Preseason Game 5: Pelicans at Raptors!

Finish Strong!

• It's the final game of the Preseason for the Raptors as they welcome the New Orleans Pelicans to Toronto, but don't get too excited as neither team is broadcasting the game
• Though Kyle Lowry got ejected last night and Kawhi Leonard struggled to find his shot, the team looked great on the defensive end with the team finishing with 14 blocks and 7 steals in total
• A nice moment for Montreal born Chris Boucher, as he got a rousing ovation when he subbed into the game and again when he sank two 3 pointers for the Raptors
• The Pelicans lost DeMarcus Cousins in the offseason as he signed with the Golden State Warriors, but for the most part their team looks the same with most of their offense going through All Star centre Anthony Davis.
• The Pelicans also signed former Laker Julius Randle in the offseason. Look for him to become a dominant threat for New Orleans as well

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Dropkick Murphys - "Gonna Be A Blackout Tonight"

I'll save the New Orleans/Pelican themed songs for the regular season. Since there is no broadcast of the game tonight, it's basically a black out. Go out and live dammit!! Regular season starts Wednesday!

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Blackout Stout

Brought to us by the Great Lakes Brewery, they call it a Russian Imperial Stout and say that it's dark and bold as power-less metropolis!

Raptors Preseason Record 3-1! Pelicans Preseason Record 0-4!

Preseason Game 4: Nets at Raptors!

Fuque Les Nets!

• Bonjour! We are returning to preseason basketball tonight as the Brooklyn Nets are in Montreal, QC to do battle with an Atlantic division foe the Toronto Raptors
• Brooklyn is still reeling from their big blockbuster trade a few years ago that saw them give up some key draft picks for a year and a bit of Paul Pearce and Kevin Garnett. Though beams of sunlight are beginning to shine through the cracks as new Nets GM (and former Raptor) Sean Marks has slowly but steadily began to gather assets and develop young talent.
• A few former Raptors play for Brooklyn, DeMarre Carroll who the Raptors traded away before last season, Quincy Acy is back in the Boroughs and newly acquired Ed Davis was recently picked up as a free agent. Raptors drafted Davis in the 2010 Draft as a replacement Chris Bosh before trading him away in 2013 as part of the Rudy Gay deal
• Norman Powell injured his leg in the game against Melbourne United. A game that saw him score 25 points with some impressive dunks. The injury isn't serious, but he might sit out for precautionary reasons. OG Anunoby returns to the team tonight.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Sloan - "Green Gardens, Cold Montreal"

Not sure what the weather is like in Montreal tonight, but here in Ottawa it's pretty agreeable. Though any Canadian city will have a tough task to convince outsiders that they're anything but an icebox. So might as well embrace it. Today's track is from the Canadian Fab Four, Sloan who hail from the East Coast of the Country. This one is from their 2011 album The Double Cross.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Labatt Bleue

Labatt Bleue  est une bière canadienne blonde. Bouteille de style « long neck », de couleur brune, avec étiquette et capsule bleues.

Raptors Preseason record 2-1! Nets Preseason record 1-1!

Preseason Game 3: Melbourne at Raptors!

The State Of Your Preseason, Mate

• Raptors make their first appearance on their home court tonight as a globe trotting Melbourne team is in town for an exhibition game. Though you wouldn't know it, it's almost impossible to find any information about tonight's game
• OG Anunoby is still on leave from the team due to a loss in his family

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Shins - "Australia"

I could have went super obvious here and picked "Land Down Under" by Men At Work, but that's not what i'm about. A little basketball info, a little drinky poo to try and a little bit of new music for everyone to discover

Tonight's Game Day Drink

Foster's

Nothing like a giant can of Foster's from deep down under to enjoy some preseason basketball with....can't wait until the regular season starts

Raptors preseason record 1-1!

Preseason Game 2: Raptors at Jazz!

How Hungry Are You?

(You might want to start tonight's song now)

• Raptors pulled out the win on Saturday against the Trailblazers 122-104. Though for the most part it was a showcase of the benches. Lorenzo Brown looked great scoring 10 points in 15 minutes. His contract is only partially guaranteed for the upcoming season, but more performances like that might change that
• OG Anunoby was excused from the game on Saturday and tonight due to a death in the family. We're thinking about him and his family in this tough time.
• The Jazz are looking forward to a successful season in 2018-19. With the 21st pick in this year's draft they selected Grayson Allen from Duke, who impressed in their first preseason game where he sunk all 4 of his 3pt attempts. Donovan Mitchell, who lost out on Rookie of the Year to Ben Simmons will be their starting point guard and they still have Rudy Gobert, the reigning Defensive Player Of The Year.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Miles Davis - "So What"

Usually I try to pick a song who's artist or title shares a name with one of the teams or cities thats playing tonight. The Utah Jazz are a tough one....not many options there, same with San Antonio. At least the Jazz are named after a style of music, so I googled 'Best Jazz Songs' and chose the first that came up. I'm not surprised it's a Miles Davis jam

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Rye & Coke

Yeah baybaybay!! Usually this is the drink I kick off the season with, but the first game was in Vancouver so I gave them a nod. Tonight is a whisky drink and a beaut!

Raptors preseason record 1-0! Jazz preseason record 1-0!

Preseason Game 1: Trailblazers at Raptors!

Kawhi Leonard is a Toronto Raptor

It is that time of year again when the NBA season draws near! As far as off-seasons go, it's safe to say that no other team had a busier and more dramatic one than the Toronto Raptors. Let's recap.

• Shortly after getting swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Conference Semi-Finals, Dwane Casey was let go as Toronto's head coach. He would be replaced by long-time assistant Nick Nurse. Casey would win the 2018 coach of the year thanks to the regular season success of his time and sign a deal with the Detroit Pistons to be their new Coach
• Perhaps the biggest question of last year was what was going to happen with Kawhi Leonard and the San Antonio Spurs. After only playing 9 games last year rumours started to spin that Leonard wanted out of San Antonio. Shocking everyone the Toronto Raptors traded franchise Super Star DeMar DeRozan and Jakob Poeltl to the Spurs in exchange for Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard. 2 time Defensive Player Of The Year and Finals MVP in 2014.
• In a few other moves the Raptors picked up big man Greg Monroe on a one year deal and also parted ways with Lucas "Bebe" Noguiera who signed overseas
• Tonight's game takes place in Vancouver BC, in the Rogers arena where the Vancouver Grizzlies used to call home

Tonight's Raptor Track

Blind Melon - "Change"

I was gonna do David Bowie "Changes", but I feel Blind Melon's song hits the reasoning behind the moves the Raptors made a little better. Can't be afraid of change, things can't be the same forever, especially if you want different results

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Vancouver Special IPA

I did this last year and thought it was a fun adventure, so let's bring it back for another season.

So let's all sit back, with a Vancouver Special IPA, and enjoy some NBA basketball once again!

Kawhi Leonard is a Toronto Raptor

Preseason Game 5: Raptors at Bulls!

It's the fifth and final preseason game before games that count get under way! Toronto will kick off the season against Chicago next Thursday and they are our adversaries tonight as well!!

• The Bulls are in a semi-tank/rebuild mode. Losing Dwyane Wade to the Cavaliers after buying out his contract. They also lost Jimmy Butler to the Timberwolves and Rajon Rondo to the Pelicans
• Raptors rookie OG Anunoby saw some action last game and though shaky looked promising. The Raptors are banking hard on the youth of this team, but they are all straight character guys and seem to be up to the challenge
• The Bulls did pick up dunk master supreme Zach Lavine in their deal with Minnesota and still have Robin Lopez, Nicola Mirotic, Denzel Valentine and Cristiano Felicio. Only Quincy Pondexter sits out. Bulls are typically a thorn in Toronto's side, so we'll see how tonight goes

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Chicago - "You're The Inspiration"

Chicago got bit and bit hard by the 80's cheese music bug. They went from a formidable 70's rock group to a soft around the edges, power ballad hit machine. It's only the preseason, but i'll put more effort into these when the season starts.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Chitown Pier Pale Ale

I've spent some time in Chicago but didn't get a chance to try this beer! I did try my first (and last) Bloody Mary though....i'll stick with the Canadian Caeser thanks....

Preseason Game 4: Pistons at Raptors!

We are finally home in Toronto for the first time this preseason! It's the Detroit Pistons who have come to play as the game gets under way at 7pm!

• How different do the Pistons look this year? Nothing has changed drastically. Detroit did pick up Avery Bradley from Boston trading Marcus Morris to get him. Though he tweaked his ankle earlier this year, so it's likely that he's out
• Andre Drummond sat the last game out with pink eye (yikes), but according to Pistons head coach and GM Stan Van "The Man" Gundy, he will play. It's always a fun battle down low with Drummond and Valanciunas
• OG Anunoby has been cleared for 5 on 5 action and is not listed as out for this game, so it could be the debut of the Toronto rookie

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Poisonblack - "Piston Head"

We get our song from Finnish heavy metal band Poisonblack tonight and their song "Piston Head". Track 1 on their 2011 song Drive.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Pistonhead - Flat Tire Lager

Pistonhead are created and distributed from Swedish based Brutal Brewing co. Here's a description of Flat Tire from their website: A balanced and rich malt body and balanced, slightly marked bitterness. Centennial and mosaic varieties of hops give the beer a fresh floral aroma with hints of tropical fruit and citrus.

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/

Preseason Game 2: Clippers at Raptors!

Yeah I know officially the game is booked as a home game for LA, but I got it backwards on Sunday so i'm switching it up for tonight's header. Raptors are still in the Island State as they face the new look Los Angeles Clippers in Honolulu, Hawaii.

• Raptors won the first match-up between these two teams on Sunday. It was a good showcase for the young talent trying to make the team on both sides
• Fred Van Vleet and Delon Wright looked good for the Raptors as did Norman Powell. Though we knew he's going to turn out pretty well. Hopefully we get to see more of Alfonzo McKinnie, KJ McDaniels and few others tonight
• The Clippers have an interesting rookie prospect in Milos Teodosic. Though he's 30 years old he's considered a rookie because it's his first year in the NBA, having played the majority of his career in Europe

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Strokes - "Hawaii"

The Strokes have always seemed to just bounce off me. Never a huge fan and no real disdain for them either, but lately i've been checking them out more and more. I Like what I hear. "Hawaii" was the b-side to the single "Jukebox" released in 2005.

Tonight's Game Day Drink

Great Lakes Alberta Clipper

Sure it comes out of Ohio based brewing company Great Lakes, but it is called Alberta Clipper and at 7.8% abv it'll likely get you drunk. It's a late game so don't have too many of these, but it's the drink of choice as the NBA Preseason Hawaii games finish up tonight

BruNo? BruYes!

Preseason Game 7: Raptors at Wizards!

We're back on TV! The Raptors roll into unfriendly territory as they visit Washington to do preseason heat with the Wizards

• What do you think is The Wizards the best team name for the sports franchises of Washington? You have the unoriginal Nationals of the MLB. The Capitals of the NHL, which is quite vague and nondescript. And I'm not even gonna mention the racist NFL franchise team name. Wizards wins
• There is some speculation that Jared Sullinger could miss the home opener with his nagging foot injury that will keep him out of his 6th straight game
• Who did the Wizards add/subtract this year? No major names. One familiar one to Raptors fans as Ian Mahinmi who JV did battle with in the first round of the playoffs last year when he played with Indiana. Jason Smith is new from the Magic. They lost Alan Anderson to the Clippers and Nene has moved on to the Houston Rockets .

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Magnetic Fields - "Washington, DC"

What do we got here? This refreshing little track is from an indie band from Boston, MA. They have written a little ditty to tribute Washington, but as the lyrics quickly describe, the joy the city brings the city is simply because the city is where the object of her affection calls home! Coolness!

Last preseason game bitches!!

Preseason Game 6: Raptors at Pistons! (Post Game)

One more Preseason game to go before the kick off of the Raptors NBA 2016-17 season starts next Wednesday! Tonight the Raptors faced the same team they'll see on opening night, the Detroit Pistons. Let's take a look!

• Jared Sullinger still did not play for Toronto. Guess Casey does not want to risk sending him out while his foot is naggin' him and keep him in prime shape for the regular season, Pascal Siakam got the start and scored 7 points.
• Detroit's team looks very similar to the way it did at the end of last year. Piston fans are hoping a full season with Tobias Harris and Marcus Morris will increase their post season chances.
• Demar and Kyle are eager for the season to start as both scored 20+ points tonight. The only other Raptor in double digits was Corey Joseph with 10
• Raptors won 103-92

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Crashpalace - "Perfect"

Though the Raptors weren't perfect tonight, the Pistons do play at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Such a cool name for an arena. During the regular season it doubles as Toronto's 2nd home as many Raptor fans make the trek down to Detroit for games. Not sure what happened to Crashpalace, one of those early 2000 hard rock groups that were here and gone in a snap

Well i tried to find a link, but failed. Just as there was no TV for the game tonight, there will be no Youtube video...you're welcome to go hunting for it though!

6 Days!!

Preseason Game 5: San Lorenzo de Almagro at Raptors!

We're back at the ACC as the Raptors host an international guest for preseason action. It's an Argentine team San Lorenzo de Almagro rolling into Toronto to take on the Raptors

• Terrence Ross sat out last night's game due to a sore knee, Jared Sullinger sat out with the ongoing foot issue and DeMar DeRozan sat out to get some rest. No word on who, if anyone is sitting out of this one yet.
• Sadly I don't know much about the team from Argentina, but should be a fun game to watch.
• Even with all those scratched from yesterday's line up the Raptors were still able to defeat the Cavaliers. Although some guy named LeBron didn't play for them
• I don't expect many Toronto fans to be tuned into this game as it is game 1 of the ALDS which sees the Blue Jays take on Cleveland. Go Jays Go.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Tokyo Police Club - "Argentina (Parts I, II & III)"

Taken from Tokyo Police Club's 2014 album Forcefield, "Argentina" was a bit of a shift from the group's usual sound. Kind of like Green Day's "Jesus Of Suburbia" it was a longer song with several parts and timing changes. Very cool and very beautiful song for a band from Toronto, named after Tokyo and singing about Argentina

Let's go Blue Jays! And Raptors...though it's only preseason...

Preseason Game 4: Raptors at Cavaliers!

Blah blah blah LeBron. Blah blah blah Cleveland. Ok I guess you can tell i'm sick of hearing about this team, but the Raptors face them today in the Preseason so I guess I have to talk about them

• Yes it's a rematch from last year's Eastern Conference Finals that saw the Cavaliers defeat the Raptors in 6 games. Cleveland then went on to win the NBA finals against the Golden State Warriors. Impressive
• An interesting thing is happening Friday when the Toronto Blue Jays take on Cleveland in ALDS action. Basically the same thing as the Eastern Conference Finals. It's only the 7th time in history that the same cities teams have played each other in those kinds of finals in the same year!
• Who did Cleveland add and subtract? Let's see Matthew Dellavadova signed in Milwaukee. Timofey Mozgov signed in LA with the Lakers. And JR Smith is currently teamless(?). A few additions to the Cavs are Mike Dunleavy, Birdman Chris Andersen and Cory Jefferson.

Today's Raptor Track!

Wire - "Champs"

Wire were a British punk band that got it's start in 1976. Though they never sold a mega-ton of records their influence in the world of punk rock and beyond is remarkable. Bands like The Cure, REM, Sonic Youth,  Manic Street Preachers, Bloc Party, Blur, Elastica and Franz Ferdinand have all cited Wire as inspiration. Their most notable album came in 1977 and is called Pink Flag. "Champs" is a song from that record.

See ya in the finals again Cleveland

Preseason Game 2: Nuggets at Raptors!

Woo the Raptors beat Kevin Durant and the Warriors! Yes, it's only preseason, but a woo is still in order eh JV?

Tonight the cross Canada series continues as the Nuggets fly into Calgary, Alberta to face the Toronto Raptors.

• Tonight we get our first glimpse of the #7 overall pick Jamal Murray from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. I'm sure The Nuggets couldn't believe their luck when he fell to them in the 2016 Draft
• Raptors fans got a good look at some of the new blood on the team with Jared Sullinger, Pascal Siakam and Fred Vanvleet all having great showings on Saturday night
• The Nuggets are a young team looking to make a name for themselves. Last year's draft pick Emmanuel Mudiay continues to impress, as well as players like Jusuf Nurkic, Nikole Jokic and Kenneth Faried.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Elliott Brood - "Oh, Alberta"

Not a person's name but a 3-piece country/blues/rock group from Toronto, ON. They got their start way back in 2002, but have yet to earn themselves a larger than cult following. I'm sure they're just fine with that. 

Make it loud Calgary!!

Preseason Game 1: Warriors at Raptors!

Weeeheeellllll look at thisssssss!! The NBA is back baby and we kick it off with the Golden State Warriors rolling into Vancouver, BC to do Preseason battle with the Toronto Raptors!!

• We haven't seen the Raptors since they lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals in six games. The Cavs would then go on to beat The Warriors for the NBA Championship
• Raptors have some new faces. Jared Sullinger has signed for 1 year, he last played for the Boston Celtics. And we have a few new draft picks in Jakob Poeltl and Pascal Siakam
• Lowry and DeRozan had a big summer playing in the Rio Olympics for team USA and winning gold. Jonas Valanciunas played for Lithuania but failed to earn a medal.
• The biggest news of the Off-Season was Kevin Durant signing with the Warriors. No one is really sure how this will turn out, but we'll get to see our first glimpse tonight

Today's Raptor Track!

Jeff Buckley - "Vancouver"

This one might not get us super pumped for the kick off of the season, but it's a sweet tune nonetheless. Jeff Buckley is always good for a sweet melody. I'm just glad the season is back and I look forward to another great season full of ups and downs for the Toronto Raptors

WE THE NORTH