The Raptors were looking to make a run coming into the week with a two game winning streak. They had their ups and downs but didn’t really do anything that was completely unexpected. Another back-to-back this week and some tough opponents put the Raptors to the test. Basically, they dropped the ones that you would think they would drop and won games that you knew they could win.

Results:

This Week’s Record: 2 – 2

Dec. 8: Raptors (94) vs. Minnesota (88) – W

Dec. 9: Raptors (95) at Milwaukee (117) – L

Dec. 11: Raptors (89) vs. Atlanta (111) – L

Dec. 13: Raptors (101) vs. Houston (88) – W

Overall Team Record: 11 – 15

Even with injuries to key players the Raptors were able to hold it to .500 for the week. They started off with a win on Huskies Throwback Day against the team with the worst record in the West. It was dubbed a “defensive win” because they weren’t hitting any shots and had to grind out a win. Had it been any other team I think the chance for success would have been slightly less, but a win is a win.

No Calderon + no Bargnani + end of a back-to-back = no win for the Raps. There was a lot of momentum going in with hopes of a four game winning streak but it’s tough to do that without two of your starters. Had this game been a win it would have made the Atlanta loss a little easier to bear but again the Raptors see back-to-back losses. Atlanta is playing very well right now and the Raps are going to need to toughen up if they want to come out with a win. If this is the team you want to play in the playoffs you better learn how to beat them.

On the bright side, it seems like losses to Atlanta fire this team up and they came out with a win against Houston. Last time they lost to the Hawks they went on a three game winning streak; let’s hope they repeat the act.

This Week’s Team Leaders (Per Game):

Points: Chris Bosh (22.0)

Rebounds: Chris Bosh (10.5)

Assists: Jarrett Jack (6.3)

Steals: Jarrett Jack (1.5)

Blocks: Chris Bosh (1.3)

Quick Analysis:

Can you say Yellow Jackets connection? I knew it was kind of a coincidence having these two former college roommates play together in the NBA but they are lighting it up for the Raps. Chris Bosh is solid as usual but Jack is really starting to pick up his game. He started off here quite poorly but is becoming an excellent replacement for Jose Calderon. He’s scoring, assisting and rebounding the ball very well and is really getting comfortable with this team.

Hedo Turkoglu is starting to play much better as well. Jarrett Jack got over a slump and the beginning of the season and let’s hope that Turkoglu does the same. With Jose Calderon out for what could be a while these players will need to step it up as the primary ball handlers of this team. It looks like they are accepting that role with pleasure.

News of the Week:

The first returns of 2010 NBA All-Star Balloting have been released and here is where the Raps stand:

- Chris Bosh is 3rd among forwards

- Hedo Turkoglu is 9th among forwards

- Jose Calderon is 9th among guards

- Andrea Bargnani is 3rd among centers

Get voting if you want to see your Toronto Raptors in the starting line-up of the 2010 NBA All Star Game. Go to nba.com and vote daily.

On a side note, Chris Bosh’s DVD has been released today. I haven’t got a copy yet but if anyone has drop me an e-mail or comment and let me know how it is.

Next Week’s Predictions:

This coming week starts with a Florida back-to-back (I’m really starting to hate that word) against Miami and Orlando then the Raps see the Nets and Hornets. I really don’t see any reason why the Raptors can’t go 3-1 this week. If they keep up their good play and don’t suffer from anymore major injuries they should be able to add to the win column.

Rizwan Jafri

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Rizwan Jafri 2009-12-15 23:30:13 | Quote My apologies guys this was supposed to be up earlier today I just had some technical issues 0 1

Tim Wilson 2009-12-16 09:28:58 | Quote Well chalk last nights game in the lose column. Hope they can still go 2-2 this week, not 1-3. They should be able to beat the Nets and Hornets but then again this is the Raptors we are talking about. 1 0

Rizwan Jafri 2009-12-17 09:44:44 | Quote The loss in Miami was a stinger. The loss in Orlando was almost expected. I have had this initial concern that the Raps will lose to the Nets. Remember last year when they lost to OKC when OKC's record was horrible. Hopefully they can pick up their game at home and stay afloat otherwise there might be some rioting by Raps fans. 0 0

Seb Beitel 2009-12-17 11:50:52 | Quote That loss to OKC was the day that I knew there was no hope for the Raps last year. I think you bring up a good point. If they lose to the Nets, all is lost. 0 0

Jordan Steffler 2009-12-17 11:55:28 | Quote I think based on the season to date, Bosh already has one foot out the door. If we lose to the nets with the potential we have, Bosh will already be in the air jumping out of the door. If the guys don't get it on track soon, next year we will be a franchise with $100+ million devoted to Turk and Bargs over the next 5 years as our stars. Somehow that makes me cringe... 0 0