All On The Line Tonight...

April 28, 9:43 a.m. Throw out every cliche that applies to a team facing elimination and that's exactly what is on the line for the Raptors tonight here in Orlando. The Magic with a stunning display of big time fourth quarter shots on Saturday propelled themselves to a commanding position in the best of seven series but it takes four games-not three to win a series. That's the attitude the Raptors must take. The Raptors simply couldn't make shots. Chris Bosh was tremendous and left it on the floor. His offensive rebounding was sensational and his ability to get to the line was a staple to just how hard he worked. But a team is measured on one simple bottom line: wins. Jamario Moon will start at small forward according to Sam Mitchell. Moon suffered a strained groin on Saturday and while he may be sore it won't prevent him from playing. At this point if you're in uniform you should be expected to play-period. Jameer Nelson has been the "X" factor for the Magic. We knew he could play. What I didn't know is that he could sustain it for four quarters. Another point about the Magic's Hedo Turkoglu. He has improved his game driving to the basket to the point he has turned his offensive game from being strictly one dimensional to one of versatility. The Raps need to bring urgency to the court tonight at 7:30 p.m. on TSN. Here's a tip for young men and women learning the game of basketball. Learn to develop both hands when shooting near the rim, especially dribbling the ball. Two great illustrations: Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu. They are very confident attacking the rim with either hand and it increases their chances for success because they are so versatile. Hedo will be named Most Improved Player at a press conference today here in Orlando according to published reports. Of the 174 teams facing 3-1 deficits, only 8 have managed to come back and win a series. But the Raps can't think about those odds. They must concentrate on Game 5. The last time the Magic won a playoff series Dwight Howard was 10. NBA Notes: Congrats to the Hawks for showing the NBA world that they are capable of beating Boston even it's a one and done. The Hawks even managed to sellout the game something that wasn't necessarily a guarantee. The Nuggets are flaming out against a very good Lakers team. Expect some changes in Denver. Carmelo Anthony didn't do himself, his teammates or his coaching staff any favours by his "We all quit" line after game three. I've said it once and I'll stay it again. The Wizards didn't need to fuel the Cavs fire by trash talking. Delonte West with big time onions. Is it too little-too late for the Suns? If Phoenix loses this series what's the fallout? T-Mac is about to go 0-7 in the playoff series department. The danger signs are adding up for Avery Johnson in Dallas. The Nets are looking pretty smart for dealing Kidd and getting value in return. What N.J. does with the picks is the key but I'll take Devin Harris any day of the week. Those Knicks rumours are amazing. The Post, Daily News and Newsday just throw names out . They've got half the league involved for the N.Y. position. The Bobcats have a history for watching the chequebook but in this case owners Bob Johnson and Michael Jordan need to look at Larry Brown who in turn needs to give the Bobcats a little Carolina hometown discount. I've seen too much flopping in the playoffs. Way too much. Other thoughts... This is Matt Millen's last draft if this OL turns out to be a bust. I've always liked the Chiefs but haven't been too impressed with their performance of late so it was good to see them have a good weekend. Chad Henne could be a steal for the Dolphins. Good for Stanford and good for Johnny Dawkins. We'll find out if he's ready to be a head coach in a very competitive Pac-10 world. Carlos Delgado is alive. Just look at Sunday's Mets box score. Roger Clemens back in the news and no it's not good if you check out the NY Daily News. Questions or comments about the Raps? E-mail me at cswirsky@torontoraptors.com or call me at 416-815-6189.. Remember 7:30 p.m. tonight on TSN. Always a pleasure.