few minutes against his hometown team, but it doesn't look likely. Though apparently he's back to shooting with his right hand
• And lastly the Raptors have clinched home court advantage in the first round, which is huge if any of you have seen how crazy the ACC gets at playoff time.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Alarm - "Spirit Of 76"

That ain't Bono, that's Mike Peters singer of the Welsh band The Alarm. 

Raptors 3rd in the East 46-30! 76ers 13th in the East 28-48!

Game 42: Raptors at 76ers!

Keep those Atlantic division adversaries coming! The Raptors are 9-0 against teams in their division this season and will get another taste tonight as they slide into Philly to take on the rebuilding Sixers.

• Big news for Raptors fans tonight as Jared Sullinger will dress and is likely to make his debut tonight! Not sure how many minutes he'll see, I guess it depends on how well his conditioning is. But joyous news nonetheless!
• Philadelphia has tasted some success lately. A young team with nothing to lose is on the up and up winning 4 of their last 5 games and with their young pieces looking good (Embiid, Noel, Okafor, Saric) Sixers fans have alot to look forward to
• Lucas Nogueira took a hand to the face last night and had blurred vision while back in the locker room. He is out tonight. Lowry will likely play as he was rested last night. No word on whether tonight is DeRozan' turn to rest or not

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Alarm - "The Spirit Of 76"

The Alarm were a rock group from Wales who rose to fame in the 80's. They released 7 albums before disbanding in 1991. This song has a Springsteen-esque tinge to it. Kinda cool.

Raptors 2nd in East 28-13! Sixers 13th in East 13-26!

Game 25: Raptors at 76ers!

Keep those wins coming! The Raptors absolutely trounced the Bucks on Monday winning by 22 points. Let's see how they match up against the Sixers!

• Tonight should be our first look at Philly rookie sensation Joel Embiid. He's been sidelined for a few years with injuries and is on a minutes restriction this year, so he didn't make the trip when the Sixers came to Toronto. Should be a good match up with JV
• Nerlens Noel who missed the beginning of this season is back to the DL after spraining an ankle like 5 minutes into his first game back. Poor Sixers can't catch a break
• FORMER RAPTOR ALERT: Though Canadian Nik Stauskas was a huge Raptor fan growing up, the only former TO player in Philly right now is Jerryd Bayless. Bayless spent a few years in Toronto after being trading from New Orleans with Peja Stojakovic for Jarrett Jack and a few other players. He was never fully healthy though and gave up most of his starts to Jose Calderon. He declined to resign with the Raptors after Toronto traded for Kyle Lowry. Bayless is injured and will not play tonight

Tonight's Raptor Track!

G-Love & The Special Sauce - "I 76"

G. Love & The Special Sauce are a funk, hip-hop, alternative band straight outta Philly. On their 1997 album Yeah, It's That Easy they pay tribute to the city and their favourite basketball team the Philadelphia 76ers with the track "I-76". They name drop a ton of former players including current Toronto assistant coach and 905 head coach Jerry Stackhouse.

Raptors 2nd in East 17-7! 76ers 15th in East 6-18!

Game 17: 76ers at Raptors!

Raptors are back home in Toronto the day after the 104th Grey Cup! Congrats to the Ottawa Redblacks! Visiting Toronto today are the Philadelphia 76ers! Let's take a look!

• The 76ers hold the worst record in the East, but not the entire NBA. That honour belongs to the Dallas Mavericks.
• The Sixers will be without their rookie of the year prospect Joel "The Process" Embiid. I Didn't think we were allowed to give ourselves nicknames, I thought that automatically designated us with some real shitty nickname like "Sheet Stain" or "Weebit". Embiid is on a minutes restriction and didn't travel with the team
• Sixers still have a bundle of exciting young talents in players like Nerlens Noel, Jahill Okafor and Dario Saric

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Eve - "Philly, Philly"

Haven't heard much from Eve lately, first heard of her back in 1998 when she signed on with Dre's Aftermath entertainment group and later with DMX Ruff Ryders. It appears she most recently had an album in 2013. This song is from her 1999 album Let There Be Eve.

Raptors 2nd in East 10-6! 76ers 15th in East 4-13!