First, the bad news...

Heading into halftime, it's Toronto 56 - Trail Blazers 51.

The Raptors have shot 54.5% from the field (compared to 50% for the Trail Blazers), grabbed 19 rebounds against 18 for Portland, and shot 3 of 6 from range which is substantially more efficient than the 6 for 13 that the Trail Blazers have shot from the perimeter.

But Coach McMillan should be pleased with the ball movement he's seen over the first 24 minutes. The Trail Blazers have 18 assists, compared to just 13 for the Raptors, and for the most part, they've effectively attacked the basket.

In the second half, however, the Trail Blazers need to dial up the intensity. Brandon Roy has carried his team for 24 minutes, with 16 points, 4 assists and 4 rebounds, but he can't defend 5 positions, which has been the bigger concern for the Trail Blazers.

Contesting shots and forcing the Raptors to drive into our interior defense should help knock a few points off their 54.5% shooting percentage and, more importantly, the Trail Blazers need to attack the basket.

Travis Outlaw is having another tough night from the floor, he's 1 for 7 for 2 points, but he's also settling for contested 16 foot jumpers. If he gets to the basket, he'll not only open things up for his teammates, but he'll also get to the free-throw line.

There's 24 minutes left in regulation and the Trail Blazers have some catching up to do but stick around... The third quarter is next!

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