Pacers-Raptors Preview: Interview with Scott Lewis of Jurrasic Hoops
By Josh Dhani
Today, we got Scott Lewis of Jurassichoops.com, a Toronto Raptors site part of Fanball.com Sports Network. Today, he is here to answer my questions for the upcoming game tonight of the Raptors and Pacers. Here we go…
Josh Dhani: Do you think Chris Bosh will stay after this season?
Scott Lewis: My instincts say no, but I think it will depend on what Dwayne Wade and to a lesser extent what Lebron James choose to do. If Wade re-ups in Miami then that could drastically alter the market for Bosh. If the Raptors miss the playoffs, or bow out in the first round then he’s as good as gone. Time will tell.
JD: Who will be the X-Factor for the Raptors when they face Indy?
SL: It will have to be Andrea Bargnani. We know what we get from Bosh on a nightly basis, but Bargnani’s efforts have more or less dictated the outcome for the Raptors. He’ll need to grab some boards and make his shots from outside.
JD: What does Indy need to do to win this game?
SL: It’s all about containing the Raptors offense. They score in bunches and are capable of putting up 10-0 runs on anyone, if Indy keeps them in check and matches shots then they’ve got a good chance to come out on top. The Raptors are out-rebounded quite easily, and that too will be essential for the Pacers to defeat this squad.
JD: What is your prediction for Toronto this season?
SL: I’m standing behind my playoff prediction, I think they’re good enough to advance to the second round but they’ll have to get something resembling consistency going on a game-to-game basis.
JD: How do you think Toronto will do in this game?
SL: On paper I’d say they should be able to win easily, but that’s never the case for the Raptors. Danny Granger is the type of player that could explode on Toronto, so we’re gonna need our bench to step-up and provide some scoring and defense to keep Indy in check.
JD: Jarrett Jack will be facing his former team from last year. How do you feel about him this year?
SL: I like him. He had a somewhat slow start, but it was predictable as he’s being relied upon to provide depth at two positions. He’s a great “piece” to the puzzle, and he’s a good buddy of Chris Bosh. Hopefully that will help the Raptors retain CB4.
JD: Last question: What is your prediction for the Finals?
SL: It’s early, but I think Cleveland has what it takes to get there. As much as their game bores me, I have to take San Antonio in the West. As of today, I’ll go with the Spurs taking the championship, they’ve got so much depth, Tim Duncan, and just about every All-Star still left from the 1990s.
I really appreciate Scott stopping by. Be sure to check out his site at Jurrasichoops.com. Thanks guys, and enjoy the game!