Grab the Opening-Tip where you will learn the sad-sad thing both the Raptors and Nets have in common.
Trailing the season series 2-1, the Raptors head into Garden State hoping to tie things up and regain some pride that VC & Co. stole when they did this:
I hate the Nets, dating back to Babcock getting fleeced out of our franchise. It upsts me to no end that this team is better us at this point of the season. Have to give up to Thorn, Vandaweghe and Frank…upsets me…
Fresh off a loss to the Thunder on Monday, the Nets are a miserable 3-7 i their last 10, which still has them a half game removed from the priviledge of be thumped in the first round. In fact, prior to their 3-7 run, they were a respectable 17-18. There is hope for them, and his name is Devin Harris – best point guard in the East by my estimation (let the hate mail roll in). VC not getting a coaches selection is one thing, but Harris missing out would be a shame.
The Raptors are also 3-7 in their ln their last 10 with one exception – 2 wins in a row. The kool-aid is flowing in the Tdot. Jose is healthy for the first time this season and O’Neal is healthy like never before. This was the team BC thought he put together when declaring it the greatest of all time…2 wins in a row (3 wins in a row is the longest win streak of the season).
Regardless, JC has been killing it since coming back: 19.5pts 9asts 0to 79% fg 67% 3pt in only 28:22 minutes a game. Parker’s emergence at the point gives JC the rest he needs without having to rush back prematurely to save us all from the exploits of Solomon and the inexperience of Ukic, I hope he doesn’t get traded (unless we get a young athletic wing who can help a bit now and has huge upside). The key here is that Jose’s All-Star-like production is coming at under 30 minutes, which works out great as heavy minutes wears Jose down like the rail does AltRaps.
Speaking of the rail, gotta love Laura here…captain of the Nets dancers, Economist by education and dental assistant by trade.
Injury Report
Raptors:
Kris Humphries
Nets:
Yi Jianlin
Stromile Swift
The Matchups
Calderon vs Harris
The Edge: Even – for all the good Jose does on the offensive end, his defense is still suspect, and Harris will be ready to exploit him off the bounce. I fully expect to see stretches where Parker gets the nod, and will play off him and force Harris to shoot over him. The key will be to keep the youngin’ out of the paint, limiting his options to shooting or swinging the ball around the perimeter.
Parker vs Carter
The Edge: Carter – Please refer to the video above.
Moon vs Simmons
The Edge: Simmons – This is more a condemnation of Moon then endorsement of Simmons. Moon is in serious cruise control lately, and hasn’t been cutting it on either end of the court. I suspect that Joey will get nod to start, which would be the right move here.
Bosh vs Anderson
The Edge: Bosh – lol…the Nets rookie has been playing pretty good, but that is relative. Bosh should use and abuse this kid. I’m actually looking for Bosh to make his mark on the boards, an area of his game that has taken a dip in recent games.
Bargnani vs Lopez
The Edge: VL – They both have been playing very well lately. Lopez will give VL nuff trouble in the hustle department, and will battle hard on the boards. I expect Barny will have to box him out more then he normally does to limit his effectiveness around the basket, don’t want Lopez picking up any of those cheap points on put backs and garbage buckets. On the offensive end, expect to see Barny rain down the treys as Lopez wont be much of a problem out on the perimeter.
The Line
VegasInsider.com has this as PK -110, which I don’t know what it means exactly, but can only assume this game is equal odds…anyone?
Prediction
I have two voices in my head talking to me about this game:
Glass Half-Full – The Raptors will continue their spirited play, and extend the win streak to three and looking to avoid losing the season series.
Glass Half-Empty – VC will win the game off a rare 4 point play at the buzzer.
A cop-out I know, but I’m going the half-empty route.
Free Ukic!
53 Raps
Do dental hygienists give oral exams?
Just to clarify, he means rail as in Brass Rail, not…you know…rail.
re. anderson – let’s hope his production tonight mirrors that of his first two outings v. TO, as opposed to his most recent one (21 & 9).
agree with having joey start in lieu of moon (how have we not come up with an appropriately derogatory nickname for him yet?), not necessarily ’cause i think joey’s all that shit-hot, but more because moon is just infuriating. of course, this’ll be the game he remembers he can jump out of the building, and he’ll go for 15/11 w/ 6 picks.
harris can be scary-good, but has tailed off a bit as late. carter had a horrible game v. the thunder, so he’ll be looking to rebound…whoever’s on him will have to climb in his jersey. good luck, AP.
here’s hoping VL can do a better job than JO at limiting lopez in the post.
Jemario Poon?
oh, anyone have insider access on ESPN? i’m curious what the ‘Raptors consider Parker trade’ scenario is?
stupid ESPN insider.
here’s the insider info.. not that hot really.. Just from the Star
Whatever, Bryan Colangelo, the Raptors president and GM, has made it known that, while Anthony Parker’s expiring contract may be an attractive trading chip come the Feb.19 deadline, it’d be a reluctant move.
“It’s not like this is a revelation to us that this guy is capable of playing the way he is,” said Colangelo. “It’s for the same reason that I’ve been saying things like it would be hard to part with him in a deal because of how important he is to this team.”
Yeah, PK means Pick ‘Em; odds are even. The -110 refers to the money line, and I’m pretty sure it means you’d need to bet 110 to get a 100 back on this game either way.
I’d also like to see Joey start this one, that mind send a message to Moon about his play lately.
thanks man. i guess it comes down to whoever has the biggest balls, most heart…i hate those when it comes to the raps…
In the bargs matchup you talk about having Bosh rain down threes. A subconscious fear? Mine is quite conscious.
Thanks Darien, it was a mistake (and i fixed it). that being said, i wonder if it was a Freudian slip? I’m always afraid bosh gets inspired behind the arc…
I have a feeling Harris and VC are going to be looking to make statement tonight to be included in the all-star reserves list.
Hopefully, both noticed that Mo Williams went off for 40+ laast night and will feel defeated.
However, after losing to the Thunder in their last game, I don’t expect the Nets to lay down for us like they did in OKC.
I think the Raps will want this win more than the Nets. And VC will be all smiles just to have padded his stats.
Hey You’reToo – it’s misrepresented by the headline, the story’s about the fact that Colangelo doesn’t want to trade AP.
If Colangelo doesn’t trade AP that would be the dumbest thing he’s done to date. If he’s expecting AP’s resurgence to be permanent and carry into next season he’s in for another disappointment. His trade value is high and we need to offload him for a pick or a second/third year player.
Even if we have to resign AP, we can still do it in the summer but that doesn’t mean you waste his trade value right now by keeping him on board. It’s outside the box thinking but its better for the franchise.
one of the dumbest things…
like i said, if he gets a nice young wing, go for it, but the hole at backup pg would reappear again.
was gonna go to this game but opted out for fear i’d jinx the team or the bargnani streak…gutless i know.
my friend found floor seats online for 60 bucks but id rather watch it at home on league pass.
so much less jersey trash.
Floor seats for 60 bucks? I’d reconsider man, take some pics and post back to the site. I’ll make a post out of your pics.
whut?!?.. youre crazy for turning down floor seats.
really appreciate the offer but…
a. theyre not exactly great floor seats (8 rows directly behind the basket), and the deal is only on tuesdays
b. im a lousy photog (i only have my iphone)
but if im still in ny for the knicks-raptors game i will take you up on the offer and steal my gf’s camera.
slow day for Raptors news.. hope the Raps are practicing their defensive schemes in preparation for tonight!
i read recently that Joe Dumars is “hooked on finances.. was prepared to deal Tayshaun Prince for Stephen Jackson / Ron Artest whose contract was due to terminate after next season” [link:http://www.nypost.com/seven/01252009/sports/moresport/no_answer_for_piston_failure_151908.htm?page=0]
that got me thinking…. assuming the foundation of the Toronto~Miami trade is set [Jermaine O'Neal + Jamario Moon for Shawn Marion + filler], how hard would it be to get Detroit involved in a three-way deal that would benefit all parties? the jist of the trade goes like this:
Miami would get Jermaine O’Neal [big man, defensive presence, contract expires in 2010]
Detroit would get Shawn Marion [talented SF/PF, contract expires in 2009]
Toronto would get Tayshaun Prince [talented SF, long-term contract]
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=981~3058~1724~3249~615~1023~70~510&teams=14~28~28~14~14~8~28~8&te=&cash=
like i said, slow day =)
damn NJ dance pak captain is smoking hot…
thx Raps Fan..
;)
If any team is willing to give up 2 2nd round picks or a prospect to rent him for the playoffs than BC should do it – but not until the deadline. How about Orlando? Their shooting guard situation is pretty dim… I doubt they would give up Courtney Lee but maybe their late 1st round pick and Cook and Wilk’s expiring contracts for parker?
I figured I’d take the role of BC so while I’m having my suit measured I put together a couple of interconnected trades the Raptors should make:
1) http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=2367~1021~3464~2010~3249&teams=28~28~28~2~2&te=&cash=
Boston needs Posey but getting Kapono and Moon might be close enough. They have shooting and defense. Toronto gets rid of Kapono’s contract and gets a potentially useful sub in Allen, a guy with upside (and knee surgeries) in Walker and a big guy to practice with in Scalabrine.
With Moon gone, I break the bad news to Riley and tell him he gets this deal. If it’s close, I offer to switch draft picks in the 1st round this summer. If the draft is as bad as advertised moving back a few spots might be a good move since your pick’s salary is lower.
2) http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=2165~510~615~1023&teams=28~28~14~14&te=&cash=
The Raptors’ core of Calderon Bosh and Bargnani remains undisturbed. Parker stays so the possibility of a run to the 8th or 7th seed in the playoffs doesn’t take a huge hit and the Raptors enter the offseason with cap space, an option to resign Marion for less money and at least one guy (Walker) with some potential to be the wing player the team needs.
Boston will never take Kapono. I even got the Celtics Blog guys take on this and they’re looking for an all around player who can also play defense so you can write JK off right there.
I think any team who is serious about winning a title isn’t going to view Jamario Moon as the missing link.
I like Bill Walker, he’s insane and would try to at least offer that trade to the Celtics and see if they bite but as I said, I highly doubt they’d do it. Marcus Banks = FAIL + bad contract.
Maybe they’d take Parker. He’s certainly more all-around than Kapono. I thought of the Kapono thing after seeing a quote from Pierce a week or so ago where he said the team needs another shooter. I’m still confused as to why they need one since Eddie House looks like a shooter to me but as you said, it’s gotta be worth a call. Even if the Celts didn’t part with Walker (he’s listed as having a 5-year contract – do 2nd round picks ever get those right off the bat?), I’d ask for Pruitt.
And while I share your opinion about Moon and a deep playoff run, there are those stats that got brought up yesterday and the fact that Moon on the Celtics would be a bench player with a very defined role – go play defence for 20 minutes or so a game and make a shot or two. He isn’t James Posey but he looks like him every few games. Except that Posey wouldn’t grin like that for all the weed in BC.
Banks would be less dead weight if Kapono’s contract went out the door. If we’re going to deal O’Neal I bet you Banks comes with Marion or no deal.
What did Banks do to earn that much money? Did he have a decent season in his contract year??
Phoenix was in a bidding war for a restricted free agent and PG backup for nash/PG of the future – thats why.
From the NJ press today:
“Brook Lopez was informed of the veterans’ demand for a team-wide attitude change, and was asked where it should start. His reply: “Before we get on the court … like, breakfast?”
awesome. the lopez twins. where unintentional comedy happens.
if ever there was an opportune time to stomp the nets out,its tonight.
Raptors must not make the playoffs … they need high draft picks … believe it …!!!!
If you believe the conventional wisdom (well, ESPN) then in this draft a high pick may not help you. The Raptors tank in a year when the guy ESPN says is the #1 pick is projected as a decent 6th man; they can’t even get losing right.
is this game going to be online somewhere???
How about a straight up trade, JO for Iverson.
Stuckey has made Iverson expendable. Plus that team is floundering. Very similar contracts. Raptors get someone who can create his own shot and dominate late. Not sure why Detroit would do it, other than more toughness up front and getting stuckey more game time. Plus how weird would it be for JO to play at the palace.
Anyway, I think Raptors should do that in a second. Might have to throw in something else.
That’s an interesting idea. Detroit would only do that if they disliked their free agent options this summer though. Interesting thought.
These Nets commentators are funny.
“Larry Parker… that must be Anthony’s parker’s dad’s name.”
“Oh, did you research that?”
“Naw, I just kinda used the last name”
“Well at least you’re being honest”
“The pick which drafted Joey Graham was acquired from the Vince Carter trade”
“So I was right, he did play for the raps?”
“Yeah, I just checked NBA.com”
Great stuff
This game should be over with by now.
Turnovers hurting the Raptors here. They’re shooting 68% from the field (eFG%) and out-rebounding NJ, compared to 52% shooting for Jersey. This game should be out of hand and comfortably in the Raps favour. 8 more turnovers than the Nets though, keeping NJ in it.
wow whats new. Parker misses a free throw with less than two minutes left.
whats new. Bosh misses a drive late in crunch time.
I cannot believe it, why did Harris pull up? he was driving on us at will.
Unbelievable way to win.
he pulled up, and it was the right move because the raps clogged the paint completely. He didn’t leave enough time for a drive and dish, so, he shot himself.
Man, does Joey need some surgery after Harris just broke his ankles that badly?
I’m positive that Harris would have gotten a make or get fouled. Even though he had a good shot, the drive would have been a great shot.
You guys need to join the chat during the game instead of talking here.
Its some problem with my computer. The chat needs the newest flash application to work, but when I install it, my computer doesn’t recognize it.
maybe its a problem with not enabling java shiiiit
LA ….ya!!!Iverson is sure helping out the boys in Detroit !!!
Why the shit was Kapono on the floor for 10 min in the fourth quarter. Also, Bargnani only played 3 min in second half. Triano spends too much time polishing his head. Final quarter line-up: Calderon, Parker, J-Poon, Bargnani, Bosh – Parker plays point in sub, Oneal plays 4 – 7 min, Joey plays when Moon f’s up.
I couldn’t believe Triano refused to play Bargnani after that 4th foul. I mean what’s worse, he plays 10 more minutes and fouls out or you don’t play him until 2 minutes are left in the game. You sit someone whose in foul trouble because you want to use them later in the game. But if you never put them back then what’s the point. If you let him play, at worse he’s going to get more floor time then if you use him the way they did tonight. Not to mention, how often this month has he played a half without getting two fouls. Quite a few times.
it was more a function of trying to keep Joey going. I hope Bargnani doesn’t have a crisis of confidence now, but Joey was playing with a lot of energy on both ends of the floor
Jumpshotio Poon- Oh lawd! Really, Graham should just get the start and we’ll leave it at that. A guy who can finish at the rim!
We honestly deserved to lose the same way we always do with New Jersey. Pure, dumb luck that we got a brick from Harris. No seriously, WHY is it always the same late comeback buzzer beater bullshit with these guys?
I didn’t see this one but it sounds like even though we won, we lost. Not sure what to make of it.
if we can perfect winning games that we lose, we’ll be unbeatable
Aye wheres the post game ana?