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!

Game 9: Wizards at Raptors!

We're going home! We're running free!! After a 6 game Western Road Swing the Raptors went 3-3 and now have arrived back in Toronto to find the visiting Washington Wizards!

• The biggest news here is that John Wall will not play for Washington today as he suffered a shoulder injury in the game against the Cavaliers. Though there is no structural damage, he is experiencing soreness and tightness.
• CJ Miles missed Fridays game against Utah due to illness and it appears he is still not 100%. Likely a game time decision
• Washington was another of those teams, like Toronto, that stayed mainly intact over the Summer. They did lose Bogdan Bogdanovic, but added Sheldon Mac.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - "Rattlesnake"

These guys are the current buzz band in the vinyl and hipster crowd. Though they formed in Australia in 2010, they've only gamed traction in North America in the passed year. They perform a style of psychadelic rock that harkens back to a 60's/70's style. Check 'em out and draw your own conclusions.

Today's Game Day Drink!

Coors Light

Put it on ice Matty D!!! It feels so long since we've been at home, we've got to celebrate with one of the Raptors proud sponsors and supporters!! Crack a cold silver bullet and enjoy the game courtside at the ACC (*this post was not sponsored or endorsed by Coors Light)

Raptors 4th in East 5-3! Wizards 8th in East 4-4!

Game 62: Raptors at Wizards!

OK, well it can't get worse than that can it? If you missed the game on Wednesday don't worry about it. Here's all you need to know. Washington won and at one point went on a 22-0 run in the second quarter. Pretty much sums it up. Raps are in Washington to try and salvage a game out of this home & home.

• Patrick Patterson came out and said that basically the second unit needs to be better. Offensively and defensively. Lack of communication and intensity were a big problem on Wednesday, tonight must be better
• Recently acquired Bojan Bogdanovic had a massive game for the Wizards. Scoring 27 points and going 6 for 7 from three. This guy isn't that good is he? Stop him and attack him when he's on the floor
• Brandon Jennings will likely make his bench debut tonight for Washington. He was picked up after recently being waived by New York

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Staind - "Home"

Whatever happened to Staind? They were huge in the late 90's early 2000's and then kinda drifted away. A shame really. "Home" is from their 1999 debut Dysfunction.

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Econoline Crush - "Home"

Get it? Home and home? Ha he ho. I'm funny. Another band that kind of drifted away, though these guys may only have been popular in Canada. They could still be big in the world of industrial rock I suppose. When the day comes that industrial music returns maybe we'll see the triumphant revival of Econoline Crush.

Raptors 4th in East 36-25! Wizards 3rd in East 26-23!

Game 61: Wizards at Raptors!

4 in a row for the new look Raptors! They'll face a difficult test in a home and home against a formidable Eastern rival in the Washington Wizards!

• Kyle Lowry underwent surgery to repair a messed up wrist on Tuesday morning. It apparently went well, hopefully that means he'll only be out of the line up for 3-4 weeks.
• Wizards played last night and beat the Golden State Warriors.  It's going to come down to defense as both teams will likely try to impose their offensive will.
• It's been reported that Brandon Jennings, who was recently waived by New York, will sign with the Wizards. Though it's likely he won't debut until Friday's game, where Toronto will travel to Washington.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Joni Mitchell - "Wizard Of Is"

This is a rare and live recording of Joni Mitchell's Leonard Cohen-esque song "Wizard Of Is". The quality isn't great, but it' still a sweet and enjoyable track

Raptors 4th in East 36-24! Wizards 3rd in East 35-23!