Game Thread : Raptors vs T'Wolves vs Toronto Raptors (20-19) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (27-12 ) Tip Off Time: 7:08 Pm et, 4:08 Pm pt Arena: Air Canada Centre TV (Local) :Toronto (Toronto1) , Nationaly (Raptors NBA TV) <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">TORONTO (Ticker) -- The Minnesota Timberwolves once again look to produce a stellar defensive effort against the Toronto Raptors when they meet on Wednesday at the Air Canada Centre. On November 1, the Timberwolves held the Raptors to a franchise-low 56 points in a 17-point victory at the Target Center. Toronto had a team record-low 24 points in the second half and shot just under 28 percent for the game (19-of-69). Toronto is 0-8 at Minnesota but 6-2 against the Timberwolves here. The Timberwolves have won six of their last seven games overall, including a 97-90 triumph over New Orleans on Monday. </div> NBA.com Preview ....... Probable Starting Lineups The Raptors Jalen Rose/Alvin Williams/Morris Peterson*/Donyell Marshall/Chris Bosh Rotation Players Mike Curry/Milt Palacio/Lonny Baxter/Roger Mason Jr. Coach Kevin O'Neill Minnesotta T'Wolves Sam Cassell/Trenton Hassell/Latrell Sprewell/Kevin Garnett/Ervin Johnson Rotation Players Troy Hudson/Mark Madson/Fred Hoiberg/Oliver Miller/Gary Trent Coach Phil 'Flip' Saunders Pups n' Ups : # Troy Hudson is in his second game back after the injury ! # Coach Oneill is expected to go deep into his big men rotation due to Wolves' loaded front court # Vince Carter is a game time descision # The Big O ( Oliver Miller ) is making his return to T.O. #Chris Bosh will still wear the knee brace # A sell out crowd is expected t cheer for the home team when they take KG, Sam I Am, and Spree ! # Milt Palacio is activated from the injured list, and expected to play tonight Injured Lists Raptors: Eric Montross (IL-retired) Michael Bradely (IL) Timberwolves: Wally Szsczerbiak(IL) Michael Olowokandi(IL) Keys To The Game * Prevent penetration: It's Alvin Williams' job to stop Sam Cassell from penetrating and getting to the line. He can also set up team members as easily as he can create for himself. * Interior defence: The Raptors must play well inside, it won't be easy though, Kevin Garnett can take over the game anytime. * Rebounding: We're facing a big T'wolves squad who are capable of rebounding well, the Raptors need to contest with them in the paint defensively, and for the second chance points * Go to the basket: The Raptors need to drive to the basket more often than they usually do, forcing jump shots have been a big factor for their losses. AC's Take Coming home aftrt two tough losses; KO got the player's attention and hopefully Vince will play. The sell out crowd will have an impact. I say .. Raps by 6! thefranchise3's Prediction Even if Vince plays, the Timberwolves are just too big and versatile for the Raptors. Timberwolves by 10 or more. Brought to you by Air Canada and thefranchise3!
Even if carter comes back I don't think they can contend with this team. They are still playing wounded with Bosh and Alvin so i give this to the TWolves by 7
Breaking news : * Mike Curry has been placed on the injury list half an hour ago , and he'll have surgery on his elbow next week ! * Robert Archibald sprained his ankle in this morning's shootaround and highly doubtful for the game * Vince had a great shootaround .. but KO assumed that he won't play today .. definitly not good news .. espicially the Curry one
Wolves by double digits unless people like Williams step up and contain the likes of Cassell. Zone seems to be the best idea here seeing how good my team is offensively. I think we have the superior bench/player rotation in terms of strength, girth and inside ability. Wolves by 11. Good luck fans.
^^ KO doesn't like Zone .. and rarely uses it as a matter of fact .. we never played during the regural season this year !
I don't agree with that strategy. He wants to play man and make his players accountable for who they are guarding but sometimes you need to play zone against some teams. I think Torontos defence is good but sometimes they are just getting killed by playing man especially on high pick and rolls
that's true ... the game against Atlanta .. we lost because of two high pick and rolls at the ends of the game ... the guys just didn't switch
I dont think I'll even watch this game becasue I have a feeling were going to loose badly. If there's any game where we may loose by 16 or more for one of the first times this season, it'll be this game.
Wolves by 9.Only if the other raptors can help step up. Even if htey do i dont think it will alst in the long run.
man it just look like the twolves are doing it so easily while the Raps are working hard for everything they get
Not surprised that the Raptors are up by the half. Its usually the second half where they just go cold and play no defence, Jalen starts poppin shots out of nowhere and people don't chase off of screens...etc.... I hope they prove me wrong but I have a bad feeling about the second half.
