Game 55: Raptors at Hawks!

Big Moves! Big Changes!

• Well it's been an eventful trade deadline on Toronto's part. The biggest deal involved the Raptors trading Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright and CJ Miles to Memphis for Marc Gasol.
• Greg Monroe and Malachi Richardson were also shipped out to Brooklyn and Philly respectively to clear some space
• In some lighter news Danny Green has been named to the 3 point contest at the All Star Game.
• Hawks were quiet at the deadline. Miles Plumlee is still out indefinitely due to a knee but the rest of the team is relatively healthy

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Weezer - "My Name Is Jonas"

On the day that was set to be JV's return to the lineup we stand here today to find that the Lethal Lithuanian has been shipped of to Memphis. He's been part of the scenery since 2011, and one of my favourite Raptors, ever. So Jonas, thank you. Delon and CJ you will also be missed. But JV this one is for you. You will not be forgotten

Tonight's Game Day Drink

Brandy De Jerez

I don't want to understate the arrival of Marc Gasol, the Spanish Bull. He's ours now. A Toronto Raptor. He's being brought in to take us further in the post season than we've ever been. So tonight let's enjoy a Spanish brandy that is produced in the "Sherry Triangle" in Spain.

Raptors 2nd in East 39-16! Hawks 12th in East 18-35!

Game 49: Kings at Raptors!

Home & Away

• After a 2 day rest the Raptors welcome the Sacramento Kings to the Scotia Bank Place. The Raptors hope the ice cold temperature will cool down the hot Kings
• Kawhi Leonard will likely sit again tonight. He injured his leg during the Wizards game last week and the Raptors' medical staff are taking no chances. This being a back to back he might play tomorrow night or not then either. It's all about keeping him healthy for the playoffs
• OG Anunoby is out again for personal reasons. The Kings have no major injuries to speak of but Nemanja Bjelica's role has diminished slightly as of late with Justin Jackson getting starts in favour of. We'll see how it plays out tonight

Tonight' Raptor Track!

B.B. King & Eric Clapton - "Riding With The King"

Can't believe I haven't done this one before, it's like a double shot. Pretty cool twin attack of Blues here. This is the title track off the 2000 combination album between the two. A must check out for any Blues or Rock n Roll fan

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

El Sacramento

Best paired with lamb, this Red is classic and savory, from the Country of Spain

Raptors 2nd in East 35-13! Kings 10th in West 24-23!

Game 24: Raptors at Cavaliers!

once and former kings

• After a monumental statement win against the Golden State Warriors that saw Kevin Durant put up 51 points and Kawhi Leonard 37, the Raptors head to Cleveland for a match up against the Cavaliers
• The Cavaliers' season hasn't been going quite the way they hoped and currently find themselves in last place in the Eastern Conference. They recently traded Kyle Korver to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Alec Burks and 2 second round draft picks
• Injuries are a growing problem for the Cavs as well. Kevin Love is out with a toe injury, George Hill and Sam Dekker are also expected to miss the game and JR Smith is out with an "Injury" but more than likely won't play with Cleveland again this season after making it rather clear that he wants a trade.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Bowling For Soup - "Ohio"

Although this song is called "Ohio" it basically name drops a bunch of people from Texas. Oh those Bowling For Soup early 2000 pop-punk hijinxers!

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Bud Light

Bud Light recently had a promotion that saw them lock a bunch of beer fridges around Cleveland until the Cleveland Browns win a game. That event came and went, so have a Bud Light Cleveland! Try not to think too much about the state of the your sports teams....do y'all cheer for the Blue Jackets there?

Raptors 1st in the East 19-4! Cavaliers 15th in East 4-17!

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!

Game 74: Nuggets at Raptors!

Can't win 'em all guys! After a disappointing loss to The Clippers on Sunday The Raptors are hosting the Denver Nuggets tonight! Time to bring back the defense and get back in the winning column!

• CJ Miles returned on Sunday after being out with an illness for a few games. No other injuries or illnesses to speak of so unless someone is being rested all Raptors should be available
• Denver played and lost in Philadelphia last night so Toronto should look to run the Nuggets all over the court. Canadian Jamal Murray has been playing exceptionally well for Denver, as well as players like Nikola Jokic, Wilson Chandler and Paul Millsap.
• No real injuries to the Nuggets to speak of. Gary Harris has been sidelined with a knee injury which gives most of the PG minutes to Devin Harris. Harris along with Richard Jefferson who signed in the offseason, bring a veteran presence to this growing Denver team
• Denver currently sits in the 9th spot in the feuding Western Conference. Gotta believe they'll be hungry for a win tonight

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Minus - "Denver"

Minus are an alternative rock group from Reykjavik, Iceland. The city of fire and ice. Their main inspirations are Foo Fighters, Metallica and Queens of the Stone Age. "Denver" comes off their second album released in 2001 called Jesus Christ Bobby

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Nugget Nectar

It’s impossible to forget your first squeeze. Once a year, as the newest humulus lupulus harvest arrives at Tröegs Independant Brewing, we blend these super-fresh hops into an Imperial Amber Ale. Excessively dry-hopped, Nugget Nectar is an explosion of pine, resin and mango.

The above from Troegs.com

Raptors 1st in the East 54-20! Nuggets 9th in the West 40-34!

Game 68: Mavericks at Raptors!

Raptors looking to keep the good times rolling as they return home in search of their 11th straight win. Last time Raptors saw the Dallas Mavericks things weren't so pretty as we've been used to lately. Looking for a bit of revenge at the ACC tonight! Mavericks at Raps! Friday night fights!

• A little scare yesterday when CJ Miles went down hard and got up nursing his elbow. He did finish the game and at practice today he said it was fine. "Just a little stinger"
• Things haven't been going so hot for the Mavericks lately. Team Owner/GM Mark Cuban was recently fined $600,000 for admitting on a radio show that his purpose this year was to "tank" in hopes of securing a top draft pick
• That said Dallas still has some dangerous players. Future Hall of Famer and Mav 4 Life Dirk Nowitzki is still an offensive threat even at the ripe old age of 39! There's Canadian Dwight Powell and don't forget Raptor Sniper Doug McDermott who found himself as part of the Dallas squad after being first traded from OKC to NYC and then NYC to Dallas.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Mavericks - "Dance The Night Away"

I'm sure ive done these guys before, but you gotta go back to them every once in a while. The Mavericks are one of Rockabilly's biggest acts and they hail out of Miami, Florida. "Dance The Night Away" was off their fifth studio album Trampoline.

Today's Game Day Drink!

Maverick & Gose

Coming from the Second Self Brewing Company it's a newer beer crafted in Atlanta, GA. Designed to beat the heat, Maverick & Gose has a tart & salty nature combined with coriander and fruity mosaic hops.

Raptors 1st in the East 51-17! Mavericks 12th in the West 22-46!

Game 63: Raptors at Pistons!

Raptors are on a back to back as they head to Detroit after sweeping the Atlanta Hawks at home. Detroit is a home away from home for the Raptors as Toronto fans travel in hordes to cheer for their team in the Motor City!

• With a win tonight Toronto will become the first team in the NBA to secure a 2018 playoff run! I wasn't the first one to say it, so if they lose don't blame the jinx on me!
• Nothing much has changed with the Pistons since we saw them last week. Reggie Jackson and Jon Leuer remain out.
• Delon Wright stubbed his toe last night and left in discomfort thankfully there was no breakage, but he might be held out just as a precaution. No word on OG Anunoby or the newly acquired Nigel Hayes

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Everclear - "Detroit"

How serendipitous! I'm on a big Everclear kick lately, it's a shame about what happened to Art Alexakis and the band, going through bankruptcy and but it seems they've pulled through. "Detroit" is from their EP White Trash Hell.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Stroh's Bohemian Style Pilsner

Tonight's beer of choice is brought to us by Brew Detroit. It's a German pilsner with 5.5% ABV and 33 IBU. Goes for about $5.50 a pint at the Michigan Beer Company

Raptors 1st in the East 46-17! Pistons 9th in East 29-35!

Game 59: Pistons at Raptors!

Raptors ran outta gas on Friday against Milwaukee. They're looking to get back on the winning track tonight as the new look Detroit Pistons come rolling into town. Pistons! Raptors! Let's Go!

• The biggest change here is that the Pistons acquired Blake Griffin from the LA Clippers right before the trade deadline. Detroit gave up Tobias Harris, Avery Bradley and Boban Marjonivic, as well as a few picks
• Reggie Jackson continues to be sidelined with an injury for the Pistons as well as Jon Leuer. Ish Smith has been getting starting PG minutes and is always difficult for the Raptors to deal with. Raptors should be at full strength tonight
• Jonas Valanciunas had a great game on Friday night including a buzzer beating dunk to send the game into OT. Valanciunas always plays well against Andre Drummond. Look for him to be a factor again tonight

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Detroit Cobras - "Cha Cha Twist"

The Detroit Cobras are a modern indie/garage rock group who generally only perform covers of old swing tunes and classics from the roarin' 20's.  "Cha Cha Twist" is from their first album Mink, Rat or Rabbit and was originally performed by Brice Coefield, but is really older than time itself.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Old Detroit Amber Ale

From the Frankenmuth Brewery, it's a darker amber at 5.6%abv. Hints of caramel, fruit undercurrent and a grassy hop finish. Served best in a pilsner glass.

Raptors 1st in East 41-17! Pistons 9th in East 28-31!

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 45: Raptors at Timberwolves!

Yeah that's right. The Raptors beat the Spurs. Deal. Toronto hits the road for another game against the Western Conference tonight as they meet the Minnesota Timberwolves for the first time this year.

• As I mentioned above this is the first time the Raptors are seeing the TWolves this year. The new look Timberwolves I should say as Minnesota had a bit of an overhaul this past Summer. They added some big names like Jimmy Butler, Jeff Teague and Taj Gibson.
• Much like Toronto, Minnesota is in a rare situation where they are expected to make waves in the post-season while at the same time developing their youth. Players like Karl Anthony Towns, Namenja Bjelica and Canadian phenom Andrew Wiggins are rising stars in their own right
• Likely the only player out is Fred Van Vleet for Toronto. This is going to be a tough one for the Raptors especially on a back to back after a game with the Spurs

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Kittie - "Wolves"

Kittie are a heavy metal group from London, Ontario. Originally known for having all female members, they have had a man join the group from time to time. "Wolves" is from their dark-themed, sophomore album Oracle released in 2001.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Minnesota Gold Lager

Minnesota is a state known for it's many craft breweries and distilleries. Minnesota Gold Lager comes from the Third Street Brewhouse in Cold Spring, MN.

Raptors 2nd in East 31-13! Timber Wolves 4th in West 29-18!

Game 38: Raptors at Nets!

With the weekend off and then weather warming up, The Raptors are in Brooklyn to take on an old Atlantic Division foe, The Nets.

• Last game saw the Raptors dominate the Milwaukee Bucks. DeRozan had another fantastic night and has been named the Eastern Conference Player of the week. Valanciunas outscored and out rebounded the Bucks all on his own in the third quarter. That's what I like to see
• Raptors will have to wait to see their old teammate DeMarre Caroll in action as he's out tonight as he went down hard against Boston.
• Last time these two teams met Nik Stauskas went off in his Nets debut and lit up the Raptors from 3. Here's hoping for a better defensive effort from Toronto on that front

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Steely Dan - "Brooklyn (Owes The Charmer Under Me)"

I've never heard this Steely Dan song, but i've yet to hear that I don't like so i'm excited. Fun fact, former SNL cast member Chevy Chase was the original drummer for the group that would eventually become Steely Dan. It was in a jazz ensemble known as the Don Fagen Jazz Trio

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Brooklyn Lager

This American Amber Lager is the flagship beer of the Brooklyn Brewery founded in the 1800's. It's a Viennese-style, brewed with a British technique that's great all year round!

Raptors 2nd in East 27-10! Nets 12th in East 15-24!

FUCK BROOKLYN!

Game 26: Raptors at Suns!

Well every streak has to come to an end and Toronto's 6 game win streak ended on Monday night in Los Angeles. But hey, every new streak comes from some other streak's end! Raptors in Phoenix tonight.

• Jonas Valanciunas has been all over the media lately, but not because of his terrific performance on Monday night against the Clippers, it's because 2 of Lonzo Ball's brothers recently signed contracts to play Basketball in Lithuania
• Phoenix will be without their young scoring sensation Devin Booker who strained a leg muscle during last week's meet up between these 2 teams. 
• Phoenix will also be without Brandon Knight, Alan Williams and Davon Reed. Raptors still missing Delon Wright and Bebe.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Nelly Furtado - "Phoenix"

I've been a fan of this Canadian songstress for a long time. She's one of the few artists who've actually pulled of the genre-shift throughout her career. Beginning life as a folk/rock singer-songwriter in 2006 she released Loose which was more of a dance hall/pop record. This song is off her new album called The Ride. "Like a phoenix rising from the ashes." Indeed.

Tonight's Game Day Drink

Phoenix Tears Spiced Rum

I'm not sure what this Firebox is all about but im going assume that Phoenix Tears Spiced Rum is extra spicy! Sadly it appears it's not available in Canada yet. Looks like a trip across the pond is in order soon!

Raptors 3rd in East 17-8! Suns 13th in West 9-20!

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 11: Pelicans at Raptors!

It was tight, but Raptors took care of business on Tuesday against the Bulls. Tonight it's the last game of the 3 game home stretch as the new look Pelicans come to town.

•  Jonas Valanciunas usually plays well against DeMarcus Cousins, but he always had big games against us when he was on the Kings.  It will be a battle of the big men tonight as New Orleans has 2 of the best in Cousins and Anthony Davis.
• Good news that one of the other feared Raptor killers, Alexis Ajinca is out for the Pelicans until atleast December. As is Solomon Hill, Omer Asik and Rajon Rondo who is sidelined with a groin strain
• Anthony Davis was in town last night at a media event and called tonight's game an L for the Raptors. Nothing wrong with some smack talk, but let's hope Toronto heard it too and come ready to fight

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Ludacris - "Eyebrows Down" feat . Tity Boi, and Dolla Boy

A few boys on this track. Fun fact Tity Boi would go on to be the rapper known as 2 Chainz, a little more marketable I suppose. The call Anthony Davis 'The Brow' because of his signature unibrow. Believe it or not there are not many songs written about eyebrows...someone should change that. Thankfully Ludacris gave us this one back in 2008

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Pelican Brewing Company

Sure they're out of Pacific City, Oregon, but what other beer company could use a Pelican as their logo? They appear to make a wide range of different beer from the standard stouts and IPAs to an Irish Style red and a black lager. Will definitely need to try it out when i'm in the area

Raptors 4th in East 6-4! Pelicans 7th in West 6-5!

Game 7: Raptors at Nuggets!

Another good win in the books as the Raptors took care of the Blazers on Monday night! They land in Denver, Colorado to do battle with the Nuggets

• Thankfully the NBA did away with games that are back to backs for the team visiting Denver. The altitude always makes The Pepsi Centre a difficult place to win. Expect it to be a factor tonight
• Both Serge Ibaka and Jonas Valanciunas have stated that they're playing tonight. No word on whether their minutes will be limited tonight or not
• Denver added sought after big man Paul Millsap to their lineup in the offseason and veteran Richard Jefferson after he was waived by Cleveland. They have a hungry young team which included Nikola Jokic and Canadian Jamal Murray. Should be a good matchup.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Flying Burrito Brothers - "Colorado"

Not really the sound I was expecting from these guys, but why not? Since Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman of the Byrds were founding members. Though this song was off their third album which did not feature Parsons. 

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Incredible Pedal IPA

This IPA is courtesy of the Denver Beer Co. It even shares it's colour scheme with the Nuggets, blue and yellow. It's known as a hoppy beauty that will take you for a ride!

Raptors 4th in East 4-2! Nuggets 13th in West 3-4!

Game 6: Raptors at Trail Blazers!

The Western swing rolls on for Toronto as they stop in Portland, Oregon to face the Beaver State's only professional sports team, The Portland Trail Blazers

• Raptors are still without their starting big man tonight, Jonas Valanciunas and it has been announced that Serge Ibaka will also not be playing. Though the reason for Serge sitting has yet to be announced.
• Trail Blazers will be without Meyers Leonard, CJ Wilcox, and Noah Vonleh, but with all stars like Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum still in the line up it's likely the Raptors won't notice
• Look for Pascal Siakam and Jakob Poeltl to continue to improve as they get heavy minutes tonight and hopefully Norman Powell wakes up from the funk that he seems to be in

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Cowboy Junkies - "Oregon Hill"

I was going to include Drake's "Portland" here, but it appears there is some issue with having the video uploaded to Youtube as all I can find is the instrumental version. So here's Canada's Cowboy Junkies instead!

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Port

Port is a famous after dinner wine which is typically a fortified wine from Portugal. It's usually a sweet red wine, but there are also dry, semi-dry and white varities. As well as Canadian, Australian, Indian and South African types. On a cool night like this a snifter of Port will warm your core!

Raptors sixth in the East 3-2! Trail Blazers fourth in the West 4-2!

Game 5: Raptors at Lakers!

It's the Lonzo Ball show as the Raptors roll into Los Angeles for a battle with the Lakers! Since we just faced Steph Curry we'll see if Ball Sr. is correct in comparing the two...

• It is Lonzo Ball's birthday today, so hopefully the Raptors can spoil the 2nd overall pick's birthday celebrations.
• Still a bit too early to tell if Jonas or Bebe will be playing for Toronto. Both were sidelined with ankle injuries earlier this week, though Jakob Poeltl has been playing execptionally well in their stead. In fact he leads the league in offensive rebounds
• Lakers should be at full health. That includes Brook Lopez who they acquired from Brooklyn and rookie sensation Kyle Kuzma, who has cooled off a bit since his sizzling debut

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Tragically Hip - "Lake Fever"

Yes Gord Downie has passed and left a nation in mourning. Thank goodness we'll always have fantastic music like this to remember him by. It's not Ball fever, though tonight might feel that way, it's Lake Fever from the Hip

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Highball

In honour of Lonzo Ball we'll be having a taster's choice tonight! A Highball isn't exactly a specific drink, rather it's a glass or any drink mixed with a spirit and larger proportion non-alcoholic mix. Highball it up my friends!

Raptors 8th in the East 2-2! Lakers 7th in the West 2-2!

Game 3: Raptors at Spurs!

Raptors are kicking off a long, hard Western road trip tonight as they meet the mighty Spurs head on in San Antonio.

• Raptors are on a 2 game win streak after defeating an up and coming Philadelphia team on Saturday. The Spurs are also undefeated having beat the Timberwolves and Bulls
• Jonas Valanciunas twisted his ankle in the 2nd quarter of  Saturday's game and did not return. Though he has said the injury is not bad it's not likely he'll play tonight. Look for Lucas Noguiera to get the start
• The Spurs have a few players out as well Kawhi Leonard with a torn quadriceps and Tony Parker after tendo surgery. You can never count the Spurs out though. They are still one of the league's toughest teams and still have many dangerous players like LaMarcus Aldridge, Pau Gasol, Manu Ginobli and Patty Mills.

tonight's raptor track

The Doobie Brothers - "China Grove"

There's a sleepy little town, right around San Antone...whoa oh.....China Grove. I love when the Raptors play the Spurs...it's usually a great game and it's fun. This is a fun song too...gets me in a good party mood!!

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Silver and Black Cocktail

This one might be hard to come by unless you're down at The Juniper Tar in San Antonio. It was the brainchild of bartender Benjamin Krick who came up with the Silver and Black cocktail during the Spur's 2016 playoff run. It's got Mezcal in it so it's alright in my books...

Raptors 2nd in East 2-0! Spurs 4th in West 2-0!

Game 78: Raptors at Pacers!

What? The Pacers again? Didn't we play them like 3 times already last week? Well here we go again! The Raptors are in Indiana hoping for a season sweep of the Pacers!

• PJ Tucker sat out the game against Philly with a sore knee, but it looks like he'll back to being a thorn in Paul George's side for this one
• The Pacers have signed Lance Stephenson to a 3 year deal after he was recently waived by The Pelicans and had a short stint with the Timberwolves. The enigmatic Stephenson was drafted by Indiana back in 2010.
• Jonas Valanciunas had a huge game against Indy last time they met, let's see if Nate McMillan has changed any game plan for him. It's just that the Pacers don't have much to match his size.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Gregory Isaacs - "Cool Down The Pace"

Can't remember if I've done Adam Sandler's "Medium Pace" yet...ah well maybe if we meet the Pacers in the playoffs. Reggae doesn't get enough love here and it should. So here is Gregory Isaacs with a smooth jam. "Cool Down The Pace"

Raptors 3rd in East 47-30! Pacers 9th in East 37-40!

Game 77: 76ers at Raptors!

Back on the winning side as the season is winding down! The 76ers have already been eliminated from playoff contention, but they can still play spoiler for everyone else! Philly at Toronto! Tonight!

• Philly has shut down Joel Embiid for the year after suffering an injured knee and Ben Simmons hasn't played yet this year and there is no timetable for his return. Maybe 2018?
• Jahill Okafor, Embiid's back-up is also out for the 76ers along with Jerryd Bayless, Robert Covington and Sergio Rodriguez. They're basically just waiting for the season to end
• It would be nice if Kyle Lowry could suit up for a few minutes against his hometown team, but it doesn't look likely. Though apparently he's back to shooting with his right hand
• And lastly the Raptors have clinched home court advantage in the first round, which is huge if any of you have seen how crazy the ACC gets at playoff time.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Alarm - "Spirit Of 76"

That ain't Bono, that's Mike Peters singer of the Welsh band The Alarm. 

Raptors 3rd in the East 46-30! 76ers 13th in the East 28-48!