It goes without saying we match up horribly against this team. Truly, they drink our milkshake.
Our defense can’t handle their star, their post players, or their shooters. Our offense can’t handle their team defense. Our fragile psyche can’t handle their stoic discipline. But it IS always fun watching Lebron the Incredible and his merry men dismantle the Raptors. Watching him makes your team losing okay (unless you’re Detroit). He’s the NBA version of cheese pizza – regardless of your favorite, you still love getting a piece. Even the Raptors seem to enjoy losing to him, seeing as we haven’t won in Cleveland since April 6th, 2004. To put that in perspective, the Cavs still had Boozer, we still had Vince, and RapsFan still had his virginity.
The Cavs and the Raptors are two teams on inverse but parallel trajectories. One is a team climbing up the NBA elite, riding a two game win streak and 7-3 in their last ten games. The other is dropping down the rankings like an Acme anvil, 3-7 in their last ten and stuck in a two game losing streak. Both have stars of the 2003 draft class as their centerpieces. One looks like a chiseled Greek statue. One looks like an upside down mop.
Last time we played Cleveland we lost 114-94 and got beaten in every statistical category. No joke, EVERY FREAKIN’ CATEGORY. Points off turnovers, points in the paint, fast break points, second chance points, field goal %, three-point %, free throw %, offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds, assists, steals, turnovers, personal fouls…they won them all. There’s humbling, and there’s embarrassing. I wouldn’t be surprised if they managed to beat us in minutes played.
The Vegas line is Cleveland -10.5 and considering they lead the NBA in margin of victory with 10/game, I’d say those are the best odds in Vegas other than the odds there will be a soiled condom behind your hotel bed. a) trust me – if you look hard enough, you’ll find one. b) Don’t stay at the Golden Nugget.
Hopefully, said condom is the result of a fine evening with Katie, our featured Cavalierette. She’s a true fan. Most little kids want to be firemen, astronauts, or princesses when they grow up. Not our Katie.
“Being a Cavalier Girl has been a goal of mine since I’ve was very young. I really have been training my whole entire life for it. Being a part of the team last year was amazing and I feel lucky to have experienced it.”
Despite the fact that she’s got a face you’d find in a transgendered Craigslist ad, you’ll have to believe me when I say that this is the best the Cavs Girls have to offer. Maybe Lebron fu#@*ed the pretty off them all. I bet he’s like a jackhammer through strawberry jam. And speaking of getting pounded…
MATCHUPS
Calderon vs. Williams EDGE: Williams
Jose better double-knot his laces, because he’s going to be chasing Mo around screens all night. The only thing Jose can do is try to make Mo work hard on defence, because Calderon straight can’t guard someone of Williams’ quickness and handles. Looking for a fun drinking game? Every time Williams penetrates and kicks out to an open shooter, take a shot. Just don’t expect to be awake past half-time.
Parker vs. Pavlovic EDGE: Parker
Pavlovic will be camped out at the three point line, shot-ready, every minute he’s on the court. If Parker collapses on penetration, he’s going to get lit up. If he doesn’t, Pavlovic will be neutralized. On offense, AP needs to stay aggressive against the semi-slow Euro, who doesn’t usually guard offensive threats, instead deferring to Lebron or Williams’…oh, what the hell. I’m going to go ahead and call this the most boring matchup of the game. They could play 4-on-4 and no one would know the difference.
Moon vs. James EDGE: Moon
That’s right, I’m giving the edge to Moon. How lucky is he to be on the court with a player of Lebron’s caliber? He’ll be telling his grandkids/great-nephews, “I got beat by the best.”
(seriously though, Triano might as well bench Jamario and Kapono and let Joey go the full 48 against James. He needs the experience.)
PREDICTION: Did I mention the Cavs are 22-0 at home? I predict that I will be cheering for Lebron by the second quarter, that Bargnani will drop 20+, and that the Raptors will lose by 15.
We got a podcast coming out in the morning too so watch out for that. It’s a “can’t miss” if you like the draft.
102 Raps
love the preview man
wish you’d do them every game cuz rapsfans’ sux ass
those opening tips dont do ur talent any justice
Cudos on delivering a top-notch, LOL filled pre-game analysis
*claps hands*
sux is a bit harsh no?
It is!
Completely undeserved!!
You’re doing alright Raps Fan!
Our season so far.
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/8361/faildiveie9qt5.gif
lol Awesome
lol
opening tip is my favorite part of the website.
but a wonderful post.
and heres something for us tortured raptor fans.
http://i38.tinypic.com/mtm0wo.jpg
Looking forward to LeBron having his own dunk contest during the game. I got my 1-10 signs ready.
I’m surprised nobody picked up on Bosh being pissed off that he would have to pay a fine for those technical fouls…he said that someone owes me some money man !!!! does that sound like a guy who would leave 30 million on the table.
If the decision is to try and keep him (never mind the franchise talk,and a winner ….)BC has to get somebody in here now to give him some help.
On the flipside,he was also quoted as saying,ya of course I want to play good…..reading between the lines,auditioning ?
It would be safe to say that Bosh would be great asset on any team,but not the centre pole that holds up the tent !!!
And I’m also looking forward to Kobe dropping 100 tmrw, after last night.
Naaaa he won’t, he’ll drop 200.
Have we reached such a low point that a win vs Cleveland would be like the Raps beating the Michael Jordan bulls?
I don’t think it’s that far off.
Yes.
as a matter of fact, YES!
Go Upside Down mop!!! … ugh.
———————————–
It would be safe to say that Bosh would be great asset on any team,but not the centre pole that holds up the tent !!! – d279
———————————–
The very best center pole in the history of this league was not the type of player who focused his efforts on being a goto scorer.
Q1. Why is this?
A1. Because that’s not what/who he was all about as a Center pole player.
The main problem Mr. Bosh is having right now is with the mis-guided, unrealistic and highly inaccurate expectations being placed on him by far too many of the vocal members of the Raptors’ basketball community, both, as a high end player in the NBA and as a person.
Food For Thought …
When you assess incorrectly who exactly someone is, in the first place … everything else concerning your perceptions about them – i.e. their words, their look, and their actions – is then out of focus, too.
would those expectations include wanting to perform at an MVP level? or allstar level? shouldn’t a ‘leader’ have thicker skin than to be motivated (or de-motivated) by what fans/commenters say/think?
perhaps the expectations of others would be more ‘accurate’ if his own were more ‘realistic?’ or, if he actually played to a level commensurate with his beliefs of who he is, as a player & and person.
whatever.
Every NBA’er thinks they are “the man”. They’ve been told so since middle school, were high school studs, college standouts, and now, they’re in the big pond. But that ego…it’s been fed and manicured since they first showed signs of potential. Hard to beat it out of them now.
100% truth! A club promoter friend of mine told me Will Solomon is a really arrogant dude.
(He also told me a few things about him I cannot repeat).
The club promoter must be laughing his ass off when he saw what an ass Will Solomon is.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they managed to beat us in minutes played.”
I was cracking up when I read that.
That was great man. Edge: Moon. Haha.
“speaking of getting pounded…”
One aspect to this site which I would like to see eradicated would be the misogynistic references it sometimes contains.
Shut the Fuck up already.
Ditto to that, you have to ask Dinosty yourself, but you know he won’t listen to your.
hoity-toity bullcrap.
Yo Dinosty, what kind of Raptor’s fan you are while: ”… it IS always fun watching Lebron the Incredible and his merry men dismantle the Raptors”!?
You remind me of those idiotic Raptor sportscasters making jokes, having incredible fun, laughing, while my (their?) team gets abused.
I’m an NBA fan as much – if not more – than a Raptors fan. And watching excellence never gets old. Did you see the MSG fans chanting “MVP” last night as Kobe filled it up? I’m not one to go that far, but there’s no shame in enjoying the entertainment.
What’s the alternative? Sulking and throwing my juicebox at the TV while my favorite team is losing to a team they’re supposed to lose to?
Post of the Day material!!! LMAO!!! :D
dino – best headline yet. i can just picture buffer, middle of the ring…a hush falls over the crowd…
Dinosty,my mistake! I thought this was Raptors Republic “The International Toronto Raptors Fan Association”
I don’t see why I can’t be a Raptors fan and a fan of good basketball at the same time. They aren’t mutually exclusive.
And with a season like this crappy one, there’s nothing wrong with seeking solace in a little quality ball even if it happens to be played by teams without a dumb nickname. I personally think RR should mix in some non-Raptors content for the remainder of the year to take the edge off.
We’ve been tempted Sam, but we’re staying true to our word through this season. We’ll make it fun for you regardless, don’t you worry.
the words ‘raptors’ & ‘good basketball’ have been used together so infrequently this season…sigh.
As fans, somethings laughing at ourselves saves us from getting into fights with our siblings to defend the honour of our favorite sports team.
(I’ve had two black-eyes and a broken jaw since January).
A great post. Simply hilarious.
I didn’t want to say anything earlier, but after reading that again. I dunno man, nothing wrong with being funny.. but this article is “dirty”.
After asking people to tone it down in the comments section with the swearing and saying articles will not contain profanity … we get this. Not the mention the sexual content. I mean, aren’t kids reading this?
Whatever, not my site.. if you guys choose to project yourself to the world and through ESPN in this way and it’s bringing you success.. carry on.
And you are not the only writer to do this, it’s all across the board. Sometimes you guys sound like you need Sex Addict counseling.
a) There’s no profanity whatsoever in this post.
b) There’s nothing rude or libelous directed at any other invididuals on this site (except RapsFan, but he can take it)
c) Maybe the whole “strawberry jam” bit was a little much…I wasn’t sure whether to post it or not, but at the end of the day it made me laugh. I thought it might make others as well. If I swung and missed…well, my bad, but can’t knock ‘em all out of the park.
d) If you want bland commentary, I’ll link you to D. Smith.
re: expectations for chris bosh
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3173/career;_ylt=AonBmT6yyt63gp8_Uon4Q0YoPKB4
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3007/career;_ylt=AonBmT6yyt63gp8_Uon4Q0YOPKB4
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3707/career;_ylt=AonBmT6yyt63gp8_Uon4Q0bMPKB4
It’s a certain segment of the Raptors’ basketball community which is off-base when it comes to evaluating the authentic ability of a player like Chris Bosh.
“Maybe Lebron fu#@*ed the pretty off them all.”
Again, man… I realize it your site, and you are probably trying to stand out from the AP crowd. And that’s cool. Lots of ways of going about it, I guess.
Just saying, if kids read this.. it must be good times when they ask their parents what they Brass Rail is.. or whatever that place is called.
Really, it’s all about your goal, and for all I know you have a target audience… it just didn’t seem that way when the site was launched.
The condom bit was not necessary IMO, either.
Didn’t pin you for a sensitive one, Flux.
But point taken.
Dinosty,
re: misogynistic remarks
FYI …
* I’d say those are the best odds in Vegas other than the odds there will be a soiled condom behind your hotel bed.
* Hopefully, said condom is the result of a fine evening with Katie, our featured Cavalierette.
* Maybe Lebron fu#@*ed the pretty off them all. I bet he’s like a jackhammer through strawberry jam. And speaking of getting pounded…
In general, though, what you write and the way you write isn’t problematic, in my book.
Dino, really I’m not. Lots of other stuff in that article made me laugh. I don’t need to tell you that you have a gift for funnies.
The condom was too much.. perhaps because I was eating.
Anyway, I just want to see you guys do well, and I’d hate for you to be pulling a Plaxico, by ending up behind some NetNanny filter or something.
As I said, point taken and I appreciate it. From now on, I’m going Raffi on all your asses.
lol…flux is just making sure he’s got his mentor’s back…
nice post. time to dig up the ancient debate: LeBron or Kobe?
for my money, though, I would rather watch Kobe than LeBron. In fact, LeBron really pisses me off – the crab dribble, the constant hints about leaving in 2010 from a couple of months ago. The fact that I think he travels half of the time, and has his one unstoppable move. Watching LeBron is like when you used to play those old sports games, like I remember NHL 2001: there was 1 move – the move – where you were guaranteed to score or hit the post. And if you were ever in trouble, you just do that one move. Sometimes, watching LeBron force his way in the paint is like that. I admire it, but I can’t help but be bored by it sometimes.
The only thing I can say about LeBron that I like is that he is guaranteed to get open shots for his teammates on the drive and kick doubleteams, which makes a mediocre squad much better. The Cavs without LeBron are worse than the Raptors – Mo Williams would do well simply because of confidence, for a while, before he realizes that without LeBron he is just a shooter, not a real point guard. LeBron doesn’t really make other players better, he just gives them open shots.
Kobe, on the other hand is by far the smartest and grittiest superstar in the NBA (the man is playing with two hand injuries). His passes sometimes happen when everyone thinks he is about to drive, setting up players perfectly. His decision-making is contagious on the Lakers, and he truly makes other players smarter about sharing the ball. EVERY SINGLE play for Cleveland is “give the ball to LeBron, if he scores great, if not he will pass to Mo or Big Z:” LeBron’s strength is getting into the paint at will – you know when he wants to get in, and the amazing part is that you can’t stop him even when you know what he is doing (traveling aside). Kobe’s strength is everything else, from offense to defence.
In the regular season, I take LeBron – he will win you games singlehandedly. In the playoffs, I would take Kobe because he is a seasoned veteran, who makes the team much more savvy, and is hungry to get that first championship sans Shaq.
As the FreeDarko book says (which you should get if you haven’t yet, its an achievement), Kobe’s out there playing chess. Jab steps, pump fakes, head games, spins…he plays two or three moves ahead.
Lebron is a wrecking ball, a young man with the physical gifts to do WHATEVER HE WANTS on the court.
I don’t think we can compare the two. Give Lebron 6 more seasons, and I think he’ll have the basketball knowledge that Kobe does. Right now though, I’d take Kobe in the playoffs 100%. The most dominant player in the NBA is probably Lebron. The most terrifying, skilled, and dangerous player? Gotta go with Mamba.
Agree with Dinosty, the difference is age and experience. I do recall a young Kobe shooting airballs…
LeBron, if he continues on this path, will be better then Kobe or at least equal.
Dinosty – great article! Perhaps one of your best. Please don’t listen to this “Fluxland” character as he’s clearly having a terrible Tuesday.
Mr. Fluxland,
1. Are places like the Brass Rail some sort of secret/taboo? The answer is no. If my child asked me what the Brass Rail was I’d have no problem with the question and respond by saying “it’s a place for adult entertainment that I’m looking forward to introducing you to when you become of age”, or “it’s an licensed liquor establishment”.
2. The creators/writers of this site do not need to adhere to any sort of regulated control. If you want to read a PG-version of commentary on the raptors then read the star, the globe&mail, or go join the intellectually challenged on the forums over at RealGM. The creatros/writers of this site don’t claim/pretend to be role models, and they simply speak their minds on a forum in which THEY CREATED.
Conclusion – stop hating.
Perhaps some parents are not as comfortable as you are in discussing adult entertainment locales with their kids, or for that matter perhaps your kids accept your answers without follow up questions, that again, may lead to discussions they may not want to have with their children. Not everyone has tackled parenthood with the same success as yourself, and Lord know most parents avoid conversations with their children about sex. Perhaps my point would have been better illustrated if I said: Imagine sitting down with your kid to watch the Cavs game tonight and after a LeBron drive to the bucket, the kid exclaims: “He’s pounding that defense like a jackhammer through jam!”
As I have stated earlier, and maybe you have a reading comprehension problem, yes, this in fact is their site and they don’t have to conform to anything. I was however under the impression it was established for ALL Raptor fans, and I suggested he may alienate some of them due to SOME choice in his word.
But of course, you summed up my comments into hating.. which could be nothing further from the truth. In fact, it just may be the exact opposite. Conclusion – you only see what you want to see.
Also, I am having a FANTASTIC Tuesday. Thanks for wondering, much appreciated.
I know we’re going in circles a bit now, but tell me you wouldn’t crack a smile if your kid chirped up with that during the game. A little smirk, maybe…?
Inside.. yeah. :)
But you know what I am saying, a week later he breaks that out in class… “Mrs. Smith, that test was so easy, it was like pounding…..” Good times explaining that one during a P.T. meeting.
flux – in all honesty, if khan-the-man hadn’t raised the issue, would you have had a problem with anything written? i’ve seen worse, both in posts & comments, and never once have i read an objection from you. i’m sure it’s all coincidental.
I posted much earlier my 1st comment much earlier then he did, and as I said, I wanted to say something then, but refrained as 1. i was pressed for time and 2. didn’t want to be the only one saying something 3. I was going to email him later.
But, Khandor saying somehting, did encourage me, yes. What’s wrong with that? That way the RR guys don’t feel like it’s just one person. I am also sure there are many people who read it, feel the same, didn’t bother saying anything. This place has many female followers, they wouldn’t bother, I’m sure, even if they were “bugged” by it.
The comments section doesn’t bother me as much, but these guys rep us out there.. and I assume are trying to reach a wide audience. Also, I have commented on people like nunya, andiamo, whomhaveyou about the profanity laced comments, and I am sure I have gone off on a tangent (although not at the same intensity) but comments and articles are not the same thing.
There is not such thing as a coincidence.
Overall, I don’t get what your point is? Khandor said something, I followed up. The Earth is still spinning. Whooopty DO!
In the Gale Sayers vs Jim Brown debate is there really a loser?
Not in my book.
Always the poor guy named “Gale”.
Flux,
Before getting too upset with individuals like “Mr. Pike” … best remember that there are many different “johnny-come-latelies” here now who have zero knowledge whatsoever when it comes to understanding the extent of the long-term relationship some other contributors who frequent this locale have with the creators of this fine site for Raptors aficionados.
——————————–
Mr. Pike,
If you ever see someone like Arsenalist, Raps Fan, Dinosty, AltRaps, or Realizar, get upset with feedback they hear from someone like Flux, then, perhaps you should take THAT as a sign of actual discord between them.
If, on the other hand, you see NO SUCH evidence of upset from the creators of this site towards the feedback which Flux provides for them then perhaps you should take THAT as a sign of something else altogether. : )
When I master the art of patience like yourself, my blood pressure may take a dip. Thanks for the advice, as always.
“johnny-come-latelies” – nice!
slurp.
Awww yertu… you missing out on some love? I got some for you too buddy, don’t feel left out.
Is it bringing back memories of you having to sit at the loser table in high school? All by yourself? It’s ok man.. let it go.
lol
I had resigned myself never to read your posts, but I did today (mostly cause of boredom). Damn I wish I hadn’t.
Back to ignoring you.
Khandor – when I spend all day on the internet sounding smart but Im really a faggot.
Dinosty,
: ), : ), : )
Keep On Truck’n
Fluxland,
Is there really no such thing as a coincidence?
What would you call the striking occurrence of two or more events at one time apparently by mere chance?
Is there no such thing as a hypocrite either?
IMO it’s rather hypocritical to say…”I am sure I have gone off on a tangent (although not at the same intensity)”
Only to follow it up with this comment directed at a fellow RR contributor:
“Is it bringing back memories of you having to sit at the loser table in high school? All by yourself? It’s ok man.. let it go.”
A comment like that makes you look foolish, uneducated, and immature – coincidence?
“Conclusion – you only see what you want to see”
No, I see what’s in front of me – and that’s an insecure parent who obviously hasn’t taken the precautionary measures to ensure HE (not society) teaches his children about sexuality.
You’ve chosen to use the author “Dinosty” as a scape goat for a child being introduced to concepts of sexuality when really Dinosty ain’t the problem.
Weren’t you the same guy calling for Sam Mitchell’s head/firing? Coincidence?
Oh Pikey.. I can see that you are totally missing the point. Out of everything I write you put together what you need to make your points.
Discussing anything with you is futile.
Going off on a profanity laced tangent EVERY SINGLE TIME you post and it being directed at everyone is not the same as taking a jab at someone, who I may add just took one at me.
And FYI, a) I am not a parent and b) I have NEVER, not ONCE called for the firing of Sam. In fact the opposite.
WOOOOOOOOOOWWWWW… I attacked Dino and used him as a scapegoat? What is wrong with you man? Can you read? You need to go back and read what I wrote, guy. The overall point was image and perception/ audience.. not sex ed.
Fluxland,
How did i take a jab at you?
I never said you called for the firing of Sam, but rather acknowledged how it would be coincidental (a concept you don’t believe in) if you did.
Your point(s) about image, perception/audience were both acknowledged and challenged (with support):
IMAGE: RR doesn’t have an image to protect or regulations to adhere to
Perception/Audience: given that RR doesn’t have an image to protect or regulations to adhere to it should not be considered appropriate for minors
Thanks to everyone for ruining the comment section of a perfectly nice post.
Rap of the day!
That’s just quality
I concur.
Flux, Khandor – You guys like myself (and prob many more) are all here form Arsenalist’s old site and I remember Arse used to drop some insane language there (The C word was a daily thing) but never did such an uproar occur there so why now?
Let’s just move on and if you got a problem with Dinosty send him a private email.
Here’s what I do tonight:
- Start Joey G on Lebron.
- Take Mo Williams in the post (Parker or Graham)
- BOX OUT THEIR BIGS
Endo,
Great game plan…question: WHO exactly are we relying on to “BOX OUT THEIR BIGS”?
How about Jermaine O’Neal and that big lug Jake Voskuhl? We got two 7 footers that can throw their weight around and if they give us 20 good minutes each that’ll get the job done. Rasho Lite hasn’t been playing at all lately, I expect him to get some minutes.
But Endo, I don’t even think it’s going to come down to the bigs, it’ll be that old whore drive ‘n kick that’s going to kill us. I can already see Boobie Gibson draining four threes off LBJ assists.
I would like to nominate daniel “boobie” gibson for the prestigious “Worst Nickname in History” award.
I would at least like all the bigs that get in the game to rack up a few fouls. Really, what does Jake have to loose by fouling out in three minutes?
Arsenalist,
It was never my intention to “ruin the comment section” at all and I am embarrassed to have been labeled as such an individual.
Allow me to provide some context as Dinosty is a good friend of mine, and when Fluxland attacked his work/words I found it to be my duty to speak my mind in a way perhaps Dinosty wouldn’t.
I love this site, value it’s material, and was simply engaging in what I thought to be a very harmless hypothetical debate on such issues as: social acceptability, parenting, and being hypercritical.
Perhaps my tone (never to be taken too seriously btw) was taken the wrong way?
Glad to see we’ve gotten back to basketball.
We just don’t have the personnel to out rebound thin frontcourts like the Knicks…so how we do it against a team that gets on the glass like the Cavs, I have no clue.
Dinosty…I have to say there were moments when I cringed,then I laughed out loud.
Sorry fluxland.
I’ve got no problem with today’s post :)
I’m with Pyke on this one…offended ? look up Doug Smith’s (the source !) from the Star,you wont be offended,or challenged for that matter.
Pick your poison tonight. Do you let LBJ get his, or force the rest of the team to beat you (not to imply that LBJ still isn’t going to do damage).
IMO, get help on the inevitable LBJ drives, and if they start burning us with 3s, then don’t sag too much on the shooters, relying on inside help. Communicate like crazy and rotate.
Add in healthy doses of prayer.
I remember we almost beat them last year in Cleveland, Delfino had Lebron late in a one-on-one situation and lost out. We basically have to hope for a bad LBJ shooting night and either contain his drive (impossible) or close-out the shooters by not helping off of them.
In other words, we should leave our big men to fend for themselves and not provide help from the wings. I’m looking at your Parker, Kapono and Calderon. Especially Calderon, I’ve never seen a guy give more pointless help than Calderon.
I’ve seen Parker help in some pretty questionable situations as well. If Moon is defending LBJ, I’d tell him not to contest jumpers, just so he doesn’t get pump faked into the stands!
I’d agree that we try and slow LBJ with the interior bigs and good man to man d. If he gets 40, so be it.
See previous comment on prayer.
BronBron with a Quadruple double
(10+pts,10+ast, 10+rebs, 10+ stls/blks)…another defeat that reaches NBA History.
Would anyone trade Bosh and Graham for Crawford and Maggette and ist rounder. You would have a scoring shooting guard and the slasher we dont have. Downside is the terms of their contracts, Crawford 3 and Maggette 5 years. If contract terms were shorter, I would really consider it
Marques Johnson,
Jamal Crawford is a black hole.
Corey Maggette will forever be “day-to-day” with a hamstring/groin injury
Colangelo doesn’t deserve another 1st rounder to botch
Throw in another 1st rounder (lottery unprotected of course) and maybe we’ll talk but Maggette/Crawford aren’t exactly team players. Any serious deal with the Warriors would be dependent on Monta Ellis being on the table. Doesn’t he have bad blood with the organization? I’d think they’d be willing to give him up if Bosh is on the table.
Arsenalist,
FWIW …
——————————
re: I remember we almost beat them last year in Cleveland,
——————————
with the current line at Tor + 10/-101, I have the Raptors as my top play on the NBA board tonight. : )
My crazy voice is saying we might surprise tonight, but my rational voice is saying they haven’t shown any heart in the last two games, so why expect anything different tonight.
———————————–
My crazy voice is saying we might surprise tonight, but my rational voice is saying they haven’t shown any heart in the last two games, so why expect anything different tonight. – by DG
———————————–
Because many, many times … that is not how this league works.
It works by Refs betting on how many free-throws and point differential should be in the game.
Flux,
Once the original point was made … best to let it go. IMO, the site’s creators know where you stand. : )
Here’s a bball related question:
Does anyone think Cavs will keep Wally Szerbiak and his massive expiring contract around past the trade deadline?
At the beginning of the season, I thought the Nets would be were we are in the standings and that tey would be willing to move VC for Wally+picks by the deadline. But since the Nets and VC are looking pretty good, I no longer see the Nets agreeing to hand the Cavs the NBA title.
I’m sure if the Cavs could acquire an upgrade for Wally they would do it.
Can anyone propose anything to that would actually work/make sense?
Antwan Jamison and filler for Wally’s contract and a pick. The Wiz get out from under one of their biggish, long contracts and keep Tough Juice who I think might be the heart of that team. No one is going to take Agent 0 off them until he shows he’s all the way back. Cleveland could use Jamison to win it all this year. He’s good offensively and should be able to hold his own on D. And if his D’s no good the Cavs have Varejao and Ben Wallace.
That’s a viable proposal, but I think Cavs would also need to upgrade their starting SG.
Here’s another proposal (that works):
Wally/picks for Salmons/B.Miller
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=831~556~1726&teams=23~5~5&te=&cash=
The Cavs get a starting SG and a great back-up centre to shore up their front court. For the Kings, they dump 2 long-term salaries and positions themselves for the #1 pick.
And the filler should be DeShawn Stevenson with a rider that his introduction to Lebron and the rest of the Cavs be carried live on NBA TV.
Anderson doesnt get a lot of plays drawn up for him, but he is quick and has hustle. I estimate Bargnani will allow Anderson to run circles around him on the defensive end and get endless put back jams. Bargnani will then shoot 7-20.
I think Big Z being out is actually a huge. He usually kills us all round. I really think a lot of these big man matchups revolve around getting people in foul trouble, if Bargnani can pick up two early fouls on Varejao, it changes the entire complexion of the game. Ditto for LBJ.
Sickest preview ever!! Great stuff!