After an ignominious three-week stint in the shadows of the Winter Olympics and following two days of much-needed rehearsing and regrouping, the Raptors step back into the spotlight tonight under the glare of U.S. cable television lights.

Whether they're ready for prime time is anyone's guess, but to a man the Raptors seem keenly aware of the fact they're now looking at a 24-game season-ending stretch to either head into the playoffs on a high or head home, period.

"It's time to pay attention," coach Lenny Wilkens emphasized after the club's two-hour workout yesterday at the Air Canada Centre in preparation for tonight's home date with the Orlando Magic