Raptors at Sixers game-day Dino-bytes
TORONTO (3-7) at PHILADELPHIA (6-4)
Wells Fargo Center
TIPOFF: 7 p.m.
TV: TSN; RADIO: FAN590
Probable starters
Toronto: Jose Calderon, DeMar DeRozan, Dom McGuire, Andrea Bargnani, Jonas Valanciunas; Philadelphia: Jrue Holiday, Jason Richardson, Evan Turner, Thaddeus Young, Kwame Brown.
Key backups tonight
Toronto: John Lucas III (has to provide some relief for Calderon), Amir Johnson (needs to provide energy, scoring); Philadelphia: Spencer Hawes (big man can hit the boards), Nick Young (he can fill it up in a hurry).
Previous meeting
Philadelphia 93, Toronto 83
Nov. 10 at Toronto
Raptors were a whopping 2-for-20 from the floor in the second quarter of the game. And were outscored a mere 32-7.
What happened this morning
Same old, same old
Not much in the way of news, everyone who’s out for Toronto remains out. Starters won’t change, rotation won’t change, effort can’t change or they’re in trouble.
Dwane Casey was most impressed by his team’s defensive “disposition” the other day against Orlando; not sure if a corner has been turned but it was more like the style he wants them to play.
Yes, they want to score easily in transition, there’s no better way to do that than after getting stops, turnovers and steals.
Well, one thing happened
According to people in the arena at the time, a stray bird flying inside the Wells Fargo Center during Toronto’s shootaround defecated on the court.
Make of that what you will.
(The stuff you learn, eh?)
Andrew, Andrew, Andrew
The Sixers continue to wait for Andrew Bynum, the Big Lebowski wannabe is now injured a bit more after sustaining a knee injury while – get this – bowling.
Oh, and it’s his “good” knee that’s swollen and causing him pain; he still hasn’t done as much as run a bit on his previously injured joint. He’s not likely to play until at least the middle of January.
It takes all kinds
Would you do this, as I was asked?
“Do u think the Raptors should sign Kenyon Martin for the minimum and waive Ed Davis? He says he'll play for anyone.”
Eyes rolled, guffaws stifled, second Yeungling ordered.
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What they’re saying
The offering this morning from the Philadelphia Daily News?
What will he bring?
Andrea Bargnani, the Enigmatic Roman, seems to relish facing the Sixers.
He had 23 points when the teams met just over a week ago and averaged 20 a game against Philly last year.
Esoteric stat of the day
In five road games – four losses – Toronto is averaging 91.0 points per game; they average 101.2 in home games.
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Hey Doug,Mike D thanks for making me laugh,the WKRP Turkey joke was hilarious.To bad Doug did not get it.
Blogger's note: Me? Of course I got it; hence the "as God is my witness" line.
Posted by: Bob Wesley | November 20, 2012 at 01:02 PM
“Do u think the Raptors should sign Kenyon Martin for the minimum and waive Ed Davis? He says he'll play for anyone.”
You're kidding right? Was this a serious question? I can't believe someone actually asked you this.
Posted by: Phil A | November 20, 2012 at 01:12 PM
http://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/10/sports/basketball-boston-s-answer-2-inspiring-birds.html?n=Top%2fReference%2fTimes%20Topics%2fPeople%2fB%2fBird%2c%20Larry
Not the first time a bird has had an effect on a basketball court :)
Posted by: Jeff R | November 20, 2012 at 02:54 PM
A bird pooping on something you own is supposed to be good luck!
Can this mean more wins!?
Posted by: Dave R | November 20, 2012 at 03:50 PM
Anyone who''s had their day enhanced by being nailed with bird droppings knows with unwavering certainty that this crap (pun very much intended) about it being a mark of good luck is a fallacy originated by some fowl with digestive issues. Or the makers of Tide. ;)
Posted by: Lorie | November 20, 2012 at 04:57 PM
Smokey, this is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BdT5mFAk-Y
(parental advisory)
Posted by: LeeZ | November 20, 2012 at 05:34 PM
Ha! Cut poor Bynum some slack! Maybe, just maybe, his bowling escapes were less Lebowski and more melody. What if it was something like this and he was 'falling' for a whole different reason? Strikes, spares and the Beatles!
http://youtu.be/oIYQqWWJzHU
Posted by: Lorie | November 20, 2012 at 06:18 PM