The Raptors are ranked 26th in the NBA in rebounding, their best rebounder -- Chris Bosh -- may not play Tuesday in Orlando because of a knee injury and it can mean only one thing:
A chance at a career night for the Magic's Dwight Howard. Toronto's most glaring weakness is their inability to rebound, especially on the defensive end, and with their next outing so significant in the overall standings.
The Raptors, locked in a tight battle with Orlando and Cleveland for third, fourth and fifth in the Eastern Conference, have split games so far this season with the Magic and the winner of Tuesday's game will hold the first tie-breaker if the teams are deadlocked at the end of the season.
But Toronto will have to do a better job on the boards. Bosh, who averages nine rebounds a game, is expected to miss his second straight game because of pain and swelling in his right knee.
BOBCATS 110, RAPTORS 98: Toronto was out-scored 30-0 in second chance points, a low water mark on the season for Toronto, as they dropped their second straight game against a non-playoff opponent Sunday.
The Bobcats turned 18 offensive rebounds into their second-chance points as the Raptors just couldn't compete on the boards, getting out-rebounded 50-37 overall.
Anthony Parker had 24 points and Rasho Nesterovic 16 for Toronto, which fell to 32-26 on the season and dropped into fifth place behind Cleveland in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Five Bobcats -- led by 30 points from Jason Richardson -- were in double-figures as Toronto allowed Charlotte to get 94 field goal attempts compared to 74 for the Raptors.
