Indiana Pacers at Toronto Raptors, Raps -4, total 209

Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back…

That is the theme tonight at the ACC as T.J. Ford and big ol’ Rasho return to Toronto for the first time since the big offseason deal. You think there will be some emotions in the building? You bet. Sadly based on the game against Cleveland last night, most of that emotion and inspiration won’t be coming from the Raptors bench. They looked like zombies against the Cavs as LeBron and company ran all over them. Every time I think this team has reached a low point, they go lower. Will T.J. school the Raps and show them what they traded away? No doubt he will. Hopefully the Raptors show their fans that BC made the right choice in bringing JO to town. This game could not come at a worse time for fans who are questioning where the hell this team is going. After tonight I may switch this blog to Pacers site unless my boys show some heart, hustle and desire in bringing how and very, very, very needed W.

Here is everything you need to know about tonight’s game.

The Goods

  • T.J. ford is averaging a career-high 14.3 points with 5.3 assists and 4.6 rebounds.
  • Indiana has won just three of its last 13 games, leaving it at the bottom of the Central Division.
  • Jermaine O’Neal is averaging 12.6 points and 7.8 rebounds in 17 games, both well below the standards he set during his eight-season tenure with the Pacers.
  • Three of Indiana’s past eight losses have come in overtime.
  • Indiana lost three of its four games against Toronto last season.
  • Chris Bosh averaged 22.7 points and 10.0 rebounds in the Raptors’ three wins over the Pacers, but played only 10 minutes in their 122-111 home loss Feb. 29 because of a knee injury.

For Bettors

  • Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
  • Pacers are 4-11 ATS in the last 15 meetings in Toronto.
  • Pacers are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

Prediction

The Raptors have to win this game right? The Pacers are not playing well and the Raps are at home. But I just can’t pick them to do it. I am in a state of shell shock at how bad they are playing and have a feeling Indiana will get it done just because they work harder. The have been in games they lose unlike the Raps who like to have it decided by the half. Indiana wins 103-96 and Ford scores 22 points. Boo.

Other links

Raptors Republic - Previewing the return of the former Raps of course.
Raptors HQ - Previewing tonight’s game.
Hoops Head North - Recap of last night’s joke of a game if you want to read it.
Raptorblog - Yesterday’s linkage. A lot of good stuff.

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