L.A. L.A. big city of dreams but everyone in L.A. forgets they have two teams...

Big showdown tonight between the Raptors and Clippers. Yeah, I do think it is by the standards set for both teams. This is a game that should be winnable for our boys. It is the first of 4 road games against tough western conference opponents. The Clippers are the only team that are do or die to make the playoffs. After this we play a rejuvenated Phoenix Suns team and I expect that game to be a 157 - 135 loss, since both teams are like 1 and 2 for best offensive squad in the league right now. Lets continue where we left off with this roster so far...

Jose Calderon

The fiery Spaniard has crept back into our hearts with his recent play. Scoring in double digits the past three games will definitely erase his poor start to the season. The man has been trying on defense and that's about all we can ask of him. There is only so much athleticism he has and I don't expect him to go Raja Bell on anyone anytime soon. If anyone honestly thinks Calderon at this point in his career will be putting a defensive lock down on Rondo or Paul better start following another squad. Colangelo and co. have invested in him and believe he will be a great starting point guard for many years. Now I'm not completely sold on him leading us to the glorious NBA finals but I'd still take him over T.J. Ford.

DeMar DeRozan

He shows flashes of brilliance. His athleticism is undoubted yada yada yada...
Now, one thing I just don't understand or care to understand is why they start the kid. I'm pretty sure he will develop at the same pace if he came off the bench. The difference would probably be so insignificant that I'd rather have confidence over raw athleticism and that's where Antoine Wright comes in(more on that later). DeRozan will be great in a couple of years. There is no need to start him just so he can play significant minutes with our main guys. If he comes off the bench he's still playing NBA professionals who are far better than the college kids he played with and against last year. I've heard the argument that those are the best minutes for his development and I just disagree. Bargnani in his first year came off the bench and Bosh if I'm not mistaken came off the bench. Both the B's were far more seasoned than DeRozan when they came into this league so...where am I wrong here?

The Bench

The bench has been quite inconsistent this season. They are by far the deepest we've had for some time but they are a group that's still finding their way.

The disappointments so far have been Marco Belinelli and Jarret Jack. Both have not found their shots and are forcing play. Jack is not looking worthy of the mid-level exception he's being payed. Marco was brought in for his shot and his shooting is inconsistent.

Props should go out to Antoine Wright and Amir Johnson. Both have been steady defensive anchors. I do think Wright deserves that starting 2 spot in the line-up. We need a good role player to off set our scoring power. I think he would be well-suited in being a guy that starts and sets the defensive tone early. Amir Johnson is my man. The guy just never gives up on a play. He is constantly a bothersome presence for the opposition when he is on the court. He forces turnovers and is all around a guy who has received well deserved playing time.

Rasho Nesterovic is at the end of his career. Yet, I feel he is still of importance to this team whether it be veteran leadership or wily play to shutdown opposing Centers. I still think we will see glimmers of old Rasho this year but I do expect him to only be used for certain match ups.

How will they handle the Clippers? Tune in tonight 10:30 eastern time.

Cool Hand Luke