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Red-hot Raptors seek fourth straight win

Dec 14, 2007 - 3:33 PM Toronto (13-10) at Indiana (11-11) 7:00 pm EST

INDIANAPOLIS (Ticker) - The return of Chris Bosh has worked wonders for the Toronto Raptors, who are starting to resemble the squad that won last season's Atlantic Division crown.

Bosh and the Raptors aim for their season-high fourth straight win Friday when they visit the Indiana Pacers.

Sidelined by a groin injury for five games, Bosh has led Toronto to three straight wins since his return to the lineup.

The 6-10 Bosh has averaged 19.3 points and 9.3 rebounds over that stretch, as the Raptors have climbed back to claim the fourth-best record in the Eastern Conference.

Bosh scored 17 points Wednesday to lead Toronto to a 92-76 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.

"We could have been intimidated by them because of what happened in Dallas the last time we played them," Bosh said. "We stood our ground, came out hard and fast. We jumped on them and played good defense."

It was Toronto's second game without point guard T.J. Ford, who likely will miss his second straight game after suffering a back injury during Tuesday's victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

Ford, who was fouled hard by Atlanta rookie Al Horford and fell violently to the floor, was released from the hospital Wednesday. He likely will miss Friday's contest.

The Pacers have won eight of their last 13 contests, including Wednesday's 117-102 victory over the Chicago Bulls.

Reserve Kareem Rush scored a season-high 22 points while Jermaine O'Neal added 18 points and nine rebounds for the Pacers, who shot 56 percent from the floor.