I don't know what I'm more pleased about with the Raptors this week, the fact that they beat the Houston Rockets handily, the fact that they are second place (unlike my hockey countrpart), or the fact that we beat the Rockets last week (Im' that surprised. In any case, Toronto enters the week before Christmas with a 11-15 record.
It was another hot and cold week for the Dinos, as they looked like ab absolute joke against both the Bucks and Hawks this week after just sliding by the dismal Minnesota Timberwolves. After those games, I felt as though this would be another blog calling for a massive new rebuilding project north of the border.
Then Sunday against the Rockets came and Toronto suddenly looked like a brand new team. A 101-88 win over s pretty tough Western Conference opponent is definitly the highlight of the last few weeks for this team. Maybe it was a fluke, maybe not, but in any case, the Raptors owned a 55-42 lead at halftime and never looked back. Yeah, I know this is not the same Houston Rockets as recent years, with no Yao or Tracy McGrady, but a win is a win for this Raptor club.
In anty case, I do have one single plea to coach Jay Triano this week, and that is to take a chance and start Sonny Weems at shooting guard.
Some of you maybe asking Sonny who??? Sonny Weems, signed by the Raptors after lingering on the Denver Nuggets roster his rookie year in 08-09, is transforming into a confident and consistent shooter, unlike current shooting guard starter DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan shot just one of four on Sunday, compared to Weems who shot five of ten for 11 points. All together, the team shot well excpet for DeRozan. Why ride the rookie when you can throw in a second year guy who gives you a chance to score more.
Now I will say DeRozan long-term is the better player, but now for the preset, the Raptors need some win to get into the thick of the playoff race. A move to Weems at shooting guard will help them win some game here and now while allowing DeRozan to learn and come off the bench as a 6th/7th man.
My Raptors Picks this week.
Last Week- 2-2
Season So Far- 3-5
Toronto is currently down in sunny Florida for a back-to-back set at Miami and Orlando. Not fun by any sense of the word. That will eb followed with a hoem meeting, the first of the year, with the New JErsey Nets (YES!!!!!) followed by another home game against New Orleans on Sunday.
Outside of a virtual gimme against the Nets, it'll be a tough week for Toronto. Being able to win of these back-to-backs in Florida will be a miracle, so tag losses tonight and tomorrow. Then be prepared for two straight wins, an easy one against New Jersey's finest and a tough win agaisnt the Hornets.
Tues. at Miami LOSS
Wed. at Orlando LOSS
Fri. vs New Jersey WIN
Sun. vs New Orleans WIN
Acorss the NBA Divisions....
Atlantic- I just want to make one point here. Allen Iverson returns to the 76ers, but all they can muster is a single win against the dismal Golden State Warriors. Just saying....
Central- The division may be dominated by the Cavs, but keep an eye on the Milwaukee Bucks. I was impressed by their performance against Toronto last week (not that the Raps put up much of a challenge) and they have had a tough schedule early. You heard it hear first, I smel an upset win for the Bucks over the Lakers in Milwaukee tonight.
Southeast- Maybe the Raptors will have a chance in Miami. I don't think so, ut pundits may point to the Heat's embarssing blowout loss to Memphis on Sunday and another bad loss at Denver last week. Outside of Dwayne Wade, Miami is a very beatable team and a fringe playoff contender.
Southwest- I failed to adress above the Trevor Ariza's suspension for throwing an arm at DeRozan this week. It was a questionable suspension call, but that has not been Houston lone cry this week. Their coach, Rick Adelman, is complaining of four straight back-to-back sets over the next two weeks. I don't think he realizes one of those games is a trip to the Meadowlands, an automatic win (I love these Nets jokes).
Northwest- I can't help but express disappointment from Kevin Love last week against the Timberwolves. I know he's coming back from a hand injury and I beleieve he scored 18 points, but I don't see him transofrming into a surperstar for a Minnesota club in desperate need of a savior.
Pacfic- The Phoenix Suns remain the lone team undefeated at home this season, at 8-0. Tonight they host a San Antonio Spurs team that has struggled on the road so far this year. Pencil in a win for the Suns, especially with them only favored by two points at -105 tonight.
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