Game 40: Knicks at Raptors! (Afternoon Game)

Raptors still in the thick of the Atlantic Division as another rival comes to town, the quixotic New York Knicks. Afternoon game too!

• They say Afternoon games are tough for teams visiting Toronto, but it could throw anybody off so the Raptors need to come in focused.
• I don't know what it is with New York, one of the league's biggest markets and oldest franchises, but they always have some kind of malarky surrounding the team. The most recent hoopla is Derrick Rose no showing a game to take an unapproved trip back to Chicago. He was fined almost $200,000 for that. Not what the Knicks need as they are trying to keep their heads above water in the playoff hunt.
• Patrick Patterson is questionable for The Raptors tonight as he is still dealing with a knee injury and the unicorn himself Kristaps Porzingis will be on the sideline for the Knicks. Knicks will likely start a smaller lineup, we'll see what Toronto does

Today's Raptor Track!

Jidenna - "Knickers"

No, no it's fine. No he's saying "Knickers"....yes....like the pants. Well them team is called...hmm? Well I didn't write it or name the team...."KNICKERS" with a K....just....nevermind

Raptors 2nd in East 26-13! Knicks 10th in East 18-22!

Game 39: Nets at Raptors!

Raptors sticking around at home for another division game. This time it's against the suffering Brooklyn Nets.

• Nets recently waived former Raptor and #1 overall pick Anthony Bennett. Tough go for the young kid from Toronto. Quite possibly his last chance on an NBA team. He reportedly signed with a team in Turkey. Good luck Tony.
• It's tough to be a Nets fan these days. Usually when your team is bottom of the league, the fans take solace in the fact that it usually equals a high draft pick. The dread intensifies sadly when it turns out those draft picks were traded away years ago by your front office for one of the worst "win-now" trades in recent NBA history. None of the assets gained from the Pearce-KG-Terry trade with Boston still reside in Brooklyn. Combine that with losing D-Will and Joe Johnson and there is little hope for Nets fans. Brook Lopez is alright though.
• Raptors fans can rejoice a little as Delon Wright and Jared Sullinger have both been cleared to practice. Delon had shoulder surgery in the Summer and Sully had foot surgery during the preseason.
• FORMER RAPTOR ALERT: When this season started the Nets had 3 former Raptors. Bennett, Greivis Vasquez and Luis Scola. The ever reliable Scola is the only one who still stands.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Woodkid - "Brooklin"

Woodkid is the stage name of Yoann Lemoine a French graphic designer and video director who has released a few records of his own. He's directed videos for Lana Del Ray, Taylor Swift, Mystery Jets and Katy Perry. "Brooklin" comes off his only album Golden Age released in 2013.

Raptors 2nd in East 25-13! Nets 15th in East 8-30!

Game 38: Celtics at Raptors! (Post Game)

AYE! There's a win against the Celtics and the Raptors stay on top of the Atlantic division!! Let's take a look at what went down

• Jonas Valanciunas beasted against Al Horford and had 18 points with 21 rebounds. A career best! JV definitely needed a game like this. Hopefully he maintains it
• Speaking of beasting, Demar Derozan had 41 points. After a couple of no-calls against him, he lipped off and got t'ed up from the refs. Then he promptly took control of the game. SEND THIS MAN TO NEW ORLEANS
• The Celtics were without Avery Bradley who is sidelined with a hip injury. Tyler Zeller also missed this game due to illness. Raptors were again with Jared Sullinger and Pascal Siakam did not play tonight either
• Raptors donned their Huskies jerseys for the third time this year. And for the third time in those unis they came out victorious
• FORMER RAPTOR ALERT: Amir.....that is all. Keep doing what you're doing.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Husky Rescue - "Shadown Run"

Shadow Run was the name of a sweet SNES video game from the 90's. It was inspired by a post-apocalyptic role playing game! Good memories. Don't know anything about this band. But the song is Huskies jersey inspired!

Raptors 2nd in East 25-13! Celtics 3rd in East 23-15!

Game 37: Rockets at Raptors!

Tough overtime loss for Toronto last night. Still cannot shake the Bull bugaboo off their back. They home today to face the Houston Rockets

• It has been reported that Patrick Patterson should be suiting up for the Raptors today. While he won't fix everything thats been ailing us, his energy and 3 point shooting has been sorely missed
• Rockets big man Clint Capela is out of their lineup so Montrezl Harrell and Nene will be playing the centre roll for Houston
• Raptors won the first meeting between these two teams, forcing Houston to turn the ball over 24 times and had 6 players in double figure scoring

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Smashing Pumpkins - "Rocket"

Simple. Vintage. Classic. Fantastic

Raptors 2nd in East 24-12! Rockets 3rd in West 29-9!

Game 36: Raptors at Bulls!

We're at home. We're on the road. We're at home. We're on the road. The Raptors need a break from all this travel, but can't complain. Such is life in the NBA. Raptors are in Chicago for a showdown with the Bulls tonight

• Raptors have had their problems with Chicago in recent years, being swept by them in 2 consecutive seasons. Though the Bulls lost Pau Gasol which should be a happy sight for Jonas Valanciunas.
• Still no word on Patrick Patterson, though he did travel with the team. Jared Sullinger has been practicing more as well. The 4 spot for Toronto remains up in the air.
• The enigma that is Rajon Rondo is having another tempermental year in Chicago. Most recently being benched for entire games by Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg. Michael Carter-Williams and Isaiah Canaan have been running the point.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Da-Brat - "Chi-Town"

Remember Da Brat? She's back! In Raptors Track form

Raptors 2nd in East 24-11! Bulls 8th in East 18-18!

Game 35: Jazz at Raptors!

Thank EFF that road trip is gone and behind us. Sure the Raptors split it even at 3 wins and 3 losses, it's just that were some brutal and lethargic play out of most of the players. Hopefully some home cookin' is just what the doctor ordered as the Utah Jazz are in Toronto

• Dwane Casey was named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for December! It's well deserved as he Raptors went 10-4 and showed some grit and grind down the stretch
• Patrick Patterson remains sidelined with a knee injury. He's been sorely missed as he brings communication on defense, energy on the boards and another 3 point threat for the Raptors. Jakob Poeltl continues to get playing time in his absence.
• Only George Hill so far is listed out for The Jazz as he is going day-to-day with a concussion. Dante Exum, who didn't play in these 2 teams first meeting, will likely get the start

Tonight's Raptor Track!

A Tribe Called Quest - "Jazz (We've got) Buggin' Out"

I'm pretty sure thats what this song is titled. Ah well, it's a classic from Q-Tip and the boys in A Tribe Called Quest. They recently reunited on Saturday Night Live when Dave Chappelle was hosting, but it was only Q-Tip & Ali Shaheed Muhammad as Phife Dawg passed away due to diabetes last March. They dedicated the performance to his memory

Raptors 2nd in East 23-11! Jazz 5th in the West 22-14!

Game 34: Raptors at Spurs!

It's the final game of Toronto's big West coast trip with a game against the San Antonio Spurs. Let's see if the Raptors can close the journey out with a win.

• Patrick Patterson missed Sunday's game with a strained knee. While he's listed as day-to-day it's unlikely he'll see any more action on this road trip. Jakob Poeltl saw some burn in Toronto's win against the Lakers
• Tim Duncan has retired from the NBA playing all 19 Seasons in San Antonio. one of the game's best all-time big men he is a tough nearly impossible player to replace. The Spurs already got LaMarcus Aldridge a year earlier in preparation and this Summer past they signed Pau Gasol
• The Spurs' Jonathan Simmons has emerged as a great energy player off the bench for San Antonio. Nearly every game he's had a highlight real dunk, block or steal. Keep an eye on this one. He's destined for great things especially after going through the Spurs' system

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Michael Franks - "Antonio's Song"

Back the FUCK up Antonio!!!!!

Raptors 2nd in East 23-10! Spurs 2nd in West 27-7!