T HIS WAS always going to be a season of high expectations for the Raptors. But here they are, the diaper getting gamey on the '02 New Year, and already it's looking like a year of living dangerously.

Heck, they were among the league leaders in excuses already, before Morris Peterson's latest.

First there was Hakeem Olajuwon's arrival. The Dream's incorporation into the offence ? and we use the term loosely ? was going down about as easily as the ancient riddle of the Sphinx until his big toe flared up.

They've worn out the "we're still learning" angle, and last night was an opportunity to dust off one of their favourite old chestnuts. It was their first game back after a western trip ? three cheers and pizza for all, after they actually overcame that tremendous burden and the moribund Cleveland Cavaliers away 101-91.

Then there are these injuries. Dell Curry, Jerome Williams, Chris Childs, Olajuwon and Antonio Davis have missed more than a handful of games.

Add Peterson, who was just beginning to play like a guy with more than a clue. Now he'll do nothing but sit in Armani for six or eight weeks.