Sunday November 16 2008 – 11:55am Eastern
If I were a betting man today …
1 – I don’t think Jose Calderon is going to play. In fact, I’d be surprised if he does. That may change, but, I have not yet seen him on the floor … going through his usual pre-game workout, etc. And it’s just over an hour until tip-off. Given that it’s early in the season and you don’t want to see a guy get too banged up too early, I’d guess that Calderon will rest-up today and hope to give it a go on Tuesday or Wednesday.
If Calderon doesn’t play, Will Solomon will get the start.
2 – I’m guessing that Andrea Bargnani will start today. It’s been clear for a couple of games now that the Raptors need to do something to shake up the starting five. If Bargnani starts, he’ll replace Jamario Moon … playing alongside Chris Bosh, Jermaine O’Neal, Anthony Parker and Will Solomon (I think).
However, Andrea may not be the “3″ …
I think there’s a good chance that you could see Bargnani guarding the PF’s … and Bosh actually drawing the assignment of chasing down the SF’s. As strong as Bosh has been defensively – in the summer with the USA team and thus far this season – Bargnani may be better throwing his weight around in the post. Plus, Bosh’s athleticism and overall quickness could be a bitter fit against most of the 3′s in the league
This next stretch of games would be a perfect time to try starting Bargnani … cause the Raptors will face “big” front lines against the Heat and Magic over the next few days.
Shawn Marion/Michael Beasley/Udonis Haslem … … Rashard Lewis/Hedo Turkoglu/Dwight Howard
Bargnani/Bosh/O’Neal should match up well
E. Smith
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