Photo Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Do The Toronto Raptors Have A Legit Chance At The Title?
The Toronto Raptors will finish the regular season being the number one seed for the first time in franchise history. They will also enter the postseason with the second best record overall – either 59-23, or, with a win against Miami this Wednesday, 60-22. The magical 60 win mark would be the icing on the cake for the team from north of the border.
The funny thing is, even though most of the numbers are favoring the Raptors, they are somewhat flying under the radar when people name their contenders.
But, do the Raptors have what it takes to have a legit shot at the title?
First and foremost, they gotta mentally block out their horrible playoff history. The team has won 48 or more games in each of its last five seasons, only to be destroyed in the early stages of the playoffs. They lost in the first round twice, before being swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals. In their Easter Conference Playoff preview, Sports Betting Dime gives the Raptors only a 10/1 chance to win the title. They added:
“Enjoy those courtside close-ups of Drake while you can, because Toronto will be headed home early again.”
But will the end of the season come too soon for another year? Well, I have to say I’m torn. While I also think that the chances to win it all are very slim, the team may have a chance to reach the NBA Finals. They have gotten better for yet another year, mainly due to their improved bench performance. The Raptors are even actively campaigning for the Sixth Man award to be given to their whole second unit.
Yo @SheaSerrano, we found the missing chapter from BAOT.
Chapter 2.5: #BenchMob for #KiaSixth = #SixthMob pic.twitter.com/pmtS7zEnJT
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 9, 2018
While the bench indeed averages the most points out of all the playoff teams, the starting five wasn’t able to keep up their incredible performances as of late. If the Raptors really want to have a chance, DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry, Serge Ibaka and Jonas Valanciunas have to bring their ‘A-Game’ every night. Then, the Raptors could be in for a surprise. It’s unlikely, but how fun would it be?!?
