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Raptors-Clippers Preview
While Chris Bosh is on the verge of becoming the Toronto Raptors' career rebounding leader, Chris Kaman is finally showing the ability that might allow him to set a similar record in the future.
In a matchup of two of the 2003 draft's most highly regarded big men, Bosh and the Raptors (14-11) open a season-high seven-game road trip against Chris Kaman and the Los Angeles Clippers (9-14) on Tuesday night.
Bosh was selected fourth overall by Toronto, and Bosh went two picks later to Los Angeles in '03. Bosh has developed much faster, though, and his 2,838 rebounds are one shy of the Raptors' franchise mark set by Antonio Davis.
Bosh had 17 points and 13 boards Sunday, but Toronto lost 90-77 to Boston on Sunday for its first defeat in five games.
Chris Kaman, meanwhile, is playing at an All-Star level after an inconsistent first four seasons, averaging 18.6 points, 13.9 rebounds and 2.7 blocks. The 7-footer recorded his ninth straight double-double and 19th of the season Sunday night, scoring 18 points and grabbing 16 rebounds in the Los Angeles Clippers' 113-92 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The center, however, has struggled in five career matchups with Bosh, averaging 9.2 points per game. Bosh, meanwhile, has averaged 22.6 points in those contests.
Toronto could certainly use another strong effort from Bosh as it tries to bounce back from its worst offensive game of the season. The Raptors' point total Sunday was a season low, their previous worst coming in a 112-84 loss to the Celtics on Dec. 7.
Toronto is averaging just 93.2 points in its last five games, but holding opponents to 85.4 during that span.
``We've got to get better offensively - we've got to get better defensively and we are not that far away,'' Raptors coach Sam Mitchell said.
Toronto, which won't play another home game until January, has won two straight on the road and is 6-5 away from Air Canada Centre this season. The Raptors will be facing an injury-riddled Los Angeles Clippers team that has lost five straight at Staples Center for the first time since a nine-game skid from March 14-April 14, 2004.
Already having played without Elton Brand (Achilles' tendon surgery) and Shaun Livingston (knee surgery) for the entire season, Los Angeles was missing Tim Thomas (sprained right ankle) on Sunday. Thomas, third on the Los Angeles Clippers with 13.5 points per game, is questionable for Tuesday's contest.
In Thomas' place, Paul Davis made his first career start and finished with 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting.
Cuttino Mobley (stomach virus) is also questionable for Tuesday. The veteran guard has been Los Angeles' top bench player, averaging 11.9 points.
Point guard Sam Cassell, meanwhile, will miss his 11th straight game because of a strained left calf. Brevin Knight continues to start in place of Sam Cassell.
``It's just the luck of the draw for us,'' Los Angeles Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said. ``We haven't been healthy, but it's an opportunity for other guys to come in and be able to show something. We just haven't been consistent out there.''
Toronto swept its two games against Los Angeles last season.
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