3 in the Key: Raptors' Game Day Preview vs Suns

From what I read looks like AB has a good chance of playing, as he has been practicing the last few days. Definitely would be a boost to this team, as our offence really can’t get any worse. As has been pointed out that Bargnani was finishing 2nd halfs poorly because he was tired, however he started strong. Which if you haven’t noticed, the last 5 games we have been out scored 132-71 (WOW!!!!!) in the first quarter. That is an average of 26-14. Need I say more?

Whether AB is in or out the start to this game is going to be vital, forget the x’s and o’s the effort and energy this team plays with in the second half needs to be there for 48minutes. Demar Derozan has to stop over dribbling and going east/west and go north/south, expect contact and still try to finish. He looks like he is expecting to goto the free throw line, players with his athleticism need to expect to get the AND 1, not just free throws.

Amir Johnson needs to either sit out or play, I do believe he is banged up and it is most likely effecting his performance. He may be a little spent because of the new expectations that are surrounding him and the lack of wins. However, if he can’t go and be effective he needs to sit out and get healthy because he isn’t doing anyone favours by his play. That being said Casey needs to ensure he keeps up the accountability approach, it is extremely effect if done properly but can also be toxic if it looks like he is playing favourites.

This is going to be a big chance for Bayless/Barbosa, Phoenix is very vulnerable at the guard position to being attacked off the dribble. The suns have never been known as a defensive juggernaut and Barbosa/Bayless’s ability to break people down off the bounce could be very effective. JJ and DD should hopefully being able to get out and run, but remember the Boston game? A similar comment was made about us imposing our youth and age on a team. We simply are not a run n gun style of team, but hopefully we can get some stops and run off of them. Defence leading to offence.

Did anyone catch Averey Bradley play defence last night aganst the Magic…I was blown away !!! No 5 year learning curve required…straight up heart !!!

…someone please step up and get a W for us…

Probably our best chance to win in a while. Phoenix lost last night, we had a night off…….

A win to break up the streak is ok, but I still favour Phoenix at home and ping pong balls are more important right now than bandaids on our bruised egos.

This team never had a chance to be good this year and we were teased a bit in the first few games running in to an ultra green Irving and Cavs, twice, and catching the Mavs unprepared for the season. Ever since that NJ game, we have been terrible. Not the coach’s fault. Team needs an upgrade and the draft is the best way to go about it. Best way to do well in the draft is to lose a lot of games in the regular season. Well, at least we’re doing one thing well. They have a chance to win tonight though and I am fine if they do. We won’t lose every game, but I am sticking with my 15 win season prediction (made before game 1).

.I know I have been in the minority here about the Raps trying to win at all cost, even the chance that winning even slightly will hurt the chances of a top lottery pick. I say fight every night for any win.
However, the lottery is still risky, as I recall, because the number of balls still don’t mean you get the "top" pick. I recall several years ago the team with the least balls got the number one pick.
And since my entire life seems to be not winning lotteries and in fact really being a “looser”, I prefer to fight for every breath and go down with some skin under my fingernails.
I am hoping I might lose the fight, but you will always be able to spot the guy who won by the scratches and scars on his face.

Now…here is my question…IF you do not win the "top" lottery pick, do then the next picks all go by the remaining lottery standing?
I mean, after the top winner, does everybody then get to pick the next 2nd, 3rd, 4th etc pick according to their falling in the lottery?
Or after THE top pick, does the draft then goes by all earlier positions determined earlier? There perhaps is somebody who already holds the 2nd pick, or already traded for the 3rd or 4th pick.

What I am asking, then, is are you working for JUST the top pick or the next several picks by throwing a season?

Please help me here as I really don’t follow this part of the game.