Ah Chris Bosh. Take notice guys, this is what a real PF looks like. Is that a bit of a cheap shot on Josh Boone? Sure, but man Chris Bosh is good, and he is the guy I am really pulling for in Free Agency next year. As for this year, the Raptors are not good on defense. Looking at defensive efficiency, the Raptors are the worst in the NBA, giving up 113 points per 100 possession. No other team in the NBA gives up more than 110. For a reference, the Nets defense with Kiki coaching the Nets has been 111. The Raptors have been worse than the Nets defensively. It is a little odd to see, but when you look at their guys, it makes more sense. Andrea Bargnani is a great offensive talent, but I think he is a little soft on the defensive end. Same with Hedo Turkoglu. Onto the matchups!
Devin Harris vs. Jarrett Jack
Jose Calderon is out tonight, leaving Jarrett Jack to be the starter. Jack has been wildly inconsistent, but when he is good, he has been very good. From watching the Raptors, I think their biggest flaw defensively is that they allow for too much dribble penetration, look for a big game for Devin.
Advantage: Devin Harris
Courtney Lee vs. DeMar DeRozen
It is funny, I was against selecting DeMar DeRozen because he was too raw. Turns out Terrence Williams is just as raw, but DeRozen has worked his way into the Raptors’ starting lineup. He is still inconstant, but the flashes are there. Courtney is attacking the ball better and still playing good defense, but the outside shots still aren’t falling. It is so frustrating, because his stroke looks so smooth, but they just don’t go down.
Advantage: Push
CDR vs. Hedo Turkoglu
Don’t know if CDR will be starting, but he is back tonight, and he will be playing with a knee brace. Offensively, you can expect the same CDR, and I see him putting up some big numbers, but on the defensive end he will struggle with the larger Turkoglu, who is solid with his back to the basket.
Advantage: Hedo Turkoglu
Josh Boone vs. Chris Bosh
Chris Bosh would compliment Brook Lopez so well it isn’t even funny. If the Nets don’t take a PF, I really think they should throw a max contract at this guy. He is going to make Josh Boone look silly…
Advantage: Josh Boone
Brook Lopez vs. Andrea Bargnani
I don’t know if some of you guys remember, but when Mark did our season preview on the Raptors, he gave the edge to Brook Lopez, and many Raptors’ fans weren’t happy. I haven’t been watching Bargnani closely, but Brook has been having a hell of year. If Brook does well, he is going to make Mark look like a very smart man…
Advantage: Brook Lopez
Quick Note:
Daily Dime + Me = You should go check it out…
