Playoffs Round 3: Game 3: Bucks at Raptors!

Protect Home Court

• The first 2 games of the series haven't gone the way the Raptors have hoped. The playoffs return to Toronto though and the Raptors are gonna need all that home crowd energy for a win here in game 3
• The same old shooting woes are rearing their ugly necks for the Raptors, with Danny Green and Marc Gasol struggling to fin their shots
• Bucks are basically getting anything they want and the Raptors defense and Coaching staff are sure to have a new game plan in mind for tonight's match up

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Rugburns - "Skyfucking Line Of Toronto"

Not exactly sure what I stumbled upon here, but it's a song about the Skyline of Toronto apparently. The Sky-fuckin' Line of Toronto! YEAH!! Now I get it!! YEAAAHHH!!

Today's Game Day Drink!

Raptor Energy Drink

This isn't an alcoholic drink or anything, but like any energy drink a little vodka in there and maybe you've got something cooking. Don't go overboard with those alcoholic energy drinks though. Seriously.

Bucks lead series 2-0!

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 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!

Game 81: Heat at Raptors!

Last Regular Home Game!

• The Heat come to town in what might be Dywane Wade's last time playing in Toronto, for a Noon start battle of the Eastern Conference. Miami's play off hopes dangle by a thread, will the Raptors spoil their dream?
• Kawhi Leonard will play tonight as there are no reports of load management. Patrick McCaw still sits with a bruised thumb.
• For the Heat only Josh Richardson is out with a pulled groin. Insert joke here. Dion Waiters is back for Miami and they're hoping he's firing on all cylinders as only 2 regular season games remain for both teams

Today's Raptor Track!

The Prodigy - "The Heat (The Energy)"

This year we lost Keith Flint, the iconic horn-haired singer from UK's Prodigy. There was a time in the late 90's when they had world domination firm in their grasp. Though he didn't join the band until after this album, he will forever be associated with those golden years for the band

Today's Game Day Drink!

High Noon

High Noon is an ale brewed in Ontario by the Publican House. This light wheat beer is unfiltered and gently accented with traditional hops.

Raptors 2nd in East 56-24! Heat 9th in East 38-41!

Game 79: Raptors at Nets!

Playoff Preview?

• In what could possibly be the first round match-up in next week's Play Offs, the Raptors are in Brooklyn to take on the Nets
• Brooklyn's D'Angelo Russell has been having a remarkable year and is one of the main reasons the Nets are all but guaranteed a playoff spot. Some feel he's a lock for Most Improved Player this year, but Toronto's Pascal Siakam is making almost a bigger case for the award with his increased role and productivity with the Raptors.
• Danny Green jammed his thumb in the game against Orlando, though he still managed to sink seven 3s in that game. He should be available tonight. Anunoby and McCaw are still out. Allen Crabbe is the sole Net out for this one

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Beastie Boys - "No Sleep 'Til Brooklyn"

Start getting pumped now buds, playoffs are around the corner. Gotta take care of business in Brooklyn tonight! Hoo-Ah!!

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

2014 Riesling - Brooklyn Winery

The last time these 2 teams met in the playoffs it was 2014. The Nets won in 7 games, but they were 2 completely different teams.

Raptors 2nd in East 55-23! Nets 7th in East 39-39!

Game 78: Magic at Raptors!

A Brand New World

• The season is winding down and while these games might not mean a lot to the Raptors there are teams, like Orlando, still battling for a playoff appearance and positioning
• Patrick McCaw becomes the third Raptor this year to suffer a thumb injury. He's likely to be out a few weeks. A tough blow as his expertise would have been useful in the playoffs. OG Anunoby is still questionable due to a concussion
• The Magic are a tough team even though they are missing some key players. Mo Bamba, Markelle Fultz, Timofey Mozgov and Isaiah Briscoe are out due to injuries
• Congratulations to Kawhi Leonard and his wife on welcoming their 2nd child this weekend!

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Pantera - "Metal Magic"

I dig heavy metal, it was my first love. Pantera is a great heavy band, but I get a kick out of their early hair metal days. Hair metal has it's place, but Pantera didn't really find their footing in the music world until they discovered their brutal side

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

I-4 IPA

Made by the Orlando Brewing company, the I-4 has a 5.8% ABV and pours a dark honey colour with minimal lacing

Raptors 2nd in East 54-23! Magic 9th in East 38-39!

Game 72: Raptors at Thunder!

Home and Home!

• Raptors head back out West for their first match against the Oklahoma City Thunder of the 2018-19 season! Thunder are always a pesky adversary, Raptors will need to be at their peak!
• Kyle Lowry injured his ankle in the win against the Knicks on Monday night, so he's unlikely to go tonight. Serge Ibaka returns from suspension and Fred Van Vleet had played the last 2 games without missing a beat seemingly. Great to have Fred back
• The Thunder are a tough team who only got tougher this year. Paul George re-signed in the off season, Jerami Grant has improved this year and they picked up Markieff Morris after he was waived by the Wizards. Of course can't forget about #0 Russell Westbrook, who is always a dominant force, he returns from suspension as well tonight. Should be a good one!

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Sutton Foster - "Oklahoma"

This one is from the Stage production Oklahoma!  It always gets suggested whenever the Raptors play the Thunder, so fine, here I am giving in. Thought i'd do a more modern and female take on the song however

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Homegrown American Lager

Best thing I could find with Home in it's title for this home and home that Raptors and Thunder are a part of. I'll try and find another one for Friday night's game in Toronto

Raptors 2nd in East 50-21! Thunder 5th in West 42-28!

Game 70: Raptors at Pistons!

Third Time's A Charm

• Raptors visit the Pistons for the last time in the regular season today at 4pm. They're hoping for a better showing than the last time these 2 teams squared off
• There's a chance that Fred Van Vleet will go today, he's been upgraded to questionable with his thumb strain. Lowry will likely sit after tweaking his ankle in the Cleveland game. Serge will serve game 2 of his 3 game suspension
• Pistons have Reggie Jackson listed as Probable, but he missed a few games due to injury. He'll likely go tonight

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Detroit Cobras - "Green Light"

Yes, it is St. Patrick's Day in Detroit. No word yet if either team will don Green jerseys. The Raptors haven't done so since the 2011 season and the Piston's just had "Pi Day" inspired jerseys for their game on 3/14. Either way, expect a sea of green in the stands and a sea of Raptors fans, as is the norm when Toronto comes to the Little Caesars arena

Tonight's Game Day Drink

Guinness

How could I pick anything else on this wonderful and sunny St. Patrick's Day?

Raptors 2nd in East 49-20! Pistons 6th in East 35-33!

Game 23: Warriors at Raptors!

All Eyes On Us

• There are many games that were circled on the calendar when the Raptors' schedule was released earlier this year. This is perhaps the first one of those circled games as the reigning Champion Golden State Warriors come to town
• The Warriors went out and got All Star big man DeMarcus Cousins over the Summer, sadly he's been sidelined with an achilles injury so far this season. Interestingly enough as well Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are both out for this game. Some may see that as an advantage, but first of all this is the Warriors and they have many diverse weapons to defeat with you with and second of all a win over a fully healthy Warriors team would be much sweeter than over an injured squad.
• Alfonzo McKinnie was waived earlier this year by the Toronto Raptors after a promising rookie campaign and he found himself with Golden State. Though he is out tonight with a foot injury

Tonight's Raptors Track!

Lou Reed - "Warrior King (Revenge)"

I know, i'm sure many of you think I should pick a more upbeat, pumping track but as Kyle Lowry said earlier today this is just another regular season game. Maybe if these 2 teams meet in the playoffs down the line, I'll play a more suitable song.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Purple Helmeted Warrior

I won't comment on this drink's name, but it seems like with all it's ingredients it will get you some drunk. Blue Caracao, Southern Comfort, White Rum, Peach Schnapps and whole bunch of fruit flavours!

Raptors 1st in the East 18-4! Warriors 2nd in the West 15-7!

Game 17: Raptors at Bulls!

Upwards and Onwards!

• Another tough loss for the Raptors, losing last night to the Celtics in overtime 123-116. Gotta shake it off though and focus on tonight's opponent the Chicago Bulls
• Chicago is a notoriously tough place for Raptors to get a W, but the team isn't quite the same it used to be. They will be without some key players, Kris Dunn, Bobby Portis, Denzel Valentine and Lauri Markkanen
• Raptors out for this game are CJ Miles and Norman Powell. We'll have to wait and see if Kawhi will play in his first back to back of the season and OG Anunoby might miss this one as well

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Chevelle - "Hats Off To The Bull"

Chevelle are an Illinois band who saw their popularity peak in the mid 2000s with songs like "The Red" and "Vitamin R". This one is the title track of their 2011 album Hats Off To The Bull.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Chicago Cocktail

Named after the city it was created in, the Chicago Cocktail is a brandy based mixed drink that has its roots dating back to late 19th century

Raptors first in the East 12-4! Bulls twelfth in the East 4-12!

Game 11: Raptors at Jazz!

Utahraptors!

• Raptors pulled out a statement win over LeBron James last night in LA. Beating the Lakers 121-107
• Kawhi Leonard sat out the only meeting with LeBron in LA this year with a sore foot. So the long awaited match-up will have to wait until March. He is expected to go tonight as all Raptors are accounted for
• The Jazz, who handed Toronto their only Pre-Season loss, will be without their starting point guard Donovan Mitchell as he will sit with an ankle injury

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Doobie Brothers - "Beehive State"

I guess Utah's nickname is The Beehive State. I'm glad there is a song about it, because this is one match up that gets tough to come up with songs for. I suppose I could just pick any random jazz tune however

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Johnny Utah Cocktail

Made with celery seed syrup, the Johnny Utah Cocktail is bound to turn some heads at the prep station. Combined with tequila, soda water and lime juice, celery makes the Johnny Utah cocktail a memorable one

Raptors first in the East 9-1! Jazz ninth in the West 4-5!

Game 2: Celtics at Raptors!

Beasts of the East!

• Due to technical difficulties I couldn't do an Opening Night post. Forgiveness please. Tonight's game though should be just as hype
• This could be an Eastern Conference Finals preview, Boston and Toronto are slated to be 2 of the top teams in the East this year with Philly, Indiana and Milwaukee biting at their heels
• Raptors defeated the Cavaliers 116-104 with Kawhi Leonard earning a double-double. 
• Boston haven't changed too much since last year, Gordon Hayward has returned from his injury getting 10 points and 5 rebounds in his first game in over a year

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Drake - "Nice For What"

I was thinking about doing a Boston-themed tuned, but godammit this is basically the first post since last year's playoffs! LETS DO THIS!! GET PUMPED!!! Drake is the Raptors and the Raptors are Drake. Raptors are Canadian, but ain't gotta be nice. Nice For What?

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

White Russian

What's that you say? How about a Kawhi-te Russian??? Ah who cares....drink whatever you want

Raptors 1-0! Celtics 1-0!

Game 55: Raptors at Hornets!

Don't look now, but thanks to Boston's loss the other night the Raptors find themselves in 1st in the East! They definitely helped themselves out going 4-0 on a recent home stand, now Toronto has to take care of business on the road! Raptors in Charlotte to take on the Hornets in afternoon NBA action!

• No injuries to speak of on either side of the court tonight. So that also means no excuses!
• Charlotte went the same route as Toronto during the trade deadline and didn't make any major moves. Keeping point guard Kemba Walker who's name was among trade rumours. They did acquire Willy Hernangomez from New York however.
• Only a few games before the much needed NBA All Star break. Gotta keep the momentum going and hold on to that 1st seed going into the break

Today's Raptor Track!

Iron Maiden - "Charlotte The Harlot"

We're going all the way back to 1980 for this one. Neither of these teams existed at that time. Neither did I!! From Iron Maiden's debut self titled album, it's got a bit of a different sound than maybe some of the Maiden you're used to. That's because this is not Bruce Dickinson on lead vocals. The first two albums in Maiden's catalog had Paul Di'Anno. Dickinson would first appear on 1982's Number Of The Beast

Today's Game Day Drink!

Honey Pie Double IPA

Brought to us by the Birdsong Brewing Co. out of, you guessed it, Charlotte, NC. Honey Pie Double IPA is often referred to as "Heaven In A Glass". It's a limited release so track it down while you can!

Raptors 1st in East 38-16! Hornets 10th in East 23-32!

Game 40: Cavaliers at Raptors!

It took for 40 games for the King to work up the courage to show his face in Toronto. And he's brought a ragtag bunch of misfits with him! Cleveland makes their only regular season stop in Toronto tonight!

• Serge Ibaka will not be playing tonight after getting into an altercation with James Johnson on Tuesday night. Nothing major, a few stiff elbows, but it got him a one game suspension. Serving tonight
• Kyle Lowry will also sit again due to his bruised tailbone. Hopefully he'll be rested for Saturday's game against the Warriors
• Cavs look a little different since the last time we saw them. No more Kyrie Irving as he was traded to Boston for Isaiah Thomas (who won't play tonight)& Jae Crowder. Derrick Rose will also be out and Iman Shumpert. The Cavs also picked up Dwyane Wade in the off-season (gee I wonder how) and Raptors Legend Jose Calderon. Look for him at the point for most of the game for Cleveland as Rose and Thomas are both sitting

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Against Me! - "Cavalier Eternal"

I think I may have used this one for this matchup before, but it's so effing good I feel justified in using it again!

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Red Wine

Any kind will do. The Cavaliers' colour scheme is typically described as Wine & Gold. So there ya go. Pesonally i'm going with a 2016 South Australian Shiraz. Other favourites of mine are Sandbanks' Red Dune and Dave Matthews' Dreaming Tree Crush

Raptors 2nd in East 28-11! Cavaliers 3rd in East 26-14!

Game 34: Hawks at Raptors!

Well, those last 2 games were not good. Hopefully returning back to their homecourt will get the Raptors back on track. Hawks come to the ACC for some Friday night NBA action!

• Some strange news coming out of the Raptors camp today as Serge Ibaka has been suspended for tonight's game due to an incident that occured after the loss to the Thunder on Wednesday night. 
• Things haven't been great for Atlanta this year, but one shining star has been point guard Dennis Schroder. He's a crafty player who's tough to contain.
• Dwayne Dedmon and Mike Muscala are both out for the Hawks and as I mentioned earlier only Serge Ibaka is out for the Raptors

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Daniel Lanois - "Where The Hawkwind Kills"

One of my favourite and most prolific Canadian Singer/Songwriters is Daniel Lanois. He's also a famed producer working on some legendary albums from U2, Bob Dylan and Peter Gabriel. This one is off his 1989 album Acadie.

Tonight's Gameday Drink

Eaglehawk Chardonnay

Going a little classy tonight for the game day drink! Eaglehawk Chardonnay is an South Eastern Australian wine of Wolf Blass winery.

Raptors 2nd in East 23-10! Hawks 15th in East 9-25!

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 29: Raptors at Hornets!

The Holiday Season is upon us and it's time for the yearly awkwardly arranged Raptors game schedule. They begin on the road tonight in Charlotte with a game against the Hornets

• CJ Miles will miss another game tonight due to a "dental" procedure. CJ has missed a few single game tenures for various reasons. Get them out now, we're gonna need his sharpshooting for the Playoffs.
• Serge Ibaka will return tonight for Toronto. He missed the last game with a sore knee
• Last time these two teams squared off the Hornets were without All Star starting point guard Kemba Walker. Charlotte has been a notoriously frustrating place for the Raptors to play. Walker must be kept in check for a shot at a W

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Cure - "Charlotte Sometimes"

Sometimes the Raptors play well in Charlotte, sometimes not. This Cure is inspired by a children's book of the same name, it's also where the songstress Jessica Poland got her stagename: Charlotte Sometimes

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Screwdriver

I'm a little under the weather tonight. So this game day drink is inspired by the fact that it's made with orange juice. Gotta replenish my fluids with a strong serving of Vitamin C...and yes VODKA

Raptors 3rd in East 20-8! Hornets 12th in East 11-19!

Game 28: Kings at Raptors!

After taking care of the Brooklyn Nets on Friday the Raptors remain in Toronto to host the Sacramento Kings in an afternoon game at the ACC!

• Friday's game saw Kyle Lowry log the 11th triple double of his career. With 10 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds.
• CJ Miles who sat out Friday with a sore shoulder returns for Toronto while Serge Ibaka will miss the game due to a sore knee. Delon Wright also returned Friday night after being sidelined for a few weeks with a dislocated shoulder
• The Kings will be without Zach Randolph and De'Aaron Fox. While George Hill and Willie Caulie-Stein are back in the rotation. A much different looking team than a week ago

Today's Raptor Track!

Kings Of Lean - "Notion"

Nothing out of the ordinary here. Just the fact that Kings is in their name. Off their electric 2008 album Only By The Night, which everyone owns. I knew early on that "Notion" would be a single and boom number 4. Though all the songs are great, "Notion" stood out to me upon first listen

Today's Game Day Drink!

Russian Imperial Stout

This may seem like an odd choice for a game between the Raptors and Kings, but this hearty brew is brought to us by the Sacramento Brewing Company out of California. Sh'yeah!

Raptors 3rd in East 19-8! Kings 13th in West 9-19!

Game 24: Raptors at Kings!

Raptors took care of business on Friday night and now it's off to Sacramento to play the Kings. Things don't always go as expected in Sacramento, will the Raptors be able to pull one off and avoid the yearly Sacramento Screw job? Let's find out

• It appears Sacramento will be missing a few key players. Willie Caulie-Stein and George Hill are both missing this one for the Kings
• Last year the Kings unloaded DeMarcus Cousins to New Orleans for Buddy Heild. In the Summer they added Hill, Zach Randolph and former Raptor great Vince Carter.
• Raptors are on a 5 game win streak and with the schedule ahead, adding more Ws onto that line isn't completely unthinkable

Today's Raptor Track!!

T-Nutty - "Sac Kingz"

This song didn't just come out of the woodwork, it's been around since about 2004. Don't know why I haven't featured this one yet. Plenty of songs about other kinds of kings I guess.

Today's Game Day Drink!

Budweiser

Hey, it's the King of Beers after all. Simple as that

Game 11: Pelicans at Raptors!

It was tight, but Raptors took care of business on Tuesday against the Bulls. Tonight it's the last game of the 3 game home stretch as the new look Pelicans come to town.

•  Jonas Valanciunas usually plays well against DeMarcus Cousins, but he always had big games against us when he was on the Kings.  It will be a battle of the big men tonight as New Orleans has 2 of the best in Cousins and Anthony Davis.
• Good news that one of the other feared Raptor killers, Alexis Ajinca is out for the Pelicans until atleast December. As is Solomon Hill, Omer Asik and Rajon Rondo who is sidelined with a groin strain
• Anthony Davis was in town last night at a media event and called tonight's game an L for the Raptors. Nothing wrong with some smack talk, but let's hope Toronto heard it too and come ready to fight

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Ludacris - "Eyebrows Down" feat . Tity Boi, and Dolla Boy

A few boys on this track. Fun fact Tity Boi would go on to be the rapper known as 2 Chainz, a little more marketable I suppose. The call Anthony Davis 'The Brow' because of his signature unibrow. Believe it or not there are not many songs written about eyebrows...someone should change that. Thankfully Ludacris gave us this one back in 2008

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Pelican Brewing Company

Sure they're out of Pacific City, Oregon, but what other beer company could use a Pelican as their logo? They appear to make a wide range of different beer from the standard stouts and IPAs to an Irish Style red and a black lager. Will definitely need to try it out when i'm in the area

Raptors 4th in East 6-4! Pelicans 7th in West 6-5!