Perhaps the road-challenged Raptors could learn a thing or two from Jeff Bzdelik. The Denver Nuggets coach, whose surging team had won two in a row on the road heading into a game against the Raptors last night at the Air Canada Centre, has an interesting perspective on playing away from home.

"The only difference I see between playing on the road and playing at home is at times at home, the crowd can energize you," Bzdelik said. "On the road, you need to bring your own energy. The baskets are the same, the court is the same.

"If you're competitive, you're challenged by playing well on the road. Personally, I think there is no greater feeling than winning on the road."

The Raptors haven't experienced that splendid feeling too often this season as they are a lowly 2-12 on the road. They completed a 1-5 road swing -- their second six-game trip of the season -- on Wednesday.

"It's very good (to be home again)," Raptors forward Lamond Murray said. "We've had a lot of road games early."

READY FOR ACTION

Raptors coach Sam Mitchell doesn't mind keeping his bench players in the game when they are playing well. For games like last night, with Vince Carter (injured list) and Milt Palacio (excused for personal reasons) out, the extra time for the reserves comes in handy.

"During the course of the season, you're going to need all 12 guys," Mitchell said. "You've got to have people ready to play. Fortunately, it has worked out that our bench has played a lot. Hopefully, it's not going to be a shock to (players) when their name is called."

HOLIDAY SPIRIT

The Raptors are involved in a couple of charity events to celebrate Christmas. The Chris Bosh Foundation is throwing a Christmas bash today (9 a.m.-noon) for the Albion Boys and Girls Club at the Woodbine Centre. Tomorrow, (noon-2:45) during the game against the Miami Heat, the Raptors' wives and family members are holding a silent auction in the main concourse at the ACC.