The Toronto Raptors will look to establish some momentum with a four-game homestand beginning Friday night against the New Jersey Nets.
Toronto will play NBA champs Boston on Sunday on CBC Sports (12:30 p.m. ET), featuring a half-time interview with Jermaine O'Neal, who has five consecutive double-doubles.
The Raptors got back in the win column on Wednesday night with a 101-95 victory over the Miami Heat.
Andrea Bargnani scored a season-high 25 points for the Raptors (5-5), while Anthony Parker went 5-for-5 from beyond the arc for 15 of his 19 points.
Jose Calderon had eight points and seven assists as he returned to the lineup following a two-game absence with a strained right hamstring.
O'Neal poured in 16 points and pulled down a game-best 17 rebounds. With O'Neal and Chris Bosh leading the way, Toronto have outrebounded their last four opponents.
Only Atlanta and Portland have better 3-point percentages at home than Toronto. The Nets, meanwhile, have allowed more points per game than all but three NBA teams.
New Jersey (4-6) have been unpredictable already this season.
The Nets followed up a surprising home-and-home sweep of Atlanta by getting trounced 106-82 by Cleveland. The team actually led at the half over the Cavaliers but were pounded 57-30 over the last two quarters.
Devin Harris led the way with 23 points and four assists. The point guard scored at least 30 points in each of the previous three games.
Former Raptor Vince Carter is coming off his worst game of the young season. Carter went 3-for-12 against Cleveland, finishing the game with 12 points.
Yi Jianlian has tailed off after a terrific first few games this season. Yi, traded from Milwaukee in the offseason, has just 16 points in the last three games.
Toronto won three of four against the Nets last year, including both games at Air Canada Centre.
Oilers slip past Panthers in shootout
Shawn Horcoff scored the shootout winner as the Edmonton Oilers beat the hometown Florida Panthers 4-3 on Thursday night.
Rangers cross tunnel to renew rivalry
If the matchups for this year's NHL playoffs couldn't be much sweeter, the renewed rivalry between the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers could be among the sweetest.
Michaud only Canadian athletics judge in Beijing
Daniel Michaud of Riviere du Loup, Que., Qu.e, is the sole Canadian selected as an Olympic games athletics official, having been appointed assistant chief judge for the three race walks.
Contact Us About Us HomeThursday, January 8th, 2009