Raptors eyeing division lead

The Raptors have won four of their last five games and are tied with Boston at a half game behind the division-leading Nets. They are also 1-1 on their road trip after losing to Phoenix in the opener and defeating the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. Portland and Seattle are the teams left on the trek.

Toronto could use the services of forward/center Chris Bosh, who has missed the last seven games with a bone bruise on his knee. Bosh, who is averaging 20.5 points and 12.2 rebounds in 19 games this season, last played against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on December 8.

The Raptors are missing the double-double efforts Bosh brings to the hardwood. He has 15 so far this season.

But on the more positive note for the Raptors, new guard T.J. Ford made some more fans of the people from Toronto with a game-winning basket against the Clippers on Wednesday.

Ford, who ended with 14 points, buried a jumper from the free throw line with no time on the clock to life Toronto. He also tied the game with two free throws with less than a minute to go in the game.

Acquired in the offseason from Milwaukee, Ford is averaging 14.8 points, a team-best 8.2 assists and 4.0 rebounds in 26 starts.