Lunchbox Links

The New Orleans Hornets are battling the Toronto Raptors on the court this evening, but Hornets owner George Shinn is facing an even greater fight after his recent prostate cancer diagnosis.

The Raptors HQ team would like to remind everyone that Movember is a moustache growing charity event held during November each year that raises funds and awareness for men's health issues -- specifically prostate cancer.

Check out previews of tonight's Raptors-Hornets game from NBA.com and the National Post. After a poor start to the season, Hornets coach Byron Scott is contemplating lineup changes.

Chris Bosh has been relentless in attacking the basket through the first four games, and is averaging an impressive 16 free-throw attempts per game. The Toronto Star's Doug Smith expects Bosh to have a monster night while abusing Emeka Okafor.

On the other hand, the Raptors' glaring inability to defend against elite point guards like Chris Paul should be on full display this evening.

Jack Armstrong blogs about five keys to success on the road. For some reason, quality road beef is not one of them.

Speaking of road beef, Bosh and the rest of the Raptors have an added incentive to participate in All-Star Weekend in Dallas. (via Deadspin)

Has Jose Calderon lost his magic touch? If Calderon continutes to struggle, look for Jarrett Jack to give the team a lift like he did against the Detroit Pistons.

Coach Jay Triano likes Antoine Wright's unselfish attitude.

The Globe and Mail's Michael Grange shares a funny anecdote about former Raptors tough guy Charles Oakley, who would love to join the NBA coaching ranks.

Kudos to Raptors Republic for dropping a reference to the American Gladiators' Gauntlet in describing the Raptors' upcoming schedule, with seven of the next eight on the road against Western Conference opponents.

Ontario health minister Deb Matthews vowed Thursday to investigate whether Toronto’s NBA and NHL players jumped the line for the swine flu shot while other groups are being forced to wait as the province’s supply dwindles.

Gerald Narciso of Dime Magazine lists five rivalries he'd like to see starting this year or in the immediate future, including Danilo Gallinari vs. Andrea Bargnani.

What's up with professional athletes and the IRS? Hall of Famer and Raptors assistant coach Alex English owes US$127,000 in delinquent taxes.

Would an NBA championship cement Vince Carter's status as a surefire Hall of Famer? I think I just threw up in my mouth... You can also check out where Bosh ranks in terms of Hall of Fame probability.

The epic failure that is Isiah Thomas continues his formula for success with Florida International.

The Minnesota Timberwolves named 13-year NBA veteran -- and former Raptor -- Darrick Martin as the team's assistant director of player development.

Eric Walters, a bestselling children's author, is once again collaborating with former Raptor Jerome Williams and his brother Johnnie.