Playoff Series 1 Game 2: Bucks at Raptors!!

We The North!!!!!!!

So Game 1 didn't go exactly as planned, but it's the first one to 4. Let's look at Game 2 before it gets under way at the ACC!!

• Yes the Bucks took Game 1, but fear not. There is one team left in the North that still draws breath.
• Serge Ibaka took a nasty fall when Giannis Antentokuonmpo stepped under him as he shot and twisted his ankle. Though his ankle apparently is heavily taped, he should be good to go. I imagine it would take much more than that to keep him from playing
• Kyle Lowry didn't have his best game ever, so we're going need more from him (and I fully expect him to bounce back) in order to even the series

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Metallica - "Cure"

Makes sense to me.

Happy Birthday Coach Casey!!!

Playoff Series 1: Game 1 Bucks at Raptors!

HERE WE GOOOO!!!!!!!!!

It's game day and it's playoff time at the ACC as the 6 seed Bucks come surging into Toronto to face the 3 seed Raptors! Should be a series to remember....let's take a look

• It was reported that PJ Tucker, DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry and Coach Casey were all suffering from the flu, but it's unlikely that it will stop any of them from playing tonight
• The Bucks have been on a tear as of late playing some great basketball. Giannis Antentokumnpo is a legit contender for Most Improved Player. Raptors no doubt have their sights set on stopping him
• Bucks are without Jabari Parker. Other than that its a fully healthy Milwaukee squad. No excuses anyway

Tonight's Raptor Track!

First off, everyone needs to watch this hype video right now

It's one of the best I've seen

Eminem - "Lose Yourself"

How about a little pump up jam to get everyone hype for this!! Can't wait!! Playoffs baby!! Playoffs?!??!

Game 82: Raptors at Cavaliers!

It's the final game of the regular season and what might look like an important game on any other night, is one that will likely fall to the way-side in this season. Raps at Cavs!

• DeMar DeRozan is out tonight due to flu-like symptoms. It's unclear if he's actually sick or just sitting the game due to rest. Serge Ibaka might also be questionable for tonight's game.
• The Cavs are sitting LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson. They have been on quite a slide lately, but it seems they are unconcerned with the regular season and are relinquishing the #1 spot to the Celtics. Focusing their efforts on the post-season
• It has been announced that the Raptors will face the Bucks in the first round of the Playoffs. I'll have much more analysis as the playoffs progress

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Coheed & Cambria - "The End Complete"

Last game of regular season. The quixotic season for the 2016-2017 Raptors is at an end. Let's focus on the playoffs and see how the post season goes for our boys. But here we are at the end.

Raptors 3rd in East 50-31! Cavaliers 2nd in East 51-30!

Game 81: Raptors at Knicks!

It's a beautiful sun-shining day and the Raptors are in New York to take a bite outta that Big Apple! Afternoon game! Raptors at Knicks!

• With a win today the Raptors can secure back to back 50 win seasons! It will be the first time in franchise history
• New York has been eliminated from playoff contention, but they can still play spoiler and ruin the Raptors playoff seeding.
• New York is playing with a depleted team however. Derrick Rose, Kristaps Porzingis, Joakim Noah and Carmelo Anthony are all out for the Knicks.

Today's Raptor Track!

Kajagoogoo - "Big Apple"

Kajagoogoo had a big hit in the 80's with their song "Too Shy" then they kind of faded into obscurity. Their lead singer Limahl also had a solo career and is best known for singing the theme song to The Neverending Story in 1984. "Big Apple" comes from their second album Islands.

Raptors 3rd in East 49-31! Knicks 12th in East 30-50!

Game 80: Heat at Raptors!

KYLE LOWRY IS BACK!!!!! HEAT AT RAPTORS!!! 3 GAMES LEFT BEFORE THE POST_SEASON!!! WHY ARE WE ALL YELLING????

• Yes Kyle Lowry returned for Toronto during Wednesday's win against the Detroit Pistons! And yes he dropped 27 points. That'll do Kyle.
• The Heat are still without Dion Waiters. No telling on if he'll be back for the playoffs, if Miami makes the playoffs. Former Raptor James Johnson has been getting the start
• Heat is also without Luke Babbitt. It appears the Raptors will have a fully healthy roster for the first time this season

Tonight's Raptor Track!

David Bowie - "Heat"

R.I.P David Bowie, the chameleon of Rock n Roll, was one of my faves. His catalog of music is filled with wonderful gems, versatile songwriting and mysterious treasures like this one. "Heat" was off his 2013 album The Next Day.

Raptors 3rd in East 48-31! Heat 9th in East 38-40!

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!