Does A Raptor See It's Shadow?

Happy RaptorHog Day. This is the day of the year where we all hope a little animal is smarter than humans by saying that spring will come early. Spring to basketball fans means Playoffs. Looking at the Eastern Conference right now hard to imagine the Raptors not making it in the playoffs. I mean currently New Jersey is in despite the fact I can't remember the last time they had a winning streak. But if you are willing to be a tiny bit bold I would say the Raps are a lock to get in. The question is where and against who? That answer can't be figured out by if the Raptor sees his shadow. I think ultimately the Raptors will stay in that 4-6 range. which will likely see them face the Cavs, Wizards or Magic. All not bad match-ups for the Raptors. Avoiding Lebron though would likely be a good thing given what he and Kobe  seem to be able to do against the Raptors. Not to mention Chris Bosh's girlfriend and the cry to have her banned from the building. On TNT when Bosh was interviewed she was compared to Jessica Simpson. Like the Canadian version. Something Bosh would rather not deal with. The two things a man never wants to deal with is defending his significant other or his mother. Not Fun.

Wizards and Raps would be Ideal match-up. Even with the return of Gilbert Arenas and His Hibachi. We will have T.J Ford so no really advantage gained. Raps seem to have the Wizards number too and with 2 miracle last second 3 point shots in under a year Raps have to be in the Wizards heads. Orlando still has much to prove and Winning a Division Title is nice come playoffs it doesn't mean anything. Just ask Toronto they know that. Bosh has always out dueled Howard as well throughout his career. So this is a good Match-Up too.

Basically what is being said is that I like the Raptors to advance to the 2nd round no Matter if they finish 3rd or 6th or somewhere in between. After that is anyone's guess. They have struggled to beat Boston and Detroit. Ironically and maybe stupidly I think they have the better chance to beat the Celtics. They just seem to be able to hang with them. Pistons Rasheed Wallace has owned Bosh as well. Not to many players in this league can say that.

So any other RaptorHog Predictions?  Well I did make a bunch at the Mid-Season point. Here's one Jose Caldron fans will not like. By the end of the season T.J Ford will once again be the starting point guard. I don't know if he will play more minutes than Jose but he will be the starter. 

Joey Graham will be gone. Maybe this is wishful thinking on my part as I have never been in the Joey Fan club. In fact I'd need a map to find it. But I think his increase minutes of late at least getting in games is to showcase him to trade not to become part of the rotation.

Lots of trade around the league. Gasol To L.A was just the first in a flurry of trade action. I have been calling on this one for awhile. Many unhappy players and under performing teams makes for the perfect environment for CHANGE.

Some Random Rambles From The Desk Of James Borbath.

Raps TV tries to hard. The new segment they had with Sherm Hamilton during the game actually interfered with the game. I like Sherm he tries hard and it isn't his fault the people behind the scenes are to blame. Just like the unreadable score graphic at the start of the season this segment needs to go.

 Kobe Bryant is just amazing. I think when I am old he along with a few others will be the stories I tell the little ones from my rocking chair. We are lucky to live in an era with so MANY talented stars. But Kobe is truly a MEGASTAR

I can't get enough of watching New Jersey SUCK. I mean I like V.C I'm not a Vince Carter hater at all. But I will say it serves him right to have what is going on in New Jersey. Chris Bosh choose to STAY and be part of the Solution and not part of the problem like Vince seems to be again.

Raps now are on the way to south beach and are being reunited with T.J Ford. Like the old song says: Reunited and it feels so GOOD. Welcome Back T.J!!!