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Bobcats vs. Raptors
7 p.m., Time Warner Cable Arena
TV: SportSouth. Radio: WFNZ-AM 610
Projected Starters
| Bobcats | Raptors | ||||
| Pos, Player | Ppg | Rpg | Pos, Player | Ppg | Rpg |
| G, K. Walker | 18.8 | 3.9 | G, J. Calderon | 10.9 | 2.1 |
| G, Jeff Taylor | 4.5 | 2.0 | G, D. DeRozan | 19.0 | 5.3 |
| F, M. Kidd-Gilchrist | 11.3 | 7.0 | F, D. McGuire | 3.0 | 2.0 |
| F, B. Mullens | 12.1 | 9.0 | F, A. Bargnani | 16.2 | 4.4 |
| C, B. Haywood | 7.4 | 7.6 | C, C. Valanciunas | 7.6 | 5.1 |
Matchup to Watch
Jose Calderon vs. Kemba Walker: Walker is obviously having a breakout season so far after being up-and-down as a rookie. Calderon has been tremendous early for the Raptors, with an 18-assist game against Orlando and a triple-double against Indiana.
Observations
• Toronto rookie Jonas Valanciunas was voted International player most likely to have a breakout season, in a poll of NBA general managers.
• Toronto coach Dwane Casey is a stickler for strong defense. The Raptors are in the upper half of the league in virtually every defensive category.
• Two ex-Bobcats – Dominic McGuire and Alan Anderson – now play for the Raptors. McGuire starts. Anderson is out with a foot injury
Tap-ins
• The Bobcats have actually won six of their last seven meetings with the Raptors.
• The Bobcats have been good this season at minimizing turnovers, but the Raptors have been great – second in the league at 13.5 per game.
Did you know?
Bad as the Bobcats were last season at 7-59, they did win one Eastern Conference series – 2-1 over the Raptors.
Rick Bonnell
