Raptors Weekly Report: Judgement Week

The second half of the season has begun for the Toronto Raptors and with it comes the stretch run that will hopefully end in a playoff berth for the Raptors and as we know, once the playoffs start, anything can happen.

That being said, the Raptors played a bubble playoff team and two also-rans this past week to kick off the secon half, not exactly ravaging stuff. The Memphis game in particular was disappointing in that the Raptors collapse in the clutch. Chris Bosh did his thing, but got no support an hence an overtime loss.

Then came the sprained ankle for Bosh an he missed games against the Nets and Wizards. Repeat, we beat the Nets and Wizards, so don't get too excited. Nothing to take away from the solid performances in both games, Jarrett Jack especially stepped up as did an old face in Rasho Nesterovic, but as I stated, it's the Nets and sudenly talent stripped Wizards.

Instead, the real test is now, this week, with terribly tough battles waiting against the Trailblazers, Cavaliers, Thunder, and Rockets. Yikes is the word I'm thinking, especially if Bosh can't get back in the lineup. However, at the same time this is a true test for this Raptor team. If Bosh is missing an this team can still compete against some of the top teams in the NBA, then this is a team to be reckoned with. With Jarrett Jack waking up, Andrea Bargnani blossoming, and solid bench performances from the likes of Amir Johnson, Antione Wright, and Rasho Nesterovic, this is a team with potential. However, that potential has to be fulfilled and this is the week to do it.


Thumbs Up This Week
1. Jarrett Jack- Wow, it looked as though all hell was going to break loose when Bosh was hurt, but instead Jarrett Jack turned into a super human point guard. Two 20+ point nights and 18 assists in two games is nothign short of remarkable for a point guar that has recently been getting thumbs down. Bad news: he is ravaged with inconsistency.

2. Rasho Nesterovic- Welcome back to the fold Rasho. In need of a center with Bargnani going to the power forward spot, Nesterovic stepped up admirably after playing very little early this season. Sort of gives the Raptors a bit of a glimpse of the future without Bosh in a way.

3. Amir Johnson- Johnson is slowly becoming one of my favorite players. He plays 20 minutes a night but delivers the full 20 minutes he is in an now double digit point performances are starting to become the norm. With the team needing a backup power forward, Johnson looks to be the answer.


Thumbs Down This Week
1. Sprained Ankles- So far, Toronto is 2-0 without Chris Bosh in the lineup. But if his sprained ankle becomes a recurring issue, it may be the one single thing that derails the Raptors' season.

2. Hedo Turkoglu- When Bosh goes down and this team is in need of a supporting cast player to step up, Turkoglu plays his hiding game again. I'm quickly getting more and more sick of this guy, who shot less than 50% every night this week.

3. Reggie Evans- I've had it with this waste of trade guy too. Evans finally gets in the lineup when the team needs another big man, and Evans is a non-factor five minute player. Not what we traded for you for at all.


My Raptors Picks This Week
It's a very tough four game week for the Raptors as they play teams all with winning records, unlike recent weeks. Still, I have a lot of faith in this team and will show it in the form of my picks. Make it a 2-2 week, with wins against Portland and Houston, but a two game slide in between.

Last Week 2-1
Season 23-14

Wed. vs Portland WIN
Fri. vs Cleveland LOSS
Sun. at Oklahoma City LOSS
Mon. at Houston WIN


It's Happy Time!!!

Happy 23rd birthday Malik Hairston- the Suns 2nd round pick in 2007 has had limited action in the NBA, but was just called up by the Spurs a couple days ago and is with the big club as we speak. How's that for a birthday present?

Happy 23rd anniversary Nate McMillan- the current Portlan coach tied a rookie record on this in 1987 for assists in a game with a ridiculous 25, playing for the Seattle SuperSonics and the Los Angeles Clippers. Hats off to Nate.

Happy Trails to Allen Iverson- Reports are circulating that the 76ers are ready to cut loose Iverson, who has been out of the lineup due to family reasons. Hopefully this will be the absolute final end for the once perennial all-star.


Around the NBA

Atlantic- The Trade Chronicles Part One: The New York Knicks sent Nate Robinson and Marcus Landry to Boston for Bill Walker, Eddie House, and J.R. Giddins. Advantage? Absolutly Boston, aquiring Robinson may be the extra push the Celtics need in their injury ravage season.

Central- The Trade Chronicles Part Two: The Milwaukee Bucks traded Jodie Meeks and Francisco Elson to Philadelphia for Primoz Brezec and Royal Ivey. Advantage? Slightly to Milwaukee, though not a difference maker for either team.

Southeast- The Trade Chronicales Part Three: The Charlotte Bobcats traded Acie Law and Flip Murray to Chicago for Tyrus Thomas. Advantage? I'll give it to Charlotte, they needed a big man like Thomas up front and he may be the extra piece needed to push the Bobcats to the playoffs.

Southwest- The Trade Chronicles Part Four: Here we go, Tracy McGrady goes to New York, as hinted last week just before the deadline. It was a three team, nine player deal between Houston, Sacramento, and New York, with the Knicks getting the definite edge if McGray returns to form. IF he returns to form.

Northwest- The Trade Chronicles Part Five: The Jazz sent Ronnie Brewer to Memphis for a future first round pick. Can't really tell where the advantage is until that pick is spent by Utah, so let's see what Brewer does for the Grizzlies.

Pacific- The Trade Chronicles Part Six: The Kings received Dominc McGuire from the Wizars for future considerations. Really, this trade doesn't mean didly, I just needed one more news item.


What to Watch This Week
Tuesday- Phoenix at Oklahoma City 8:00 FS Oklahoma
Wednesday- LA Lakers at Dallas 9:00 ESPN
Thursday- Cleveland at Boston 8:00 TNT
Friday- Cleveland at Toronto 7:00 FS Ohio
Saturday- Houston at Utah 9:00 NBA TV
Sunday- Denver at LA Lakers 3:30 ABC
Monday- Denver at Phoenix 9:00 Altitude