Game 11: Raptors at Jazz!

Utahraptors!

• Raptors pulled out a statement win over LeBron James last night in LA. Beating the Lakers 121-107
• Kawhi Leonard sat out the only meeting with LeBron in LA this year with a sore foot. So the long awaited match-up will have to wait until March. He is expected to go tonight as all Raptors are accounted for
• The Jazz, who handed Toronto their only Pre-Season loss, will be without their starting point guard Donovan Mitchell as he will sit with an ankle injury

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Doobie Brothers - "Beehive State"

I guess Utah's nickname is The Beehive State. I'm glad there is a song about it, because this is one match up that gets tough to come up with songs for. I suppose I could just pick any random jazz tune however

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Johnny Utah Cocktail

Made with celery seed syrup, the Johnny Utah Cocktail is bound to turn some heads at the prep station. Combined with tequila, soda water and lime juice, celery makes the Johnny Utah cocktail a memorable one

Raptors first in the East 9-1! Jazz ninth in the West 4-5!

Game 10: Raptors at Lakers!

Lake Show

• Raptors started their four game Western road trip with a win in Phoenix over the Suns 107-98. Tonight it's one of those games everyone had circled. Kawhi returns to his home town of LA where LeBron James has joined the Lakers
• Of course the news is Kawhi jammed his ankle on Friday and is questionable tonight, but let's hope he summons the strength to play
• Lakers added some odd pieces to go along with LeBron James. JaVale McGee, Mike Beasley, Lance Stephenson and Rajon Rondo. Along with their returning young guys like Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and Bradon Ingram. This should be a fun team to watch grow.
• OG Anunoby and Fred Van Vleet returned to the Team on Friday against the Suns. Both should be good tonight

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Rainbow - "LA Connection"

Rainbow is a classic hard rock band with several legendary members. Ronnie James Dio for one, who also lend his vocals to Black Sabbath and his own band Dio, and Ritchie Blackmore who's most famous work is the guitar player in Deep Purple.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Spring Laker Cocktail

Inspired by the Jersey Shore town of Spring Lake, this cocktail is 2 parts Red Bull, 1 part Vodka and splash of Pineapple Juice

Raptors 1st in the East 8-1! Lakers 11th in West 4-5!

Game 8: 76ers at Raptors!

All Good Things Come To An End

• The Raptors' undefeated streak ended last night as they fell to the Milwaukee Bucks 124-109. It just wasn't their night as many of their players were missing and others went cold
• It doesn't get any easier as another Eastern Conference rival comes to town in the Philadelphia 76ers.
• Kawhi Leonard returns tonight after resting last night's game. OG Anunoby has been excused for personal reasons and Fred Van Vleet is also unlikely.
• Philly's biggest off season acquisition was Wilson Chandler, but he won't play tonight with a hamstring strain

Tonight's Raptors Track!

The Skyhooks - "1976 Guitar"

I know the Philadelphia 76ers are named after the year 1776 in honour of the Declaration Of Independence, but trust me finding songs about 1976 is much easier

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

The French 76 Cocktail

This is a twist on the French 75 Cocktail with vodka, champagne, grenadine syrup and lemon juice.

Raptors 2nd in East 6-1! 76ers 6th in East 4-3!

Game 7: Raptors at Bucks!

Battle Of The Undefeated!

• Tonight the 6-0 Raptors travel to Milwaukee to take on the 6-0 Bucks! The only two undefeated teams currently in the NBA
• Sadly, Milwaukee's All Star Giannia Antentokounmpo is out tonight dealing with concussion protocol that every player must go through if they endure a head injury
• Just to balance the scales Toronto is resting Kawhi Leonard. It appears he's going to not play in back-to-backs. Expect him to play in tomorrow's home game against Philly. OG, Delon Wright and Fred Van Vleet questionable for the Raptors

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Deer - "Winter To Pry"

Austin, TX quartet The Deer have been at since about 2004 when the band members met. With a female singer/songwriter style and thought provoking lyrics their main influences include Feist, Sufjan Stevens and Norah Jones

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Antler Ale

Coming out of British Columbia, Canada. Antler Ale is a red beer from the Okanagan Spring Brewery. Many reviewers claim this closer to an IPA than a Red. Hunt it down and decide for yourself!

Raptors tied for first in the East with Milwaukee! Both 6-0!

Game 6: Mavericks at Raptors!

The Doncic Show!

• Friday night Basketball at the Scotia Bank Place. Yes, maybe I haven't mentioned it yet, but the Raptors' home court is no longer the Air Canada Centre, but the Scotia Bank Place. The Bank!
• Mavericks come to town with who many believe will be the rookie of the year in Luka Doncic. He was drafted 3rd by the Hawks and traded to the Mavs for Trae Young. He never played NCAA basketball, but has had some great years under his belt overseas.
• Yes Dirk Nowitzki is still playing.  At age 40 he is entering his 21st NBA season. Good on ya Dirk.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Suzanne Vega - "Luka"

I don't normally pick songs that have to with a player, but every once in a while it's alright. Especially with a team like Dallas when it seems every song available is a Country one.

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

The Maverick Cocktail

Part Malibu Rum, part amaretto and pineapple juice makes this refreshing cocktail a hit at any party. Some variations include Mezcal and coconut. Get creative

Raptors 1st in the East 5-0! Mavericks 9th in the West 2-2!

Game 5: Timberwolves at Raptors!

Circus Comes To Town!

• Every year there is a team who's media circus and off court issues are ten times more covered than what their product is on the court. This year it's the Minnesota Timberwolves. After Jimmy Butler reportedly asked to be traded a few of his team mates made some snarky comments through tweets. Then during a practice, Butler assembled a team of those at the end of the bench and embarrassed the rest of the starters in a game all the while taunting and shouting at team owner Glen Taylor. Butler remains a Timberwolf, for now
• Canadian and former #1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins is questionable to play tonight, he will likely be a game time decision
• Delon Wright is likely to return to the line up for the Raptors. Just another tough point guard who can make his presence felt on the defensive end as well.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

Awolnation - "Hollow Moon (Bad Wolf)"

Plenty of wolf songs to pick from when Minnesota comes to town, especially around Halloween.

Awolnation are a band from LA, fronted by Aaron Bruno. They've gone 6x Platinum and have been nominated for countless awards

Tonight's Game Day Drink!

Wag The Wolf

Beau's is a local craft brewery here in Ottawa, Ontario and Wag The Wolf is one of their wheat beers that has been hopped with organic New Zealand varieties to provide abundant aromas of citrus and tropical fruits

Raptors 1st in East 4-0! Timberwolves 9th in the West 2-2!

Game 4: Hornets at Raptors!

Raptors Klaw Back!

• Another win for the Raptors on Saturday as they went 117-113 over the Washington Wizards. Kawhi Leonard did not play that game, so Nick Nurse went with the third different starting lineup that saw both Anunoby and Powell get the start
• The Hornets added a few key pieces in the offseason. Kawhi Leonard's former San Antonio team mate Tony Parker signed with Charlotte in the off season and will likely come off the bench behind Kemba Walker and former Raptor Bismack Biyombo was traded back to Charlotte, he was drafted by the team in 2011.
• Kawhi Leonard will play tonight, but Delon Wright is still out due to a back strain.

Tonight's Raptor Track!

The Hornets - "Your're Falling Down"

Dang near impossible to find anything out about these guys. Looks like the song here was released this year, so maybe we'll hear more about them soon

Tonight's Game Day Drink

Hornet India Pale Ale

Dry, angry and bitter, Hornet has some serious sting with a balancing aroma of stone and citrus fruits. This modern IPA drinks with a subtle sweetness and a sturdy presence of hop bitterness

Raptors first in the East 3-0! Hornets fourth in the East 2-1!