As much as they've attempted to prevent bulletin board material for Coach Stan Van Gundy's Magic in Toronto, it's obvious that the Raptors wanted us! The alternative would have been facing a seasoned and rested Detroit team in round one. Toronto is 1-3 vs. Detroit this season.

The Raptors are 1-2 vs. Orlando (Toronto's Chris Bosh did not play in the series finale) But don't let the record fool you. Toronto truly believes that this is its best possible playoff match up...and, quite frankly, history would indicate that it's hard to argue with that assessment.

Last season, the Raptors swept us, 4-0! Going into this season, they had beaten Orlando eight of the last ten.

The main reason for Toronto's temerity? Chris Bosh.

Bosh has averaged nearly 23 points per game in 13 career games vs. Orlando. That's Bosh's highest average against any NBA opponent. Bosh has scored at least 40 points twice against us. The first was a 41 point outburst last February. He dumped 40 on us a couple of months ago in Canada.

To say Bosh's blood races through his veins when he sees Dwight Howard's Magic #12 jersey is an understatement. Bosh is just a very difficult match up for Dwight because of his versatility. He can score inside and out. Coach Stan Van Gundy is gonna have to develop a game plan to contain Bosh, whether that be doubling him or even putting Hedo Turkoglu on him. Bosh plays with way too much confidence against us.

Conversely, the Raptors have had their hands full with D-12! In 14 career games vs. Toronto, Dwight has averaged 27 points. He had 37 and 15 vs. them this season.

Weeks ago, I said that I didn't want any part of the Raptors in the playoffs. Weeks later, if I had my druthers, I'd still take Philly over Toronto. But this has not exactly been a banner season NBA campaign in Canada.

Last year, the Raptors captured the Atlantic Division with 47 regular season wins. They would lose a first round series to New Jersey in six games. But the table was set for a Raptor rising in 2007-2008.

However, instead of stepping up this season, the Raptors have stepped back. Their second half has been dreadful. Going into their final regular season game, Toronto's lost 17 of their last 25.

This is a Raptor team that has beaten the likes of Boston, San Antonio and New Orleans on the road. But, this is the same team that has beaten two teams with winning records in their last 21 games. They've really struggled vs. sub .500 clubs.

Injuries to Bosh and point guard TJ Ford have certainly added to Toronto's inconsistency in a season that GM Bryan Colangelo has labeled a "disappointing".

But these Raptors now feel as if they have new life and said 'disappointment' will no doubt turn to exuberance if the Raptors can pull off a first round win over our Magic.

Toronto wanted us in round one.

Come and get it Raptors!