Charlotte and Toronto 7pm ET

Things to do, people to see. Not a lot of time to hype tonight’s game but then again it is not on regular TV so I won’t be seeing it anyways. The Raptors broke the Friday night jinx last week so it should all be good tonight. If they can play on the offensive end like Wednesday, actually make some stops and get some good clock work, it should be a victory and pizza party at the ACC tonight. But as I always say, with the Raps, you never really know what you are going to get. I guess that is what makes it so darn dramatic (and frustrating).

The Raptors snapped a long playoff drought last season and while they seem to be a lock to make the postseason again, their recent play suggests another early exit. I don’t really see another outcome unless many factors change or whoever they play in the opening round goes into the tank.

The Raptors can secure a playoff spot as they conclude their season series with the lowly Charlotte Bobcats tonight.

The Raptors have lost two of three and 13 of their last 19 and home-court advantage is likely out of reach unless LeBron and the Cavs start taking nights off.

Going into tonight the Raptors are in a tie with Philadelphia and Washington and could end up finishing as low as seventh.

That would be the doomsday scenario because I have a greater chance of making a million bucks off this blog than the Raps do of beating the Pistons.

Toronto let a game slip away on Wednesday, leading by as many as 17 points in the third quarter before losing 127-120 in overtime to Atlanta.

This is a common theme for Toronto this year. They have a hard time closing out games with stops. They can score with the best but they can’t slow anyone down and that will have to change come playoff time.

The Raptors beat the Bobcats 104-100 on Monday, and are 2-1 against them this season. Toronto is 10-3 all-time versus Charlotte, including a 5-1 mark at home.

I can’t really see the Bobcats winning tonight unless the Raps bring a low energy or the Cats shoot the lights out.

Chris Bosh had 32 points Monday, and followed that by scoring 24 versus the Hawks. He’s averaging 26.5 points in his last four games.

T.J. Ford added 23 points and 13 assists against Atlanta. Ford has been in the starting lineup in each of Toronto’s last five games, averaging 14.4 points and 8.8 assists.

The Rasho roll should continue and maybe just maybe Bargnani can string two good games together. Oh that would be a nice thing.

Gotta jet but I am going to call for a Raptors win, 107-98 and they will wash that bad taste out of their mouth from Wednesday.

Other notes

  • Did anyone else see Smitch on The Score yesterday? He may not know his x’s and o’s but I could listen to the guy all day long.
  • It is being reported that Al Horford actually tipped the pass to T.J. on Wednesday.
  • Don’t forget with it being Friday, try out the Chuck and Leo drinking game. I am not sure if Leo does the Raps TV games but at least use the Chuck lines.

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