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Mar 24, 2014

Playoff races are set and teams are clawing for position. The Mavs host OKC in a must win while the Cavs visit Detroit and are in the same boat. SMNT members Kelly Olynyk and Joel Anthony visit the Raps.

<table class="MsoTableGrid" border="0" cellspacing="0" width="530">    <tbody>        <tr>            <td width="64" valign="top">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span>DATE<o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="112" valign="top">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span>VISITOR<o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="128" valign="top">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span>HOME<o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="50" valign="top">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span>TIME (ET)<o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="177" valign="top">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Canadians in Play<o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>        </tr>        <tr>            <td width="64">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>&nbsp;Monday &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span><span><span>March 24<sup>th</sup></span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="112">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Philadelphia 76ers</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="128">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>San Antonio Spurs</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="50">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>8:30 pm</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="177">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span>Cory Joseph   (Toronto, ON)</span></span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>        </tr>        <tr>            <td width="64">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>&nbsp; Tuesday &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><span><span>March 25<sup>th</sup></span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="112">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Toronto   Raptors</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="128">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Cleveland Cavaliers</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="50">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>7:00 pm</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="177">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Tristan Thompson   (Toronto, ON)</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Anthony Bennett (Toronto,   ON)</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>        </tr>        <tr>            <td width="64">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>&nbsp;Tuesday &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><span><span>March 25<sup>th</sup></span></span></p>            </td>            <td width="112">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Portland Trail Blazers</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="128">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Orlando Magic</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="50">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>7:00 pm</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="177">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Andrew Nicholson   (Mississauga, ON)</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>        </tr>        <tr>            <td width="64">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>&nbsp;Tuesday &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><span><span>March 25<sup>th</sup></span></span></p>            </td>            <td width="112">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Oklahoma City Thunder</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="128">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Dallas Mavericks</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="50">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>8:30 pm</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="177">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Samuel Dalembert (Montreal,   QC)</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>        </tr>        <tr>            <td width="64">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>&nbsp;Tuesday &nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span><span><span>March 25<sup>th</sup></span></span></p>            </td>            <td width="112">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>New York Knicks</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="128">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Los Angeles Lakers</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="50">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>10:30 pm</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="177">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Robert Sacre (North   Vancouver, BC)</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Steve Nash (Victoria, BC)</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>        </tr>        <tr>            <td width="64">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>&nbsp;Wednesday &nbsp;March 26<sup>th</sup></span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="112">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Toronto   Raptors</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="128">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Boston Celtics</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="50">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>7:30 pm</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="177">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Kelly Olynyk   (Kamloops, BC)</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Joel Anthony (Montreal, QC)</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>        </tr>        <tr>            <td width="64">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>&nbsp;Wednesday &nbsp;March 26<sup>th</sup></span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="112">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Cleveland Cavaliers</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="128">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Detroit Pistons</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="50">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>7:30 pm</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="177">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Tristan Thompson   (Toronto, ON)</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Anthony Bennett (Toronto,   ON)</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>        </tr>        <tr>            <td width="64">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>&nbsp;Wednesday &nbsp;March 26<sup>th</sup></span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="112">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Denver Nuggets</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="128">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>San Antonio Spurs</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="50">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>8:30 pm</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="177">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span>Cory Joseph   (Toronto, ON)</span></span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>        </tr>        <tr>            <td width="64">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>&nbsp;Thursday &nbsp; &nbsp;March 27<sup>th</sup></span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="112">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Los Angeles Lakers</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="128">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Milwaukee Bucks</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="50">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>8:00 pm</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="177">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Robert Sacre (North Vancouver,   BC)</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Steve Nash (Victoria, BC)</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>        </tr>        <tr>            <td width="64">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>&nbsp;Thursday &nbsp; &nbsp;March 27<sup>th</sup></span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="112">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Los Angeles Clippers</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="128">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Dallas Mavericks</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="50">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>8:30 pm</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="177">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Samuel Dalembert (Montreal,   QC)</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>        </tr>        <tr>            <td width="64">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>&nbsp;Friday &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;March 28<sup>th</sup></span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="112">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Charlotte Bobcats</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="128">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Orlando Magic</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="50">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>7:00 pm</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="177">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Andrew Nicholson   (Mississauga, ON)</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>        </tr>        <tr>            <td width="64">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>&nbsp;Friday &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;March 28<sup>th</sup></span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="112">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Boston Celtics</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="128">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Toronto   Raptors</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="50">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>7:00 pm</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="177">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Kelly Olynyk   (Kamloops, BC)</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Joel Anthony (Montreal, QC)</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>        </tr>        <tr>            <td width="64">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>&nbsp;Friday &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;March 28<sup>th</sup></span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="112">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Cleveland Cavaliers</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="128">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Brooklyn Nets</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="50">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>7:30 pm</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="177">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Tristan Thompson   (Toronto, ON)</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Anthony Bennett (Toronto,   ON)</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>        </tr>        <tr>            <td width="64">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>&nbsp;Friday &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;March 28<sup>th</sup></span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="112">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Los Angeles Lakers</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="128">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Minnesota Timberwolves</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="50">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>8:00 pm</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="177">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Robert Sacre (North   Vancouver, BC)</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Steve Nash (Victoria, BC)</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>        </tr>        <tr>            <td width="64">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>&nbsp;Friday &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;March 28<sup>th</sup></span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="112">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>San Antonio Spurs</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="128">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Denver Nuggets</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="50">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>9:00 pm</span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>            <td width="177">            <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span>Cory Joseph   (Toronto, ON)</span></span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span></p>            </td>        </tr>    </tbody></table>

CANADIAN DIE-HARDS TOP 3 GAMES TO WATCH

TUESDAY, MARCH 25th

THUNDER AT MAVS                      

The Mavericks are in a race for the postseason and they can feel the Suns hot on their tail. The Mavs and Grizzlies are up one game on the Suns for the final two playoff spots. Samuel Dalembert of the Mavs looks in vintage form of late, providing great rim protection and blocking multiple shots a game. Every game is important for Dallas from here on out, that said, Dalembert will have to keep this kind of form to slow down the second best record in the West in OKC.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26th

CAVS AT PISTONS

Hopes remain slim for the Cavaliers to make the postseason, however the feat is still achievable. Coming off a big win against the Knicks on Sunday night, and after visiting the Raps tomorrow, they will face off against the lowly Pistons. The Pistons have tremendous talent but haven’t reached their potential this season. They present a massive frontcourt, which will be a handful for Tristan Thompson and company. The fresh legs of Anthony Bennett will come in handy for this bout as the Pistons play a fast pace. Also without star PG Kyrie Irving, the Cavs will look to move the ball and create penetration on this young Pistons team.

FRIDAY, MARCH 28th

CELTICS AT RAPTORS

It isn’t the first time, but it is always special when committed Canadian National Team members hit the hardwood on the Raptors floor. Joel Anthony and Kelly Olynyk visit Friday night in what should be a tough one for the Raps. Despite much speculation about the intentions of the Celtics this year, Coach Brad Stevens has made it clear that he didn’t take his first NBA job to lose. Boston is a young team with a lot of growing pains left to go through, but they are still led by a great floor general in Rajon Rondo. Olynyk has seen an increased role for the team of late, playing meaningful minutes in close games down the stretch. He has continued to produce in late-game situation, which is very good sign for Celtics fans. Joel Anthony provides a much-needed support off the bench for the developing Celtics players as they go through this rebuilding year.