Raptors game day - Raps/Hawks

Apr 02 2008

Toronto at Atlanta 7pm ET

Another day, another Raptors game on the road. Tonight the boys will be in Atlanta to take on the playoff-bound Hawks. Yep, with a win tonight Atlanta will move closer to the post season and have their highest win total since 1997-98. Granted a weak East is helping the fact but you can’t blame the Hawks for being excited. It is a real shame they will be playing the Celtics in the opening round. The Raps meanwhile have to keep on winning, tighten up the D and try to get on some kind of roll going to end the season.

One thing that Raptors nation can’t be pleased with is the Raptors team D over the last little while. They have allowed an average of 109.0 points in its last seven road games, losing the first six. But five of those games were played without Chris Bosh, who had missed 10 due to a knee injury. Thankfully the Big Bosh man is back.

With Bosh healthy the Raptors have won three of four to move closer to their second straight playoff berth. Bosh is averaging 27.3 points and 8.3 rebounds in his last three games.

Bosh has also improved Toronto’s defense as he’s become more vocal on the court. The Raptors have allowed an average of just 92.6 points in the last seven games after giving up 108.4 in 10 games without Bosh.

The Raptors, who are tied for fifth in the East with Washington, have beaten Atlanta four straight times, including two wins this season as they seek their first sweep of the Hawks since 2001-02.

Oh I just heard The Arsenalist say, it is always hard to sweep a season series, no matter who it is. He is right.

Bosh had 35 points and nine rebounds in the most recent meeting, an 89-78 win on Jan. 18 in Toronto.

The one thing we all remember about the last trip to Georgia has to be Fords injury. How will T.J. do when he goes to the bucket against Horford tonight?

What I expect is a similar game to the Bobcats tilt the other night. Back and forth, not a lot of lock down defense and of course a few crazy Josh Smith dunks.

Bosh, one of the PGs, Rasho and AP will be solid so it will be all about who else steps up. Lately it has been Moon and Delfino but it would sure be nice to get anything out of Krapono or Bargnani.

The Hawks are better than the Bobcats so Toronto has to play a little better tonight. Keeping Joe Johnson from going off should be mission number one. He has been hot in the last few weeks and tends to light up the Raps (doesn’t everyone?).

Also don’t forget about Mike Bibby. He has settled into his new digs and will be a tough matchup for Ford at the point.

Raps should win but if the Hawks get hot early their confidence will grow. Toronto does not want that.

Toronto wins a tight one 103-100 and Bargnani, yes the big guy, will have a strong game.

Don’t forget to try out the Chuck and Leo drinking game.

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