An astute observation from our #RTZ Tweet of the Night winner @BarryMRubin, which certainly held up as DeRozan turned in a potent performance at both ends of the floor in the Raptors’ 116-98 win over the visiting Rockets at ACC on Wednesday.

DeRozan’s recent resurgence, with six outings of at least 20 points in his last eight games after a very tough start, has been emblematic of this years Raptors, who are proving to be increasingly difficult to pin down and rounding into form.

“I think this is probably the most games ...

Andrea Bargnani is nearing a return to the Raptors.

Head coach Dwane Casey did not offer an exact return date for the team’s leading scorer after Wednesday morning’s shootaround at ACC, but did reveal that Bargnani is expected to be a full participant in Thursday’s practice. How Bargnani’s calf responds to that full contact workout (and likely another practice on Friday), will be key to determining if he can return at some point this weekend with games in Detroit on Saturday or at home Sunday against the Bucks.

In other lineup news, ...

NBA.com Preview | Game Notes

Probable Starters

TOR – Jose Calderon (G), DeMar DeRozan (G), James Johnson (F), Amir Johnson (F), Aaron Gray (C).
HOU– Kyle Lowry (G), Kevin Martin (G), Chandler Parsons (F), Luis Scola (F), Samuel Dalembert (C)

Key Injuries

TOR – Andrea Bargnani (left calf strain) – out,  Solomon Alabi (viral infection) – out, Linas Kleiza (sore left ankle) – probable
HOU – Jordan Hill (sprained MCL in right knee)

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Projected Starters
TOR – Jose Calderon (G), DeMar DeRozan (G), James Johnson (F),  Ed Davis (F), Aaron Gray (C).
DEN– Ty Lawson  (G), Andre Miller (G), Danilo Gallinari (F), Nene (F), Timofey Mozgov (C).

Key Injuries
TOR – Andrea Bargnani (left calf strain) – Out
DEN – Aaron Afflalo (right groin strain) -  day-to-day, DeMarre Carroll (left hamstring strain) – day-to-day, Rudy Fernandez (right Achilles tendon strain) -  day-to-day, Ty Lawson (left ankle sprain) – day-to-day.

Here’s what we’ve got an eye on tonight as the Raptors try for a third straight win against the ...

Just an unbelievably bittersweet result from the Raptors on Wednesday night, as they leave it all on the floor in the second game of a back-to-back in Utah.

They’ll take the well-earned 111-106 double overtime road win to end their recent futility against the Jazz, but the greater concern has to be the well-being of Andrea Bargnani, who was forced to leave the first overtime period after aggravating his left calf strain.

According to @RaptorsPR, Bargnani will be re-examined tomorrow in Denver and we’ll bring you any updates as soon as we ...

Another hard fought, but uneven performance for the Raptors in Dallas on Friday and the score isn’t really indicative of the level of play in a 99-86 defeat.

The veteran Mavs used a run late in the third quarter (led by Vince Carter no less) to erase the Raptors’ 68-61 lead and Toronto was never really the same after that. The Raptors struggled on the glass and with second-chance points early, while major differentials in turnovers (-7 for Toronto) and trips to the line (-20) were simply too much to overcome.

But ...

Hello!!!!! Happy Holidays!! The Big Man in the Red Suit is on his way and I’m hopeful he makes a stop on Bay Street in Toronto in his travels.

Here’s what I’d like for him to bring to our beloved Raps. Hoping you and your families have a wonderful and peaceful Holiday season. All the BEST in 2012!!

BRYAN COLANGELO & STAFF: Patience. Plan your work and work your plan. Stick to your guns and see the process through. Might be some bumps along the way this season but keep your eye ...

Read Bargnani’s Official Statement

The basketball guy prefers ornate answers and gentle language. The hockey man speaks in six-word sentences and swears a lot.

Now that Bryan Colangelo has signed a multi-year-extension, he and Brian Burke have something in common past the letterhead on their cheques. Both will be charged with making a soufflé out of a donut.

It’s a simple truth that spans the sports: no centre, little chance of a playoff.

The Toronto Star’s Dave Feschuk reported that Andrea Bargnani told Italy’s Sky Sports that IF he were to leave Toronto he ...