The Raptors will try to win tonight in a place where they have had difficulty of late. Toronto has lost 8 straight games to the Mavericks in Dallas and have twice given up 24 point leads allowing Dallas major comeback victories.
It may be more difficult for the Raptors as both Shawn Marion and Joey Graham are game time decisions. Marion did not take part in this morning's shoot around as he is still suffering from the flu like symptoms that kept him out of practice yesterday. Graham did take part in this morning's session but it is still a game time decision as to whether his hamstring will allow him to play. Full speed and a morning walk through are very different scenarios.
Dirk Nowitzki, is still the guy that garners the most attention when the Mavericks are the opponent. The former MVP is a versatile player that always gives the opposition difficulty particularly when the screen and roll game is employed. Dallas is adept using a smaller player to set the screen for Nowitzki and then taking advantage of the mismatch, either Nowitzki on a smaller defender or by passing it to the screener who is now guarded by a bigger and slower player.
Nowitzki can also post up but does not do it down low on the block but rather he chooses to use the elbow or foul line area. It makes for a tough cover defensively as Nowitzki is in the middle of the floor and he has options as opposed to being limited by being on one side of the floor or the other on the box. Add to that, Dirk is seven feet tall and he can hurt you as a scorer or a passer from the middle of the floor.
A win for Toronto would mark the first time that Chris Bosh would walk away from his hometown with a victory in his tenure as a Raptor. As has been his tradition when he comes to Dallas, Bosh entertained his teammates with a dinner last night at his home.
Alonzo Mourning will become the first Miami Heat player to have his number retired. The ceremony will take place on March 30th at halftime against Orlando.
It's all about the economy and team's trying to make moves that fit on the court and in the financial books as well. There are rumours that the Sacramento Kings hare considering a buy out with Drew Gooden which will give them a little more cap room for next season. The Kings may also be in the market tfor a new coach next season as interim Kenny Natt is unsure whether he will be back to lead the team. Natt took over when Reggie Theus was fired in December.
Alonzo Mourning will become the first Miami Heat player to have his number retired. The ceremony will take place March 30th at halftime against Orlando.
It's all about the economy and teams trying to make moves that fit on the court and in the financial books as well. There are rumours that the Sacramento Kings are considering a buyout with Drew Gooden which will give them a little more cap room for next season. The Kings may also be in the market for a new coach next season as interim coach Kenny Natt is unsure whether he will be back to lead the team. Natt took over when Reggie Theus was fired in December.
