vs. Teams: <span style="color:#0000FF">Washington Wizards 38-32</span> vs. <span style="color:#800080">Toronto Raptors 39-32</span>Date: March 30th, 2007TV: CSN, NBALPTime: 7.00 PM EST<span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Washington Wizards Starting Lineup</span> PG Gilbert 'Agent Zero' Arenas Stats: 28.8 ppg, 6 apg, 4.7 rpgSG DeShawn 'You Can't See Me' Stevenson Stats: 10.7 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.5 apgSF Caron 'Tough Juice' Butler Stats: 19.1 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 3.7 apgPF Antawn 'Silky Smooth' Jamison Stats: 19.8 ppg, 8.1 rpgC Brendan 'I Love My Mama' Haywood Stats: 7 ppg, 6.6 rpg<span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><span style="font-familyalatino Linotype">Washington's X Factor</span></span>SG DeShawn StevensonDeShawn had a season-high 28 points the other night against Philadelphia. He's been playing very well the last couple of games, recording 20+ points as well as shooting over 50% from the field. We're going to need that additional scoring against the Raptors' quick guards.<span style="font-familyalatino Linotype"><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Toronto Raptors Starting Lineup</span></span> PG TJ Ford Stats: 14.4 ppg, 8 apg, 3.3 rpgSG Juan Dixon Stats: 9.5 ppg, 2 rpgSF Anthony Parker Stats: 11.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2 apgPF Chris Bosh Stats: 22.4 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 2.4 apgC Rasho Nesterovic Stats: 6.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg<span style="font-familyalatino Linotype"><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Toronto's X Factor</span></span>SG/SF Anthony Parker Parker came back from his injury Wednesday night in fine fashion, scoring 20 points, and grabbing 5 rebounds. Parker is a crucial part of this Raptors squad, and has emerged as somewhat of a leader for the Raptors. Parker is probably the no. 2 scoring option on the team, behind Chris Bosh. <span style="font-familyalatino Linotype"><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Injuries</span></span><span style="color:#0000FF">WAS</span> Andray Blatche, sprained knee <span style="color:#800080">TOR</span> Jorge Garbajosa, twisted left ankle (out for season)<span style="color:#800080">TOR</span> Andrea Bargnani<span style="font-familyalatino Linotype"><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Player vs. Player Matchup</span></span> vs. <span style="color:#0000FF">Gilbert Arenas</span> vs. <span style="color:#800080">TJ Ford</span>Gil has always had his fair share of struggles against TJ Ford, and other solid defensive PGs, like Jason Kidd. Gil really needs to step up against the Raptors, who actually should be taken seriously as a team now. TJ is a gritty PG, and won't back down from Arenas. The Raptors have so many weapons, as do the Wizards, but Gil just has to step up and not disappear at crucial moments during the game.<span style="font-familyalatino Linotype"><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Predictions</span></span>I'm a little worried about this game against the Raptors, especially after the way we ended the game against Philly on Wednesday night. However, the Raptors are missing two valuable big men in this game, Bargnani and Garbajosa. Garbajosa suffered an ankle fracture against the Celtics on Monday night, and unfortunately, he will be out for the year, including the playoffs. Bargnani is a deadly 3 pt shooter at 7', and can also put the ball on the floor. Bosh is going to be very tough to handle down in the post, as always, and I think we should put Haywood on him. Nevertheless, I think we'll take this game, but it's going to be very hard fought. 116-112, Wizards win. Gil 29 points, 8 assists, 4 reboundsCaron 23 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assistsAntawn 20 points, 10 rebounds
Another important game if the Wizards want the division. We have Caron back so we need to get back into December form. While Miami is falling we gotta give us some space before Wade comes calling (if he does). Whoever wins this takes third seed. Nice game thread.
I'm going to be at the game, so gaurantee a win. We're 9-0 when I'm there, including a win over the Mavs on December to end their 14(?) game win streak.
Awesome, I really wanna start up a win streak before hte season is over. They'll want revenge after the beating we gave tehm last time. Also Ming, 12 games.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (GArenas @ Mar 29 2007, 02:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Awesome, I really wanna start up a win streak before hte season is over. They'll want revenge after the beating we gave tehm last time. Also Ming, 12 games.</div>Yeah well, :beee:. Might start up a fundraiser to raise me some season tickets for next year. :winkglasses:
9-1 now ming. Ugh, a circus shot by mo pete who didnt play a single minute the entire game takes it to OT, Wizards fall apart. What a heartbreaker.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Amare320 @ Mar 30 2007, 10:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Arenas was real clutch tonight </div> He missed a horrible desperation shot and got a shot blocked, it's not like Wade hasnt missed a buzzer beater.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Amare320 @ Mar 30 2007, 10:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Arenas was real clutch tonight </div>What the hell are you being cocky about? Did Iguodala hit his 3 against us to send it into OT on Wednesday?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Ming637 @ Mar 31 2007, 12:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>What the hell are you being cocky about? Did Iguodala hit his 3 against us to send it into OT on Wednesday? </div> Ming, I was not at the game (and u were lol) however from what I saw the crowd got pretty out of it after Mo Pete's buzzer beater, the crowd was crazy loud when Ruffin caught the ball and decided to lob it lightly into the air. Am I correct in this statement?
