It's Fanapolooza...

April 14, 8:45 a.m. Special note to our CCI readers: It was a pleasure meeting many of you at the Palace of Auburn Hills on Sunday. I sincerely appreciate the attention and concern you share for the Raptors. Tonight the Raps host the Miami Heat. If you plan on attending the game please BUY a program! Blake Ahearn, Kasib Powell, Stephane Lasme... who are these guys? Miami has the worst record in the NBA and yet as we all know that doesn't necessarily guarantee the number one pick. If the Heat manage to get lucky they'll select either Michael Beasley or Derrick Rose. After that? All bets are off. This is a good draft but it's clear that Beasley/Rose or Rose/Beasley will be the top two picks in the draft. The Heat lost at Cleveland as they check in at 14-66. A win tonight by the Raps and a Philly loss at home to the Cavs and the Raps will meet the Magic in the opening round of the playoffs. It's Fanapolooza Night and on behalf of everyone associated at the MLSE - Thank you for your support and passion throughout the season. Tonight will mark the Raptors 33rd sellout of 19, 800. The Raps have hit a few bumps in the road this season but the fans have been extremely loyal. It is a pleasure broadcasting Raptors games something I never take for granted. As much as I enjoy the competition of some of the greatest athletes in the world on a nightly basis, it's the fans who keep my motor running. Prior to home games I have the pleasure of meeting many of you in the arena or at the Raptors TV studio inside gate one. The knowledge of our fans and the enthusiasm you've demonstrated for the team is not overlooked. For our CCI readers who are unable to attend a game at the ACC I include you as well and thank you for the focus and energy you have following the Raps on a daily basis. The volume of e-mails and calls I receive on a daily basis is off the charts. As we turn the page following Wednesday's game against the Bulls and look ahead to the playoffs I can't wait to hear the ACC go bananas. A disappointing Sunday for the Raps as the Pistons reserves led by Jason Maxiell and Rodney Stuckey out fought the Raps in the fourth quarter as they were able to handle the Toronto starters.. Disappointing because the Raps, who played with a ton of energy and passion Friday night brought little to the table yesterday. There was no sense of urgency which was surprising. Here's the bottom line. If the Raps win tonight as expected and the 76ers fall to the Cavs... the Raps will sew up the sixth seed and a trip to Orlando for game one next Sunday. I am on record and I believe it .Toronto can win an opening round series against the Magic. The Raps can play Dwight Howard straight up with Rasho Nesterovic. The Raptors guards can handle the Magic backcourt. I think the Raps can steal a game in Orlando and win the series in six games. Prior to the game with Detroit I spend about 20 minutes with Hubie Bown who knows the game as well as anyone. It was an incredible experience picking his brain about coaching, teaching and the game itself. I loved it. Calling the game on ESPN were Jim Durham and Dr.Jack Ramsey. "Dr. Jack" is old school and I love it. He's in the Hall of Fame and has a tremendous basketball mind. Durham is an incredible play-by-play talent. One of the best of our generation. He paid his dues in down state Illinois and has been calling NBA games for over 30 years. I met Jim while I was in college and we have remained friends to this day. One day he should be in the Hall of Fame...he's that good. Congrats to the Lakers on winning the Pacific. Seattle fans gave it their all in what could have been the final Sonics home game ever. Gary Payton was in attendance. Outstanding move by the Bucks hiring John Hammond . One of the classiest men in the NBA. How about this scathing remark from an NBA executive (courtesy of the Newark Ledgar) One Eastern Conference official, who requested anonymity so as not to devalue one of Thorn's chief trading assets, said, "He's developed a reputation for being a selfish player," which was a mouthful, considering Jefferson was averaging 23 points on only 15 shots per game. "Not so much from his play, but his attitude. A lot of people think that Richard is mostly about Richard." Another East official was more blunt: "What's the difference between him and Corey Maggette?" he riddled. "Maggette makes only $7 million a year. (Jefferson) is very good, but he's way overpaid for his talent level." Not sure what the future holds for Sam Vincent but the Bobcats keep ballin'. Shane Battier's streak of 221 consecutive games came to an end Sunday when he was forced to the sideline with a bruised ankle. One day folks, if he elects to enter the political world, he's going places. Either that or NBA Commissioner, etc. I think I'd rather be the "Commish." Most frequently asked question on the NBA trail...."Who's going to win the MVP vote?" How I spent my Saturday night in Detroit. Worked on notes for the Pistons, Heat, Bulls and Magic and watched a fascinating discussion of the 1968 political campaign of Robert F. Kennedy. MLB talk...Arizona looks impressive and they should. They've got outstanding pitching, depth and quality in the minor leagues Excellent job by the Jays this weekend . Thrilled for B.J. Ryan.....long, tough road. Props to Brian Bannister of the Royals. Wasn't it just yesterday I covered his day pitching for the White Sox? The O-Dog is looking for "MO" money from the D-Backs. If I read one more Jose Canseco book review I am going to freak. I'm watching Saturday's Red Sox-Yankees game and with two out in the ninth Fox abruptly leaves the game for Nascar. What's up with that? I'm pulling for the Bruins in an upset over the Habs. The spirit of Bobby Orr has never left me. What's going on with the Sharks? Question/comment about the Raps/NBA? E-mail me at cswirsky@torontoraptors.com or call me at 416-815-6189. Always a pleasure.