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Raptors look to round back into form against Pacers

Feb 23, 2007 - 3:01 PM Indiana (29-24) at Toronto (29-25) 7:00 pm EST

TORONTO (Ticker) -- The Toronto Raptors can't be blamed for being flat in their last contest.

The Raptors play just their second game in nine days when they host the Indiana Pacers on Friday.

Toronto lost its first game after the All-Star break to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 86-85, on Wednesday. Chris Bosh scored 24 points to lead the Raptors, who shot just 38 percent (6-of-16) from 3-point range.

It will be adding a new face soon as Toronto acquired guard Juan Dixon from the Portland Trail Blazers for swingman Fred Jones - the 2004 Slam Dunk champion - and future considerations on Thursday. Selected 17th overall in 2002 by Washington, Dixon will add depth in the backcourt.

Dixon averaged 8.9 points in 55 games with the Trail Blazers.

Despite the addition, it is the frontcourt that drives the Raptors, most notably the All-Star Bosh, who is averaging 23.3 points a game.

He has had varying results against the Pacers this season, being held to 17 points in a 92-83 win on November 26 before rebounding with 26 in a 102-84 loss on January 27.

The Pacers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 136-129, on Wednesday for their third straight win. All-Star Jermaine O'Neal matched his season high with 29 points.

O'Neal, averaging 20.0 points a game, has managed 18.0 in two contests against the Raptors this season.

Indiana's Marquis Daniels and Jamaal Tinsley played Wednesday despite being formally charged earlier in the day for participating in a bar fight in Indianapolis on February 6. Daniels scored 22 points and Tinsley scored 11 points and recorded 11 assists.

After surrendering themselves to police after the game, both players were released on their own recognizance prior to a court date on March 13.