Game 4 (TOR v. OKC) Nov 6: Raps Face tough Test Down in Oklahoma

[Mile High Champ]

(1-2)..............(1-2)
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER v. TORONTO RAPTORS

NBA Game Overview
ESPN Preview


Date: November 6th 2012
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, OK
TV: TSN



PROJECTED STARTING LINEUPS:




PG...........SG..........SF..........PF...........C

WESTBROOK----SEFOLOSHA----DURANT----IBAKA----PERKINS




PG...........SG..........SF..........PF...........C

LOWRY----DEROZAN----FIELDS----BARGNANI----VALANCIUNAS



STATS:

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Key Match UP


Kyle Lowry v. Russell Westbrook

MHC TAKE:

The Raptors are coming off an impressive team win against the T-Wolves after dropping their previous 2 games to the Pacers and Nets respectively. Tonight the Raps face their toughest test when they visit the Thunder in Oklahoma City. Last year the Thunder only lost 7 games at home and is called by many the best home court advantage in the NBA today. If the Raps hope to have a chance of winning this one, they must continue to have strong performances from their back court tandem; Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan. Both players have easily been the two best players on the team thus far in this early season. More to come.

Lets go RAPTORS!!

[gwrighter]

Bargnani needs to step up and play well vs. Ibaka. Westbrook vs. Lowry and Durant vs. Derozan will be moot. Bargs needs to play well in order for us to come away with a solid W. Our bench needs to outplay OKC's bench which I believe is possible. This will be a true test for the Raps compared to a playoff team. Also, todays game was chosen by NBA fans to be shown on NBATV so there will be a lot of eyes on the team. Biggest game of the season so far IMO.

[the_jon]

As long as we don't get completely bent over and rammed in front of a huge audience then I am happy with the outcome.

[aman_13]

I think this game will depend entirely on Westbrook. If he has his way and is hitting his shots, then this likely be a rough night. If he his forcing and taking stupid shots, then we may have a chance.

[Bob_at_york]

Alan Anderson needs to step up. He needs to hit shots from the corner and try to slow down Durant.

[greg_ory_2005]

Even though I expect a loss, hopefully we can keep the game fairly close.

[C_Mund]

As long as we don't get completely bent over and rammed in front of a huge audience then I am happy with the outcome.

Hahaha! This is pretty much it. We haven't had any national exposure in a couple years so let's not blow it.

Frankly, like Gwrighter said, this one could come down to Bargs because it's the only place where we may have a pretty good matchup. Ibaka is definitely capable of guarding on the perimeter but he's also the type to bite on fakes. If Bargs can drop an efficient 20+ we might stand a chance.

I also have a feeling we'll be seeing more of McGuire tonight than usual, which I'm super okay with.

Lowry is going to go at Westbrook hard and make a case for himself as one of the best pg's in the league early on this season.

Should be a fun, fast-paced game no matter what.

[Saddler The Gr8]

I think this game will depend entirely on Westbrook. If he has his way and is hitting his shots, then this likely be a rough night. If he his forcing and taking stupid shots, then we may have a chance.

this

[Nick O]

lol Lowry's smile

[Raps08-09 Champ]

Thabo will shut down Derozan. We need Fields to try and limit Durant as much as possible.

[Nick O]

Thabo will shut down Derozan. We need Fields to try and limit Durant as much as possible.

or AA!! aha .. this is actually where i wouldnt have minded having JJ to get under his skin..

[Raps Insider 12]

Bargnani needs to step up and play well vs. Ibaka. Westbrook vs. Lowry and Durant vs. Derozan will be moot.

Durant vs. Derozan is a moot point - I vote this as the understatement of the year.

No offense to you gwrighter but that was the most ridiculous post I read from you. I know you can do better than that.

[joshhorvath]

im not expecting a win tonight, but imagine the headlines down south if we beat the Thunder tonight! Derozan and Lowry need to keep doing what they've been doing so far, Andrea needs to wake up and Fields... just please try and get more then 4 points in game!

[Nick O]

im not expecting a win tonight, but imagine the headlines down south if we beat the Thunder tonight! Derozan and Lowry need to keep doing what they've been doing so far, Andrea needs to wake up and Fields... just please try and get more then 4 points in game!

i think if we even lose a close game but KL and DD are on again were gonna make some headlines...

[Freddy_T28]

we matchup pretty bad against the thunder IMO. our best weapons are lowry, demar, and andrea and the thunder got westbrook, thabo, and ibaka, all top 5 defenders at their positions to guard em.

i think we can keep it close but if we are gonna pull this out fields, val, and/or the bench is gonna have to step up big time. should be a fun game tho the thunder always bring exciting basketball.