Preview: Portland Trail Blazers @ Toronto Raptors
By Andy Popp
GAME 53: Blazers (27-24) vs Toronto Raptors (14-39)
February 11, 7:30 p.m. CSN
Previous match-up(s): Saturday, November 6th Blazers 97 Raptors 84
Related: Blazers Games, Schedule,WIN Tickets
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The Blazers start a 3 game eastern swing tonight at 4:00PM against the 14-39 Toronto Raptors. The team enjoyed a rare 4 day break after beating the Bulls on Monday. Even though Andrea Bargnani is 7'0″, the Raptors' starting lineup is a little bit small, as is an outside threat.
The Raptors on paper:
Starting five: Amir Johnson, Sonny Weems, Andrea Bargnani, Jose Calderon, DeMar Derozan
Off the bench: Leandro Barbosa, Jerryd Bayless, Alexis Ajinca, Ed Davis, Julian Wright
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES
Jerry Sloan abruptly quit yesterday.
Brandon Roy is expected to play this weekend.
STRATEGY
With fresh legs, all the Blazers need to do is go out and play hard. Look for LaMarcus Aldridge to tee off on the Raptors tonight.
LET'S GET RICH
To date: 22-19-2
Blazers -3. I'll take the Blazers on the road tonight.
TRADE ME
Rudy Fernandez
NUMBER OF BACK TO BACKS THIS SEASON (IN SETS)
13
NEXT 5
@ Detroit
@ Minnesota
vs New Orleans
vs Los Angeles Lakers
vs Denver
BOTTOM LINE
As far as road trips go, this one's pretty tame and 3-0 is attainable. Three teams with more losses than wins. One game at a time.
