<div align="center"> <span style="font-size:24pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:#c8362d"><span style="font-family:Impact">Toronto Raptors</span> </span></span><span style="color:#c8362d">(18-17)</span> vs. <span style="color:#E86E32"><span style="font-size:24pt;line-height:100%"><span style="font-family:Impact">New York Knicks</span></span></span> <span style="color:#E86E32">(9-25)</span> </div> <div align="center"> When: Friday January 11th, 2007 @ 7:30PM EST Where: Da Gahhden, New York, NY TV/Radio: TSN, FAN 590 </div> <span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:100%"><div align="center"> <span style="font-family:Impact"><u>GAME PREVIEW</u></span></div></span> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>A .500 team is not what the Toronto Raptors want to be after 36 games. Falling to that level against the lowly New York Knicks would be particularly painful. The Raptors (18-17) try to become the latest team to pin a loss on the last-place Knicks (9-25) on Friday night when the Atlantic Division clubs meet for the first time this season. Toronto has struggled since winning a season-high four straight last month, losing seven of its last 10 games. Despite their mediocre record, the Raptors are three games ahead of their pace of last season, when they tied a franchise record with 47 wins and reached the playoffs for the first time since 2001-02. ............................... New York has lost four straight at home, matching a season high. The Knicks haven't dropped five in a row at Madison Square Garden since March 19-31, 2006. Toronto took three of four in last season's series, winning both games in New York. The Raptors have won four of five and eight of the last 10 meetings.</div> <div align="center">Source: Yahoo!Sports</div> <span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:100%"><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Impact"><u>STARTING LINEUPS</u></span></div></span> <div align="center"> <span style="color:#c8362d">Jose Calderon - Anthony Parker - Jamario Moon - Chris Bosh - Andrea Bargnani</span> <span style="color:#E86E32">Stephon Marbury - Jamal Crawford - Quentin Richardson - Zach Randolph & Eddy Curry</span></div> <span style="font-family:Impact"><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:100%"><div align="center"><u>KEY MATCHUP</u></div></span></span> <div align="center"> <span style="color:#c8362d">Kris Humphries</span> vs. <span style="color:#E86E32">David Lee</span></div> OMG, a bench matchup! Yes, nobody on this ridiculous Knicks roster worries aside from David Lee. After a truly anemic rebounding effort against the 76ers, the Raptors absolutely have to box out against one of the better rebounders in the league. New York's guards are ball-hogs and chuckers, but give them enough shot attempts and they will put up points. I expect an improved rebounding effort from Bosh and Bargnani as well, but Humphries has shown a willingness to come off the bench and get on the boards. <div align="center"><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:100%"><span style="font-family:Impact"><u>PREDICTION</u></span></span></div> <div align="center"><span style="color:#c8362d">Toronto 104</span> - <span style="color:#E86E32">New York 98</div></span>
<div align="center"><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:100%"><span style="font-family:Impact"><u>Something to look at while you wait for the game....</u></span></span></div> <div align="center"></div>
It's not looking good for the Knicks. The only way I see them winning is if they (miraculously) play defense, their offense is GREAT, or the Raptors struggle. Knicks key will to be guard the perimeter. Especially Zach, since Bargnani and Bosh can step outside and shoot from downtown (not so much Bosh though). Should be a good game for both. Also, why is Bosh playing center? Unless Curry gets in foul trouble or just plain sucks today, this should be a good match up for him.
The refs are pretty bad today, I never knew how crappy the Knicks are until this game, they dont look like they are even competing anymore. The 4th quarter is pretty slow and Martin is frustrating the hell out of me, a lead which should be 20+ is only 13.
wins a win, Bosh with 40, huge game by him, moon started out very good, hit first 5 shots 19-17 lets get the game Sunday
Good game but New York was able to control the tempo and get a little closer than they should have been allowed to be. What can you say about Bosh, other than damn, that's what we needed. It's was nice to out rebound an opponent for once in a game where both teams shot the ball pretty well. JaMoon had a great game to, didn't take too many bad shots and the four steals to go along with his 13 points and nine rebounds sure helped the Raps cause. Odd to see New York had more assists as a team than Toronto did. An important and tough game at home against Portland on Sunday. Time to put some wins together and get a streak going.
