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The last time the Raptors and Nuggets played on Dec. 2, Denver won by 39 and Sam Mitchell got fired. I don't expect the Raptors to lose by that margin tonight, but anything better than a double-digit loss would surprise me. The Nuggets are 7-6 since these teams last met, but those six losses came to the Spurs, Rockets, Cavs, Suns, Blazers and Hawks. The Nuggets don't lose to bad teams — and if you hadn't noticed, the Raptors are pretty bad these days.
Nene is questionable for tonight's game with a stiff neck and Doug Smith reports that Jermaine O'Neal and Jason Kapono are gametime decisions due to a bruised knee and a bruised leg, respectively. You don't suppose Colangelo could be working on a trade involving these two guys, do you? Nahhh.
The Links
Still on Doug Smith's blog, here's a tidbit on our favorite whipping boy: "You'd be surprised at the number of scouts who tell me their team would love to have Bargnani. Just about every coach we talk to speaks highly of him and is intrigued by what he can offer." I feel like the part they're leaving off at the end of that statement is: "...if he ever figured out that he's a seven-foot, 260-pounder and not a six-foot, three-point specialist."
Dino Nation lists his Top 10 Least Favorite Things from 2008.
Raptors Republic lists the five main decisions that need to be made about the Raptors going forward.
SLC Dunk reports that Carlos Boozer will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery on Jan. 9, which means Boozer will probably pick up his $12 million option for next year. Paul Millsap's $800,000 contract expires after this season so it seems he could be on the block because the Jazz won't be able to afford both players on next season's payroll.
The Basketball Jones has a great story about a heckler providing motivation to Chris Paul.
Here's an interesting profile on Lamarcus Aldridge and his issues with confidence and trust.
And finally, if you were looking for a dose of something batshit insane to take you into the new year, Starbury has updated his NY Post blog.
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