The Goods On The Game, Setting Up Orlando

Hey kids.

Looks like changes on both sides of the ledger tonight.
Sitting here in Casa Smith out in Hazelville, I'm hearing Jose's a no-go again and that Mickael Pietrus is getting the night off for Orlando, too.

Pietrus banged up his ribs in a game Sunday in Charlotte and coach Stan Van Gundy doesn't want to mess up his bench so J.J. Redick, who hasn't made a single basket all season, goes into the starting lineup. That lets Keith Bogans to continue his role coming off the Magic bench.

The absence of Calderon, again, gets Will Solomon into the starting lineup for the Raptors, alongside the now-usual dudes: Anthony Parker, Andrea Bargnani, Chris Bosh and Jermaine O'Neal.

Anyway, off to get the bon-bons and sodas ready for the big tilt.

Be back soonish.

Comments

[Tim H.]

Read Feschuk's article today - if he's quoting properly, Sam's resolution not to curse is done. True?

[Steve Gosse]

It was done before the season started
he swore in a practice in preseason

he admitted to it on OTR with lansberg.. but still claims to be reducing his profanities

[Al President of the Bye Smitch Club]

Hey Doug, I read your blog pretty much every day. I am sitting here stunned after watching that game. A couple of days ago you opined that coaching will not make that much difference. I don't think there's any question that Sam was schooled by Frank tonight. Ultimately I think this game was decided on the Raptors inablity to make plays coming out of time-outs and the Nets making it look like taking candy from a baby. This kind of a loss has to kill their confidence and swagger. What other potential coaches are there out there?