Raptor Torrents.net

The last time the Raptors played New Orleans, they won without too much difficulty but any thoughts of another easy win should be dismissed when looking at the Hornets’ recent play. They are 5-2 since Paul returned to the lineup with an impressive victory over the Denver Nuggets on Friday. The prospect of getting back to .500 will probably be enough motivation for the Hornets to overcome any ill effects from the early start time.

The Raptors will be honouring Morris Peterson today. I’m probably not alone in thinking that this whole “honoring past players” is happening too soon in the history of the franchise especially when you’re honouring players who are still active in the league.

Torrent link
Direct download links – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (thanks morci)
NZB

Boxscore
Recap
Highlights and interviews

The Raptors are back at home tonight to take on the 2-24 New Jersey Nets. There’s no such thing as a guaranteed win in the NBA but if the Raptors don’t beat the Nets easily at home, there are going to be some uncomfortable questions asked of the players and staff.

The Raps play four of the next five games at home and all five games are against teams with sub .500 records. The talk around town is that this stretch of games will make or break the season. Let’s hope the players are aware of the situation and play accordingly.

Torrent link
NZB
Direct download links – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (thanks morci)

Boxscore
Recap
Highlights and interviews

The Houston Rockets have played better than anyone could’ve expected. They’re coming into this afternoon’s game with a record of 13-9 and are tied for 5th in the West. They’re not just beating up on the weaker teams either. It speaks to the commitment of the players and to Adelman’s ability to have the team performing at such a high level without Yao and McGrady seeing a minute of action this year.

Contrast that with the Raptors who may have to do without the services of Jose Calderon for an extended period of time. I don’t think there are many Raptor fans who believe the team is capable of playing well for a prolonged stretch of games with an injury to one of their starters. I can’t imagine what would happen if two starters were injured. To be fair, the Rockets were a much better team to begin with but watching these two teams play just emphasizes the truth of that age-old idiom of hard work trumping talent every time.

Torrent link
Direct download links – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (thanks morci)
NZB

Boxscore
Recap
Highlights and interviews

Nine days ago, the Raptors played their worst game of the season against the Atlanta Hawks. They played without showing any intensity or effort on defence and it was reflected in the final score. In the subsequent four games the Raptors have held their opponents to an average of 97ppg though none of them were of the calibre of the Hawks. We’ll find out tonight if the Raps really have improved since their meeting in Atlanta.

That is if Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon are ready to go after sitting out the game against the Bucks. Even with a healthy team, the Raptors would be hard-pressed to beat the Hawks. Without two of their starters, the best they could hope for is a moral victory.

Torrent link
Direct download links – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (thanks morci)
NZB

Boxscore
Recap
Highlights and interviews