Raptors at Hawks, game-day Dino-bytes
The usual game-day update on tonight’s Raptors-Haws game.
TORONTO (16-29) at ATLANTA (26-19)
Phillips Arena
TIPOFF: 7:30 p.m.
TV: TSN2; RADIO: FAN590
WEB: We’ll be here for the usual in-game fun and frivolity just before 7:30 p.m.
Probable starters
Toronto: Jose Calderon, DeMar DeRozan, Landry Fields, Ed Davis, Amir Johnson; Atlanta: Jeff Teague, Devin Harris, Kyle Korver, Josh Smith, Al Horford.
Key backups tonight
Toronto: Alan Anderson (Raps need consistent production at both ends from him), Aaron Gray (career night Monday, any impact tonight?); Atlanta: Ivan Johnson (big man is a physical presence), Zaza Pachulia (another tough big man to deal with).
Season series
First game of the year; Hawks are 19-13 vs. Toronto in Atlanta but Raptors won at Phillips last season.
What happened this morning
New kid in town
Andrea Bargnani, who has been out with a torn elbow ligament since early December, took part in the team’s shootaround.
It’s another step in his rehabilitation process and there’s no firm word on when he might get back to game action.
But for a team that’s been operating with a decimated frontcourt (only Amir Johnson and Ed Davis play regularly, Quincy Acy and Aaron Gray fill in when needed) getting their best true stretch four back can’t be a bad thing.
-
More from sickbay
Kyle Lowry’s here with the team and his wonky back appears a bit better. He missed Monday’s game and was limited on Saturday.
-
Interesting but likely meaningless stat, Vol. 1
Ed Davis has 11 or more points in 11 straight games.
-
What’s the word in Atlanta?
After a miserable 2-8 run, they’re starting to feel pretty good about themselves with three wins in their last four games.
At least that’s what this morning’s Atlanta Journal Constitution says.
-
Who’s in charge?
Tonight’s officials are Tony Brothers, Nick Buchert and Eric Lewis, for what it’s worth.
-
Some slippage
Toronto’s defence has taken a step back in the last three weeks; the Raptors have allowed more than 100 points in seven of their last nine games.
They are 1-6 in those games and just 1-22 this season when they give up 100 or more points, the lone win came over the Los Angeles Lakers.
It’s especially troubling looking ahead to this game specifically because the Hawks are averaging almost 109 points per game in their last four.
-
Interesting but likely meaningless stat, Vol. 2
In 14 January games, the Raptors have had six players average at least 10 points per game.
-
"getting their best true stretch four back can’t be a bad thing."
It's almost like you're begging for the comments section to explode. :)
Posted by: Peter | January 30, 2013 at 02:09 PM
Doug, is it true that the deal is imminent? Please tell me it is just rumours. Please
http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/225878/Rudy_Gay_To_Raptors_Trade_Appears_Imminent
Posted by: nasko | January 30, 2013 at 05:39 PM
R.I.P. Raptors.
Rudy Gay?!
The mediocrity treadmill continues....
*Sigh*
Posted by: John Gibbons | January 30, 2013 at 06:11 PM
Doug. You officially just got busy on the IGBT tonight. hahaha. Rudy Rudy Rudy Rudy.
Posted by: Colin K | January 30, 2013 at 06:14 PM
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8898673/sources-memphis-grizzlies-agree-principle-trade-rudy-gay-toronto-raptors
Thoughts Doug? Or is this a situation that could be cancelled at the last minute? (i.e. Bobcats)
Posted by: Shannon | January 30, 2013 at 06:38 PM