We’re going to see a lot of this ^^ tonightI’ve been staring at my computer screen for most of the morning now, and I have nothing to say about tonights game that hasn’t already been said. The Raptors are worse and the Hawks are better; this can’t end well.
Injury Report
Toronto
Reggie Evans – Out
Leandro Barbosa – Out
Linas Kleiza – Day to day
Jose Calderon – Day to day
Atlanta
Josh Smith – Day to day
Al Horford – Day to day
Marvin Williams – Day to day
Match-ups
Point Guard
With the Raptors giving up so many good looks from the perimeter lately, Bibby is licking his chops; he did go 2-6 from beyond the arc the last time these cats played against each other, but the second one proved to be the ultimate game winner; yea. Defending Bibby shouldn’t be so difficult: don’t leave him to help, and force him to put it on the floor. He’s basically there to shoot the ball and swing it to the open man; take that away and he’s got nothing. That’s not how it’s going to play out though.
Edge: Atlanta
Shooting Guard
I’m blaming Triano for DeRozan’s crap play of late. Just look at the stats; since Weems’ minutes have increased over the last three games, DeRozan’s production has fallen. It’s scientific, it’s conclusive, it’s the truth. You know it, I know it. F*ck I hate this team…
Jamal Crawford and Joe Johnson are averaging 23pts 1.5reb 1.5ast and 21pts 1.5reb 3.5ast respectively; the Raptors have no answer.
Edge: Atlanta
Small Forward
Lucky for us, Evans is starting at the small forward, so Weems really isn’t going to hurt us that badly. I’m taking bets on how quickly Sonny puts up a forced jumper. For those of you who point to a 6 assist game he’s had, or a 5 rebound effort in a losing cause as proof that he’s a good player, I salute you.
Edge: Atlanta
Power Forward
This is where things get interesting in terms of match-ups and such, since the 4 is the only position the Raptors can compete with the Hawks. Davis and Johnson are playing like champs right now. The two of them are the lone bright spots on this team (until DeMar gets rolling again), and should be played as much as possible if the Raptors hope to achieve a respectable result. Through all this, for the two of them to be competing the way they have been…well, it makes me proud and only reinforces my hate for Bargnani who doesn’t seem to give a rats ass. If Josh Smith doesn’t play tonight (since he’s hurting a bit), Horford will shift over, giving Ed/Amir an advantage with their speed and athleticism.
Edge: Even
Center
The only thing that hurts more than Bargnani’s suckage, is Triano’s and Colangelo’s insolence regarding his heavy usage on this team. Horford is better than Bargnani, of this there is no question. I’m bringing back Vegetable Lasgna.
Edge: Atlanta
The Line
Since the Raptors were still stuck in Indiana because of the storm, if there is a game, the gamblers seem to think the Hawks will win by 12. I just can’t see the Raptors even covering the line since they’ve lost by an average margin of 11.8pts over the last 4 games to teams who are under .500. Good times folks, good times.
