by Christian Fann

Created on: April 22, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

The Toronto Raptors have begun their journey into the post-season. Securing the number 6 seed out east, their first round opponent is the Orlando Magic, a team that is no stranger to the post-season in former years, themselves. What is interesting about this match-up is not necessarily standing positioning, but the youthfulness on both sides.

For instance, Chris Bosh, at premature 24 year old is the face of the Toronto Raptors. The 6'10, Power-Forward or Center for the Raptors is the guy that the team puts all their hopes and trust in when the game is on the line. Nicknamed "CB4," Bosh has one of the more polished games for a big man in the NBA. Leading future-hall-of-famer Kobe Bryant to say "I love his versatility. For a man his size he does it all. The sky is the limit for Bosh, there is nothing I dislike about his game." I would say that is quite the compliment coming from arguably the most gifted basketball player since Michael Jordan. Bosh shot an excellent 84% from the stripe this season, very impressive when you take into the account that most big men do not have that type of touch at the foul line.

On the other side of this discussion, there is a certain guy by the name of Dwight Howard, the 6'11, Power Forward and Center for the Orlando Magic. He has been crowned the Second Coming of Shaquille O'Neal, (except he hasn't broken any glass like him). And, it is not hard to see why he is a constant double-double threat. He averages over 14 rebounds a game, which led all players during the regular season. In the first game against the Raptors, the 22 year old, scored 25 points and grabbed 22 rebounds. Those type of numbers are usually delegated to stars have who spent time in the league working on their footwork, technique and shaking off those hidden nerves.

Not from a guy 22 years old. However, as exciting as Dwight Howard and Chris Bosh are, their teammates are what also will make this an exciting series, above and beyond, the battle of the big men. T.J. Ford is a very good Point-guard (from the Long-horns in his college days) and spaces the floor open very well. Jose Calderon is another guard that can really help to add dribble penetration, quickness, and agility for the Raptors.

The problem Toronto will have with Orlando is that they just are not big enough. The Magic have a very large team in Rashard Lewis (6'10", Hedo Turkoglu (6'10), and Dwight Howard (6'11). Which should translate to the Magic leading nightly at least in the statistics of offensive and defensive rebounds. With Rashard Lewis on the wing, it will be hard for the Raptors to find anybody big enough in their rotation to close him out since he likes to pop 3's.

The Raptors want to make this game a fast-pace affair, if they can do that it should be a very entertaining first-round series. If not, continue to see them get pounded on in the remaining games.

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