Game 69: Lakers at Raptors!

The Once & Former King?

• Raptors looking to bounce back after an ugly loss to Cleveland on Monday. The last time Raptors lost to Cleveland was during the 2018 playoffs, which is also the last time that LeBron James was in town. The circumstances are much different tonight
• Raptors will need to win without Serge Ibaka who is suspended for 3 games after going after Marquese Chriss and throwing a few punches. Chriss got 1 game. Raptors sign PF Eric Moreland to a 10-day contract to fill the void. Fred Van Vleet remains out, though he has started practicing with the team again
• The Lakers' season hasn't gone they way they hoped. Struggling for a playoff spot and dealing with many injury issues. Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram are both out for the remainder of the season

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Magic Johnson"

Magic was a phenomenal player, no doubt. As a GM though, he hasn't got the greatest track record and this disappointing season must have him a little worried about his job security. Anthony Kiedis and the Chilis still believe in ya though! Here's a track from 1989's Mother's Milk when things were much happier in lala land.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Spring Laker

This chilled-out, bro-ish drank was invented in Spring Lake, NJ. It's One part Vodka, 2 parts Red Bull and a splash of pineapple juice!

Raptors 2nd in East 48-20! Lakers 11th in West 31-36!

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 20: Wizards at Raptors!

Drizzy Nizzy In This Brizzy

• Raptors are back home after going 3-1 on a 4 game road trip that saw them end up in Atlanta and secure a win. That same game former Raptor Vince Carter became the 22nd player in league history to score 25,000 career points. Congrats VC!
• Washington rolls into town and things aren't so hunky dory in America's Capitol. It's been announced that the team is exploring trades on all players including starts John Wall and Bradley Beal, and tensions behind the scenes between players, coaches and the GM are reaching a tipping point. That being said their last game, against the Clippers saw them come back from a 24 point defecit and get the W
• CJ Miles returns for the Raptors tonight, with OG Anunoby marked as questionable. For the Wiz, Dwight Howard sits with a severe back injury.
• And it's the first OVO/Drake night in the Scotia Bank Place! Raptors will be donning their brand new White and Gold City jerseys. Should be a fun night!

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Metric - "White Gold"

Great song from a great Canadian group. With a name like Metric they must be Canadian. Metric hail from Toronto, Ontario and this track is from their 2007 album Grow Up and Blow Away. Classy.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Goldschlager

You had to know this one was coming. I'm not a fan because of it's cinammon-y taste, but is their anything more baller than sipping on a drink with gold flakes in it?

Raptors 1st in the East 15-4! Wizards 10th in the East 6-11!

Game 72: Nets at Raptors!

We're back home and it's another Drake sponsored OVO Night in the North! The Raptors don their black & gold to face a once formidable but now fallen foe in the Brooklyn Nets!

• Raptors fought hard against Cleveland on Wednesday, but eventually fell by 3 points. AN impressive effort for sure and didn't lay down among the naysayer's commentary
• CJ Miles missed the Cleveland game with a sickness and will be missing tonight's game as well. Hope CJ gets his constitution in check when the finals roll around
• Brooklyn is essentially at full strength. Of course they've been without Jeremy Lin for most of the season, but other than him they're good to go. Which also means this will be DeMarre Caroll's first time playing in Toronto since being traded last Summer

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Esperenza Spalding - "Black Gold"

Yeah we're playing the Brooklyn Nets put tonight it's all about the Raptors baby and they're fresh as fire black and gold jerseys! Here's a smooth jam all about that dynamite combination of colours!

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Whiskey and Coke

As with every Drake night game I am enjoying a nice smooth Whiskey & Coke. 3 ice cubes. Kick back and enjoy this one tonight folks. Have a great weekend!

Raptors 1st in  East 53-19! Nets 13th in East 23-49!

Game 51: Trailblazers at Raptors! OVO Night!

I can't believe it came down to a free throw.....shake it off boys! Defend your home court as the visiting Portland Trailblazers look for a W in the East! North East! Gold & Black is back!

• Portland has been waiting for the Raptors in Toronto while they tried to take of business in Washington. A tough road loss can only lead to a fierce home victory
• The Blazers may be without big man Jusuf Nurkic and Maurice Harkless. Likely game time decisions for both
• Fred Van Vleet is back from his turn at babysitting and CJ Miles is also a game time decision due to that sore knee. Likely out.
• Big congrats to Damian Lillard for making his first All Star game. In the hyper competitive West, this is a real accomplishment

Tonight's Raptor Track!

...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead - "How Near How Far"

The trail in there is the connection tonight budz. These guys were part of that early 2000's garage/indie band explosion that saw the rise of The White Stripes, The Vines and The Hives. ...Trail never saw the fame heights as those bands and i'm sure they're just fine with it. 

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Blue Blaze Brewing Co.

Really anything by this Brewing Company out of Charlotte, NC. Yes I know we're playing Portland and not the Hornets. But this Brewery has drinks called Black Blaze (Stout), Yellow Blazer (Kolsch) and their flagship altbier, Blue Blaze

Raptors 2nd in East 34-16! Trailblazers 6th in West 29-22!

Game 49: Timberwolves at Raptors

The homestand continues as does the Black & Gold jerseys. Raptors looking for a little payback after week's loss as Minnesota comes to town

• Fred Van Vleet recently became a father. Congrats! But he will go tonight it appears. CJ Miles on the other hand is a late scratch due to some knee soreness
• Maybe in CJ's absence Norman Powell can get some minutes and make the most of them. Get some confidence back in front of the home crowd
• It's all hands on deck for the Timberwolves as no players are listed as OUT. They did play and lose in Atlanta last night so hopefully we can catch them on a back to back just like they caught us
• Also a big congrats to Dwane Casey and his coaching staff who will be heading to LA to Coach Team LeBron at the All Star Game next weekend

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Mountain Goats - "Minnesota"

I'm not sure if the Timberwolves will be donning their flourescent green jerseys tonight or not, so just gonna pick a song with Minnesota as the title. It's The Mountain Goats from Claremont, California.and a cut from their 4th album Full Force Galesburg.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Timber Beast

From the Lazy Magnolia Brewery out of Kiln, MS. It's Timber Beast beer! Crisp & Bold caramel flavour with grapefruit and citrusy pine aroma.

Raptors 2nd in East 33-15! Timberwolves 4th in West 32-21!

Game 48: Lakers at Raptors! OVO Night!

Shake off that bad loss and miracle shot by Ricky Rubio Friday night and come out strong tonight as a young and upcoming Lakers team comes to visit Toronto. Still in the Black & Gold today!

• Jonas Valanciunas had himself a career night on Friday scoring 28 points and coming up with 14 rebounds!  JV for MIP? Who says no?
• The Lakers will be without Lonzo Ball who is dealing with an MCL Sprain, which means the Canadian Tyler Ennis will likely get the start at PG
• As I said above the Raptors need to shake off that bad loss on Friday night, but they also need to drain open shots. The ball movement of this year has been great and thats the main reason for it.
• It's still OVO theme night at the ACC. Let's get back to a 500 record in those unis boys!

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Sam Sparro - "Black and Gold"

Enh, why not?

Tonight's Gameday Drink!

Black Gold Beer

Brought to us by the Central Waters Brewing Co. It's a heavier beer, an American Double / Imperial Stout. Though looks like it only a one time brew as it was a limited edition release.

Raptors 2nd in East 32-15! Lakers 11th in West 19-29!

Game 47: Jazz at Raptors! OVO Night!!

This one has been circled on the calendar all year! It's the unveiling of the Raptors' City Jerseys, which were inspired by Drake and OVO. The ACC floor will transformed to match the black and gold jerseys as the Utah Jazz make their only stop here in The North.

• All Star line ups have been announced and both DeMar and Kyle were picked by team Curry and will likely play against their Coach Dwane Casey as he'll be coaching team LeBron, if the Raptors can stay the course that is
• Utah Jazz rookie Donovan Mitchell has been selected to represent Team USA in the Rising Stars challenge during All Star weekend. Well deserved, Mitchell is high on the Rookie of the Year radar and will likely have a long and successful career
• The Jazz will be without a few key players tonight. Namely Dante Exum, Thabo Sefolosha and Rodney Hood

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Rotary Connection - "I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun"

Rotary Connection were a Funk/Psychadelic Soul group coming out of Chicago in the late 60's. They were also the backing band on Muddy Waters' album Electric Mud. The song "I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun" has been sampled and remixed several times.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Goldschlager

Even though this one of the grossest shits, Goldschlager is straight ballin' to drink tonight. It's got chips of gold in it and it will get you some drunk. We The North!

Raptors 2nd in East 32-14! Jazz 10th in West 20-28!

Game 11: Warriors at Raptors! (Drake Night)

Valiant effort last night by the boys in Red, but they came up a bit short to the 2016 Champs Cleveland Cavaliers. It doesn't get any easier i'm afraid as the Raptors return home to face the Golden State Warriors.

• This is the first true look the Raptors will get at the Warriors since signing Kevin Durant in the off season. The Warriors aren't off to as hot a start this year though and currently sit at 8&2.
• Hopefully DeMarre Carroll will get some time tonight to guard KD as he sat last night due to rest on one game of a back to back
• It's Drake night at the ACC so the Raptors will be wearing their very sleek OVO inspired black and gold jerseys. KD is close to Drake so it must be by design that Drake picked his one visit to Toronto to host the game...show him what this city is all about before another look at free agency

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Drake - "Back To Back"

It's just too perfect,,,,

Raptors third in East 7-3! Warriors second in West 8-2!