Today in Raptorland - 10/19/08

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Raptors clobber Clippers 93-89

Darrick Martin, who played sparingly as a Raptors point guard last year, was among the small crowd of a few thousand. Martin, who looked in top shape, said he is still attempting to catch on with a pro team this season before what he sees as an inevitable move into the coaching ranks.

Bosh, O'Neal key to slimmer roster

But as last night's 93-89 pre-season win over the L.A. Clippers demonstrated, it'll be the combined work of precisely two big bodies – Chris Bosh and Bosh's new-found sideman Jermaine O'Neal – that likely defines the 82-game grind that begins a week Wednesday. On a night when most of the rest of the Raptors struggled mightily, Bosh and O'Neal combined for 46 points and 20 rebounds.

Hurting bargnani gets night off

"If we had to get Andrea in the game, we would have, but it didn't make sense," Mitchell said. "We need him to be healthy. Like Chris Bosh and Jermaine O'Neal, he's just as important, he's in the rotation. He can score, rebound and take three-pointers."

Indeed, Bargnani's production from the free-throw line and the paint is notable, as he was the only Raptor to post double figures in scoring through five pre-season games. He is shooting more than 60% and has been hot from the line.

Toronto Raptors vs L.A. Clippers replay

There were only a few hundred fans in the seats at the Staples Centre when last night's game began and many of them seemed to be there expressly to see UCLA grad Jason Kapono of the Raptors.

The Raptors will play the winner of the Lakers-FC Barcelona game tonight at the Staples Center. No TV or radio.

For Clippers, it's sit and miss

Said Kaman of Bosh and O'Neal: "I think it'll be offensively the best four-five combo in the league. I'm trying to think if there's anybody any better. Boston has [Kendrick] Perkins and KG [ Kevin Garnett], but they don't have the offense they have there."

Sunshine Girl - 10/19/08