The Cavs are coming off a big win in Boston last night beating the Celtics by 20 points. They’re looking to continue their winning ways against a short-handed Raptors squad. Chris Bosh is out again and things could get ugly if he doesn’t return in time for a two game road trip out west after tonight. Bosh will get a chance to face LeBron again but it’ll be in Cleveland in April.
The lone bit of good news for the Raps is the status of Shaq who’s going to be out with a sprained thumb. Maybe not having to guard Shaq all night will allow Andrea to step up like he did on opening night.
The Raptors are about to begin a tough seven day stretch with the game against the Portland TrailBlazers tonight. The next three games are all against teams over .500. Chris Bosh is sitting out again with his ankle injury and a return Friday against the Cavs seems unlikely. The three days of rest and practice should have the team prepared to play without Bosh. Maybe Hedo’ll be up for this game against the team he almost signed with.
Portland is also dealing with its share of injuries. Marcus Camby and Jerryd Bayless both suffered ankle injuries in the game against the Nets last night and are questionable for tonight. Brandon Roy continues to play well despite a sore hamstring that caused him to miss 15 games already. If Camby sits out, the Blazers who are already without Oden and Przybilla, will be really thin up front. Hopefully the Raptors big men will be able to take advantage of the Blazers’ misfortune.
