The Weekly Rap, Jan. 2nd-8th: Masai Szn Approaching

The Raps survived a scare from the baby Lakers last night on the strength of Kyle Lowry going GOD LEVEL for 41 points on just 16 shots, 9 rebounds and 7 assists, and DeMar DeRozan adding 31 points of his own, no other game this season provided a bigger example of why adding a legitimate power forward could take this team to the next level.

Without glue guy extraordinaire Patrick Patterson for the night, the team was reduced to lineups of extended time with two of Pascal Siakam, Jonas Valanciunas & Bebe Nogueira on the floor at the same time for a lot of the game. Siakam and Bebe were serviceable, but even though JV had a 14-10 double double, there is no way anyone watching that game could describe his play as good or even passable.

That being said, unless the Raps want DeRozan & Lowry run into the ground again for playoff time, Masai Ujiri needs to do everything and anything he can to trade for Paul Millsap.

More importantly, the Raps as a team avoided the Los Angeles hangover, even though I can’t say the same for Jamaal Magloire

How did Jamaal meet Adam Sandler? Was this a first interaction or are these two old friends? The caption is “For 2017 may you all have laughter!” when was the last time I laughed at anything with Adam Sandler? Oh right, it was his cameo in Top 5 while I was drunk 2 weeks ago.

Jamaal Magloire’s Top 5 Adam Sandler Movies

1. The Longest Yard
2. Click
3. The Wedding Singer
4. Reign Over Me
5. 50 First Dates

Onto the games for this week, and it’s a group of foes the Raps historically haven’t done well against, I think we’re in store for a 2-2 week.

Jan. 3rd @ Spurs

For Norm’s second act, he’ll drop 25 after taking over for DeMarre Carroll in the 2nd half. Raps by 4 in a good one.

Jan. 5th vs. Jazz

After the Raps stole one in Salt Lake City last Friday night, the Jazz will be looking for revenge in their trip to the ACC. Against their stable of big men, Jonas Valanciunas NEEDS to show up and be big time, or else even his biggest fans could change their feelings. As I write this, a JV commercial for GoDaddy where he’s making figurines called his “Itty Bitty Ballers” has just graced my television screen. Never leave Jonas <3

Jan. 7th @ Chicago

The Bulls are in a state of turmoil right now, and Rondogate is looming over their heads. That being said, we know the history of Bulls-Raps and especially at the United Center, history ain’t pretty. Jimmy Buckets game-winner is in the cards.

Jan. 8th vs. Rockets

James Harden & the run n’ gun Rockets await the Raps on a back-to-back, and it’s gonna be a fun one. Harden is playing at a Westbrookian level right now, and I hope that continues for my sake on Sunday as I’ll be in the building. Raps depth needs to show out if they want a chance to win. Raps by 5.

That’s the week for the Raptors. What predictions you got?