Game 36: Raptors at Bulls!

Well that was a nice little home stretch. Hope you enjoyed it, because tonight we're back on the road as the Raptors are in the always unfriendly Madhouse on Maddison to take on the Chicago Bulls

• DeMar DeRozan had himself a phenomenal game on New Year's Day against the Bucks. Scoring 52 points, a career high and franchise record. He also shot the ball extremely well from 3. Let's see if some of the other boys can step up tonight and give DeMar some rest
• Namely Norman Powell who didn't play against Milwaukee last game. Not sure if it was for some scheduled rest or just because the matchups didn't work in his favour, but it would be nice to see Norman have a good start to 2018 to make up for lackluster first half of this season
• The Bulls have been raging lately. Don't let their record fool you. They may be low in the standings but they've defeated some formidable teams. Also Nikola Mirotic is likely to play tonight who the Raptors have yet to see this season. He has been finding his shot lately and playing extremely well
• Kudos to Dwane Casey who was named the Eastern Conference Coach Of The Month for December! Well deserved

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Billy Joel - "52nd Street"

In honour of DeRozan's  52 points I thought I'd play a little William Joel tickling the ivories. Sure the song is a reference to a famous jazz hub in New York City, not Chicago, but how often is one of our players going to set a franchise record? Unless someone goes for 53 tonight...

Today's Game Day Drink!

Jagerbombs!

Though i'm not a huge fan, and they really aren't that popular anymore. Tonight i'm shining the spotlight on a shot that was all the rage not 10 years ago. Originally people would drop a shot of Jagermeister in a glass of beer then chug the whole thing. Beer would be eventually replaced by Red Bull, an energy drink in an effort to counter the tiring effects of mixing too much alcohol.

Raptors 2nd in East 25-10! Bulls 13th in East 13-24!

Game 10: Bulls at Raptors!

The home stand didn't get off to the start the Raptors had hoped with a loss to the Wizards. Gotta shake it off and get your head right as the tricky Bulls come back through for a rematch from opening night.

• Kyle Lowry was ejected early in the second quarter during Sunday's game. It's something to watch this year as the refs are seemingly not tolerating much mess from players and pulling a quick trigger on ejections.
• Either way the Raptors need to have better starts. It was a problem last year digging out of large defecits, especially at home. Alfonzo McKennie was sent down the 905 G-League affiliate. Other than that all Raptors are go.
• Bobby Portis returns for the Bulls tonight after serving an eight game suspension for an in-practice brawl with Nikola Mirotic. Mirotic is still out along with Zach Lavine and Cameron Payne

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Cat Empire - "Bulls"

The Cat Empire have been writing and performing their own unique brand of ska, reggae and jazz Down Under since around 1999. Their 2016 album Rising With The Sun has quite a few tracks named after animals. Track #2 is called "Bulls"

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Bloody Mary

I'm picking this tonight because of the time I spent in Chicago. It was the first time I had a Bloody Mary, the US' answer to Canada's Caesar. Typically made with Tomato juice and vodka, each bartender seems to put their own unique twist on the drink. Which is what I like about bartending. Another outlet for one's creativity

Raptors 5th in the East 5-4! Bulls 14th in the East 2-6!

Game 1: Bulls at Raptors! (Home Opener!)

OOOOEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOO it looks like the Raptors are back in action as we finally get some NBA Basketball that counts!!! The self-destructing Chicago Bulls are in town for the Throwdown in Six town!!

• All systems are go for the Toronto Raptors as non of our players are scratched. Alfonzo McKinnie was rewarded the final roster spot after some impressive preseason performances, which means KJ McDaniels and Bruno (!) will be inactive.
• Raptors rookie OG Anunoby who was slated to be a top 10 pick in the 2017 draft but fell due to an injury is active. The injury was supposed to keep him out until November/December, but it appears the kid is tougher than once thought
• Oh The Bulls.....poor Chicago. As if they didn't have enough to stress over after yard sailing Jimmy Butler, Rajon Rondo, Taj Gibson and Dwyane Wade away. The already tanking Bulls had another hiccupp as Bobby Portis and Nikola Mirotic got into a scrap during a recent practice. The ensuing brawl left Mirotic with a broken face and Portis with a suspension. Neither will play tonight. Neither will Zach Lavine, Cameron Payne and Kris Dunn

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Korn - "Let's Do This Now"

Enough screwing around! Let's get to some Toronto Raptor Basketball! DeRozan! Lowry! Valanciunas! Ibaka! Powell! Miles!

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Rye & Coke

You guys can have whatever you'd like. I never preach about another man's drink, but i'm going with my old faithful Rye & Coke. 3 ice cubes. Clinky clink. Jack my recommend some MGD or a little BACAHDI! But tonight for me....it's this...

RIP John Dunsworth & Gord Downie...