Playoff Round 4: Game 3: Raptors at Warriors!

Here Comes Revenge

• The Warriors bounced back in Game 2 and stole one in Toronto. It really came down to one bad quarter for the Raptors who let Golden State go on a 18-0 run in the third
• Kevon Looney left the game and was later diagnosed with a fractured collar bone. He is out for an indeterminate amount of time and Klay Thompson sprained his hamstring and is questionable for game 3
• No word on whether Kevin Durant will play either game in Oakland, but Toronto's OG Anunoby is cleared to play

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Metallica - "Here Comes Revenge"

Metallica are performing the Star-Spangled Banner tonight at Oracle Arena!!! I'm so conflicted! My favourite band supporting the opposing team of my favourite team??? Not really, Raptors all the way, but it kinda makes me wish we had Metallica instead of Drake. Nothing against him, I love his enthusiasm and love and support of Toronto and the Raptors, but Metallica at a Toronto home game would be my dream!

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Golden State Cider

I don't do enough Ciders on this thing! From their webiste!

Mighty Dry is made with 100% fresh-pressed apple juice and fermented with Champagne yeast. Juicy, freshly cut apple aromatics balance perfectly with a bright, crisp taste to produce our flagship Cider.

Series tied 1-1!

Playoffs Round 3: Game 4: Bucks at Raptors!

Overtime Dramatics!

• Raptors defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in game 3 in a double overtime thriller! Here's hoping it doesn't require that kind of extra play for Toronto to even the series at 2-2 tonight
• Kawhi Leonard logged some heavy minutes, but when you're the team MVP and maybe more, 52 minutes to get a win is just something that comes with the territory
• No lineup changes for either team as of yet, though Nick Nurse teased some potential tweaking for game 3. OG and McCaw remain out

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Motorhead - "The Claw"

This one is dedicated to #2.  Playing his heart out, through pain and consequence. Not making any excuses for himself and letting it all bleed out on the floor. Offensively and defensively. Hopefully this isn't your last home game as a Toronto Raptor. The Claw. #2. The Man, The Myth. Kawhi Leonard

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Taster's Choice

I know it's a bit of a cop-out, but I found this image online and really wanted to us it. Was looking for some kind of hunting season booze, but of course, Beer Season is just too perfect

Bucks lead series 2-1!

Playoff Round 3: Game 1: Raptors at Bucks!

Eastern Conference Finals!

• There's the picture that you've seen a thousand times since Sunday. Of Kawhi's historic shot that again you've seen a thousand times since Sunday. But....in case you haven't...

• In what will go down as the greatest moment in Raptors history Kawhi Leonard hit an impossible shot to take game 7 and seal the series against the Philadelphia 76ers. 4 games to 3.
• It doesn't get any easier for Toronto as Giannis Antentokoumpo and the Milwaukee Bucks have been waiting patiently since eliminating the Boston Celtics in 5 games. Rebounds must be grabbed. 3s must be contested and shots must be made
• Still OG Anunoby for the Raps as he recovers from appendix surgery. For the Bucks Marc Gasol's brother Pau has yet to play in these playoffs and DJ Wilson is out with a sore ankle.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

System Of A Down - "Bounce!"

That ball doinked off the rim a total of 4 times which seemed to last an eternity. Tonight's song honours those bounces.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Well, I dunno...my computer just took a dump.

Drink whatever ya want! But get hype and loud for Canada's NBA team!

Series tied 0-0!

Game 82: Raptors at Timberwolves!

Playoffs are coming...

• It's the final game of the regular season for the Raptors and the final game of the year for the Minnesota Timberwolves. They unveiled a Game Of Thrones themed logo, i guess in honour of the new season starting this weekend. The Raptors have bigger fish to fry however, as the post season looms in their future. Minnesota finds themselves on the outside looking in once again.
• Elsewhere in the NBA, the Nets, Magic, Hornets, Heat and Pistons are fighting for their playoff lives as the Eastern Conference standings have yet to be finalized. It also has yet to bear Toronto's first round match up
• Raptors have signed Centre Eric Moreland for the remainder of the season, rounding out their 15 man play off line up. The Timberwolves are down big for their final game. Derrick Rose, Jeff Teague, Robert Covington, Luol Deng, Jerryd Bayless and Taj Gibson are all out on this final game.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Tragically Hip - " The Dire Wolf"

The Timberwolves still have one of the best prospects from Canada on their team in Andrew Wiggins and one of the greatest Canadian bands is the Tragically Hip. In honour of their name change tonight, here is the song "The Dire Wolf" from In Violet Light by The Hip

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Minnesota Gold Lager

Brought to us by the Third Street Brewhosue, this golden lager is 4.9% and available all year round!

Raptors 2nd in East 57-24! Timberwolves 11th in West 36-44!

Game 74: Hornets at Raptors!

Home Stretch

• After a tough loss the Raptors host the Charlotte Hornets who are scrapping and fighting and doing everything they can to get into a playoff position down the stretch
• Kyle Lowry is listed as questionable with an ankle injury that he suffered last week during the home game against the Knicks. Kawhi will be playing
• Charlotte is likely going to be without Michael Kidd-Gilchrist due to a concussion and Cody Zeller who is recovering from a knee injury. Former Raptor and fan favourite Bismack Biyombo likely to get the start.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

King Buzzo - "Useless King Of The Punks"

Roger Osborne, also known as Buzz Osborne, also known as King Buzzo is the guitar player, vocalist and main songwriter for the legendary grunge group known as The Melvins. He's also collaborated with Venomous Concept and the Fantomas. This track is from his solo album This Machine Kills Artists.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Coors Light

Raptors haven't fared too well lately on Sunday games, so let's get back to basics. Sit courtside and have a Coors, the official beer of the Toronto Raptors. Can't you just imagine all the lads sitting around, joshing with each other and the coaches holding a Coors...not drinking of course. Just holding.

Raptors 2nd in East 51-22! Hornets 10th in East 33-39!

Game 52: Raptors at Mavericks!

Lonestar State Showdown!

• Raptors have lost 2 in a row. First to Indiana and an epic battle on Friday night to the red hot Houston Rockets. Tonight they continue their Western road trip in Dallas and do battle with the struggling Mavericks
• Danny Green missed Friday's game with a sore hand, but is available tonight. As are Kawhi Leonard and OG Anunoby, who have been out for various reasons as of late
• Dirk Nowitzki's final season rolls on but not as he thought it would. Luka Doncic has been a bright spot for Dallas this season and there are even whispers of All Star. JJ Barea is out for the remainder of the season due to an achillies injury.
• Congratulations to Kawhi Leonard for being named as a starter for the Eastern Conference All Stars at this year's All Star Game in Charlotte.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Flatlanders - "Dallas"

It's almost a given that the Raptors Track selection when the Raptors face Dallas is going to be  a country/western song. Not every time I suppose, but 9 times out of 10. Here are the Flatlanders from Lubbock, Texas with tonight's offering

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Maverick Estate Wines

This Winery is located in Oliver, British Columbia. A far cry from the Lonestar State, but great wine is almost always worth the trip. Couldn't find much on their specific wines as their website is under construction, so just enjoy an easy classic and try their Pinot Gris.

Raptors 2nd in East 36-15! Mavericks 12th in West 22-26!

Game 50: Raptors at Wizards!

In a rare road game the Raptors take to Washington to do battle with the Wizards. Here we'll find a few All-Stars and some not so-friendly fans

• In a recent rash of All-Star players being suddenly sidelined due to injury John Wall will miss about 6-8 weeks for a banged up knee. Kevin Love and Demarcus Cousins will also have to sit out the All-Star Game due to injuries
• Fred Van Vleet did not make the trip with the Raptors as he's needed back in Toronto with a newborn daughter. CJ Miles is also questionable with knee soreness
• Norman Powell had a great game against the Timberwolves without Miles in the line-up, we're gonna energy and shooting from him to have a successful game in Washington.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Beadouin Soundclash - "Walls Fall Down"

Is this mean? I'm not trying to be, i'm not happy John Wall is injured, but it's a reality. Plus these guys are from Toronto. Good song too

Today's Game Day Drink!

The Public Pale

Our game day beer is brought to us tonight be DC Brau Brewing Company out of Washington, DC.  The Public is an American Pale Ale style beer. Assertive bitterness backed by C-60 and Vienna malts which lend notes of rich, yet semi-dry caramel. Then followed up with a nice white grapefruit and citrus aroma that begs for a follow up sip.

Raptors 2nd in East 34-15! Wizards 5th in East 28-22!

Game 37: Raptors at Bucks!

Thirty Seven!!?! It's a rematch of Monday's Marquee game where DeRozan dropped 52 points on the Milwaukee Bucks. Only this time, it's the Raptors who are in enemy territory and you can bet the Milwaukee fans won't be giving them a warm welcome on this cold night

• Didn't we just leave this party? You can bet Milwaukee is going to be coming breathing fire after DeRozan carved their names in stone Monday Night. Everybody is going to need to step up to hold off their onslaught
• Delon Wright played a great game against Chicago on Wednesday. Scoring a career high 25 points and getting his first double-double as well. Let's see if he can keep that momentum going
• No lineup changes to speak of since Monday. Though Norman Powell didn't play the last time these two teams matched up. Hopefully he'll get some meaningful minutes tonight

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Static-X - "Wisconsin Death Trip"

This is the title track off Static-X's debut album released way back in 1999. The album takes it's title from a book about Wisconsin in the late 1800's early 1900's. Detailing the hardships people went through in that part of the US during that time.

Today's Game Day Drink!

Buck's Fizz

Mix 2 parts Champagne and one part Orange juice and baby, you've got some Buck's Fizz. it was named after a club in London that started serving the drink in the 1920's

Raptors 2nd in East 26-10! Bucks 5th in East 20-16!

Game 35: Bucks at Raptors!

Happy New Year to everyone!! The Raptors continue their home stand as we get a visit from the Milwaukee Bucks! These 2 teams haven't seen each other since the Raptors eliminated the Bucks in Game 6 of the first round of the 2017 playoffs! You best believe the energy will be alive tonight!

• The Bucks were the winners of the Eric Bledsoe sweepstakes earlier this year. Bledsoe was traded from the Suns after vocally admitting that he wanted out of Milwaukee.
• Serge Ibaka will return to the lineup tonight after serving his one game suspension for an altercation with a Raptors staff member after last week's game against the Thunder. All is forgiven. Water under bridges now.
• Bucks are for the most part healthy and likely hungry for revenge though they will still be without Jabari Parker and Mirza Teletovic.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Neil Young - "Cough Up The Bucks"

I get the feeling i've done this song before....ah frig it. Neil Young is a Canadian Icon and he's still with us, so let's all take time to appreciate it the living legend Mr. Young and get pumped for today's game

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Old Milwaukee

Couldn't have it any other way. Used to be my go to Friday night tall boy. Old Milwaukee beer!

Raptors 2nd in East 24-10! Bucks 6th in East  19-15!

Game 20: Hornets at Raptors!

Guess who's back? Back again!! That's right suckahs! After a week's vacation i'm back in the Raptor-cheering saddle! Though I proudly represented the 6ix down in Cancun! Since i've been away the Raptors have gone 2-2. Losing to New York and Indiana and beating Washington and Atlanta. Tonight we host the Hornets!

• Norman Powell and Serge Ibaka are back for Toronto, though Norman is now back to the bench after OG Anunoby has impressed with starters minutes. I think it makes sense. Norm is too similar to DeMar and he gets more touches off the bench. 
• Delon Wright remains out with a dislocated shoulder. Last year against Charlotte was kind of his arrival party as he lead the comeback from a defensive stand point when the Raptors were down big
• Kemba Walker appears to be out for the Hornets, Michael Carter-Williams will likely get the start. Charlotte also added All-Star big man Dwight Howard over the summer, just adding to the long list of Raptor killers on this Hornet team

Tonight's Raptor Track!!

Hawkwind - "Lord Of The Hornets"

Hawkwind was Lemmy from Motorhead's band before Motorhead. They were more acid influenced than whiskey influenced and definitely more experimental. It also featured Robert Calvert who wrote most of the lyrics and had a successful solo career. Which is why it's featured on both artists' albums.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Jack Daniels' Tennessee Honey

You might remember this commercial from a few years back that featured a swarm of bees surrounding a whiskey bottle. I dunno...didn't really make me want to drink booze, a bunch of gross insects flying about, but the commercial and song stuck with me. So it's enough to include it here tonight

Raptors 4th in East 12-7! Hornets 11th in East 8-11!

Game 13: Raptors at Rockets!

Would have been nice to get that W in Boston. Raptors fell to the Celtics by one point. It's not getting any easier for Toronto as they head down to the Lonestar State to face the Houston Rockets.

• Norman Powell left the game on Sunday after colliding with Boston big man Aron Baynes. It's reported that he suffered a 'hip pointer' and may be out for the forseeable future.
• Houston really did everything they could to build a championship team over the Summer. They traded Patrick Beverly, Sam Dekker and Lou Williams (Louuuu) to the Clippers for Chris Paul, even though he's only played one game for Houston this season so far and will miss tonights game.
• Raptors will see a familiar face in PJ Tucker, who only played the final half of the year for the Raptors before his contract was up. He signed with Houston in the off-season. His defensive intensity is what is missed most. It's almost contagious. Maybe OG Anunoby can watch some of his tape and turn into that kind of player for the future

Tonight's Raptor Track!!

Herbie Hancock - "Rockit"

Herbie Hancock is a jazz pianist and virtually a legend in the field. He ventured away from jazz for the first time into a more post-modern direction with his 1983 album Future Shock. The album's big hit was "Rockit". Known most for it's music video which feature dancing, and walking automatons. It cleaned up at that year's MTV video awards where it picked up 5.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Mama Tried IPA

Coming from the Bazos Valley Brewing Company nestled about an hour away from Houston. Named after a Merle Haggard song, it's got an ABV of 6.6% and 55 IBUs. Described as crisp and smooth with a definitive backbone malt. It's been called one of Houston's best IPAs.

Raptors 4th in the East 7-5! Rockets 1st in the West 11-3! Really? 11-3?? Christ....

Game 8: Raptors at Jazz!

I think we should all forget about that last game. It was ass. No one played well. Thankfully we have reached the last game of the dreaded West Coast Road Trip as the Raptors land in Salt Lake City to take on the Utah Jazz

• I love that picture of DeMar cramming it on Rudy Gobert. Such a devastating dunk on a dominating shot blocker. And Rudy Gobert has only gotten better
• CJ Miles missed morning shoot around with the Raptors as he had flu-like symptoms. Apparently he will be a game time decision.
• Utah's biggest loss this year so far has been Gordon Hayward who signed with the Boston Celtics this off season. Though Utah picked up Ricky Rubio, their up and coming star Dante Exum is out indefinitely after shoulder surgery and ISO Joe Johnson is also out with a sore wrist

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Huggy Bear - "Herjazz"

What about the son of the guy who played Huggy Bear? No Startsky & Hutch just a punk group from Brighton (London) England composed of a relentless band of ladies. "Herjazz" was a single released in 1993. They performed this song on British television where there was an incident. Some biting was maybe involved? I dunno, but they would break up soon after in 1994.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Polygamy Porter

Isn't Utah a dry county or something? Not exactly, but they do have very stingy alcohol laws. That being said you can still find a few places to have a pint and watch the game. Like the Wasatch Brewpub in Park City, UT. Where you can settle in an enjoy a bottle or can of Polygamy Porter? Why have just one?

Raptors 6th in East 4-3! Jazz 6th in West 5-3!

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...

Preseason Game 3: Raptors at Trailblazers!

While they're not playing at 1am on a weeknight in this one, it's still a late game as The Raptors are on the West Coast for a match up with the Portland Trailblazers! Oregon yo.

• Though he missed last game due to sore ankle it has been reported today that Norman Powell has agreed to a 4yr $42 Million Contract Extension with the Toronto Raptors. Considering the hype around this guy, his potential ceiling and what we've already seen on the court, this is a very very good deal for Toronto. Praise Masai.
• Lowry sat for the last game to have a little rest. Nothing to worry about, though i'm going to assume DeRozan or Ibaka, maybe both will rest tonight. No word yet though.
• Not much has changed in Portland over the offseason. The Blazers still have their studs Lillard and McCollum. They still have Jusuf Nurkic after acquiring him in a trade last year with the Nuggets, which i'm sure was only to stop the confusion with Nikola Jokic.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Al Stewart - "Katherine Of Oregon"

Al Stewart was a Scottish singer/songwriter from Glasgow. He knew Yoko Ono before she met John Lennon and even shared a flat with a young Paul Simon. Quite a Forrest Gump here. "Katherine Of Oregon" comes from his album A Beach Full Of Shells released in 2005

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

McTarnahan's Amber Ale

This is one of Portland Brewing's 2 offerings, the other one being an IPA with an Elephant on it. I like elephants. And I like Beer. The Amber Ale sounds like a nice refreshing ale to kick back and enjoy a good match with. Pick me up a 6 pack would ya?

https://www.portlandbrewing.com/

Game 64: Raptors at Pelicans!

Wait, I thought we already played DeMarcus Cousins twice this season....this isn't fair,,,,

• It's game 2 of a 5 game road swing for The Raptors and they'll have their work cut out for them. Still no Kyle Lowry and DeMarre Caroll turned his ankle Saturday against Milwaukee so he's out for tonight.
• Everyone is saying that the Raptors won the trade deadline by adding Serge Ibaka and PJ Tucker. But New Orleans acquired DeMarcus Cousins from Sacramento for Buddy Heild and a few picks. Not too shabby.
• Last time these two teams played JV and Norman Powell had big nights. Powell even got a poster dunk on Anthony Davis, you can bet that the Pelicans are going to be amped up for Toronto tonight

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Jacksons - "Blame It On The Boogie"

I don't know why Cousins' nickname is "Boogie". As a Raptors fan I always knew Alvin Williams as "Boogie". Ah well...how many T-Bone's have you known in your life? or Deaners? So many Deaners.

Raptors 4th in the East 37-26! Pelicans 13th in the West 25-39!