vs <font color="Navy"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Toronto Raptors vs New Orleans Hornets Tip Off Time : 7:08 est Arena : Air Canada Center TV ( Local ) : Toronto ( Sportsnet Ontario ) , New Orleans ( CST ) </font> </font> Intro : With a great team effort tuesday night, the Raptors won their 2nd straight road goad out west, after beating the Clippers on the weekend, the defence seemed much improved, and although they turn the ball over 11 times in the first quarter, Kevin O'Neill's squad managed to recover and pull out a very valuble win against Denver to improve to 16-14 in the season. The Hornets won at Boston on New year's Eve, total team effort led by baron davis who had another great game scoring 29 points and dishing out 10 assissts to beat the Celtics at their own Fleet Center ! ..... Starting LineUps : The Raptors : Jalen Rose/Alvin Williams/Vince Carter/Donyell Marshall/Chris Bosh 6th Man : Morris peterson Coach : Kevin O'Neill Injuries : TOR - SF Lamond Murray IL PF Michael Bradley IL C Eric Montross ( Retired ) IL .... The Hornets : Baron Davis/David Wesley/George Lynch/P.J. Brown/Jamal Magloire 6th Man : Darrell Armstrong Coach : Tim Floyd Injuries : NO - SF Jamal Mashburn IL G Courtney Alexander IL ... Pups n' Ups # This game marks Jamal Magloire's return to his native city, Toronto. As the prevous seasons, he bought around 50 tickets for family. # George Lynch have been has known Vince Carter for a long time, it goes back since Air Canada's days at the UNC, and many people in New Orleans think that Lynch is the best at stopping Vince Carter, and he has caused Vince some fits when he was a Sixer, let's who gets the better end in this one # Although Baron Davis is one of the best players in the league and a current MVP candidate, he's one of the worst free throw shooters at his position at 64% ( Career ) ! # If they finish where they currently are, these two teams might face each other in the Eastern Confrence semi finals if they pass the first round of the playoffs ! # Jerome Moiso is expected to get some minutes in this game, it isn't because he plays against his former team, but Coach O'Neill wants to create some depth in his big men rotation, and Moiso could bang with Magloire inside ... Marqee Matchups : Jalen Rose vs Baron Davis vs Jalen got his work cut for him, he's gonna have the responsibilty of guarding Baron Davis. Although his height might give him an advantage, he has to match Baron's quickness, Davis has the ability to drive , dribble penetrate, and create his own jump shot ! Chris Bosh vs Jamal Magloire vs Tough one for the georgia Tech rookie, Magloire is one of the upcoming excelent centers, he has a great foot work, blocking ability, and a physical presence inside, Chris MUST use hs quickness and his 18 footer jump shot, cause those seem to be his only advantages on the Toronto native ! Vince Carter vs George Lynch vs He might not be an offensive threat, but we know that Lynch is going to bring hard on Vince at the other end, he has done a pretty good job on #15 over the years, as a matter of fact, he might be in the starting line up just for this assignment, so Vince has to use his quickness and explosive first step against him, driving to the basket will get him to the free throw line, and cause some foul trouble for Lynch or the help defence ! ... Key To The game : * Well, we have to clean up the defensive glass, the Hornets are a great rebounding team, and except the game ( @ Clevland ) , the Raptors found trouble rebounding against great rebounding teams, so I consider this a major key to the victory * No TurnOvers ! .. If we got away with an 11 first quarter turnovers at Denver, there's no way we can do the same against the Hornets, with quick two guards and great fast break finishers, every turnover is going to be costly for us , take care of the ball and get back on defence in Makes or Misses ! * Vince must drive the ball in order for him to contribute and give chances to his teammates to contribute as well * Bench scoring ! ..... My Take : Back to home, hopfully the Raptors will be energized enough to pull this one out, good contributions from Marshall , Moe, and Bosh are needed to win, I say Raptors by 8 ! ... Peace
