Grab the Opening-Tip.
The third game into Triano’s tenure as the interim head coach of the Raptors, and it’s a doozy. The Raptors come off a disaster mini west-coast swing, and they get to walk into the house of King, down with him they aren’t. What a mess this franchise is in huh?
- The head-coach was fired, deservedly, but at the wrong time
- The most talented roster BC has put together…not so much
- A historically murderous west coast swing is on the horizon
The good news is that there is two months or so until the trade-deadline, and there are some things that can be done to right this ship. Not sure who, what, when and where can be done, but BC makes $4mil/year for just this occasion. That sting he’s feeling right now is pride. We wont hold a grudge if he makes an about-face, and does something that makes this team better, I know I wont…
Anyways, there’s a game to be played. If you thought the Cavs were a handful last season, then you will be in for a hell of a night tonight. The Cavs are on the path to 70 wins. Getting there wont be easy, but with two teams playing at the caliber they are (Boston, Cleveland), they will be forcing each other to bring it every night in the hopes of getting the # 1 seed in the East.
What that means for the Raptors is that this will be an uphill battle that will require:
- Strategy
- Execution
- Proper use of the players
- And lots of luck
Even if the above four things are realized, they still have to deal with LeBron, who has single-handedly beat better Raptor teams over the last couple seasons. Pessimistic you might say? The answer is yes.
As for the Cavs, what a difference Mo Williams made. I’ll be honest, I didn’t think he would be the guy to push this team over the top. Amazing how one move can make a GM go from stud to dud….ahem…Efficiency is the name of the game with this team. They sport a 13.2 point differential, limiting opponents to 90 points per game on 45.3 eFT%, I’m not much of a stat guy, so down to business:
Starting Lineups:
Calderon vs Williams
The Edge: Cleveland – Pains me to say this, but Calderon has been looking pretty rough all season. He struggles with dribble penetration, defending off screens, giving shooters room to shoot…all things that Mo Williams has made a career on. Sadly, 15pts and 10asts wont be enough if he’s giving up 20pts and 5-7asts. Giving Williams freedom to do his thing only makes LeBron’s job easier. Would be good if Jose makes a commitment to defense, and stays home, doesn’t come off him to double, and forces drives away from the key.
Parker vs West
The Edge: Toronto – Amazing when you say that holding Brandon Roy to 15pts 7asts 5rebs was a job well done, but it was. Parker has been playing pretty good the last few games, all things considered. He has been able to be a defensive pest, and hit some shots. Can’t ask for anything more form the guy. If he plays West like he did Roy, he should be able to keep him on his heels for the night, and limit his effectiveness. This is a matchup the Raptors HAVE to win if there are any hopes of stealing making a solid showing.
Bargnani/Moon/Graham vs LeBron
The Edge: Cleveland – Not sure who will be starting here, as this wasn’t posted at time of publishing this article, but it really doesn’t matter does it? Bargnani will probably get the nod, but Graham should be given the first crack at him since he has been playing well, and he’s the only 3 the Raptors have who has the physical ability to check LeBron. Not that he will shut the guy the down, quite the contrary, but at least he has could potentially make him earn his pay for the night.
Bosh vs Wallace
The Edge: Toronto – He may not seem very motivated, he may be un-happy and tired, but he’s all we got. Seems like those early minutes Smitch was playing him is starting to catch-up with him, which scares the hell out of me. 19 games in and the dude seems gassed. 63 games to go man. Thankfully Triano is committed to managing his minutes, and not overworking our work horse. Wallace will give Bosh a tough time, but he isn’t the bad boy he once was. The guys who give Bosh trouble these days seem to be of the long-athletic types in the mold of Aldridge/Garnett. 30pts and 15rebs sound reasonable to everyoen? He’s due for a big game, had a couple tough ones out west.
O’Neal vs Ilgauskas
The Edge: Toronto – Big Z has been a rock for the Cavs for over a decade. He has also routinely abused the Raptors in the low block and on the boards for as long as I care to remember. O’Neal on the other hand has been a rock of sorts for the Raptors, not withstanding his inability to grab a board in the dying seconds of the Portland game. Seems like he is getting his touch back from the low post, rebounding the ball fairly well, blocking shots and running the floor as well as can be expected.
Brown vs Triano
The Edge: Cleveland – Triano hasn’t had much time in carrying out Colangelo’s plan changing things up, and going up against a student from the School of Popovich will be another hard fought battle. I take defense over offense any day of the week, and since the Raptors haven’t had shown an inkling of ability to fight a well thought out defensive strategy, Brown’s star will shine bright at home.
The Line:
Vegas has Cleveland at -11…we should be so lucky.
The Prediction:
Cavaliers, doesn’t need much of an explanation here. I’m looking for effort, pride and a commitment to playing a full 48 minutes. Not a lot to ask for is it? I don’t think so. Free Roko!