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5 reasons Raptors fans might be pessimistic for the upcoming playoffs

By Graeme Klayh

Mar 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey and recording artist Drake react after a play goes against the Raptors against the Chicago Bulls at Air Canada Centre. The Bulls beat the Raptors 109-107. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey and recording artist Drake react after a play goes against the Raptors against the Chicago Bulls at Air Canada Centre. The Bulls beat the Raptors 109-107. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 17, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) celebrates the win with forward Bismack Biyombo (8) in game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Toronto defeats Indiana 101-94 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) celebrates the win with forward Bismack Biyombo (8) in game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Toronto defeats Indiana 101-94 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Previous history

Does Toronto have a sporting curse? The Blue Jays have at least lifted the city past a first-round vacuum, but for as long as the Raptors franchise has only won one playoff series, the monkey will continually be on their backs until they can move on further. The average Toronto sports fan is obviously excited for the playoffs, yet secretly dreading the disheartening result that will inevitably be followed by a disappointing showing. Be it a game 7 loss, a four-game sweep, or anything in between, without a series win in the books, we will be tortured.

Next: Does Dwane Casey deserve more credit?

Personally, I feel optimistic for this postseason, but some days you just wake up and feel the horrors of a 2015 repeat. The excitement and buzz in the city is real, as when every postseason comes. And with the first ever 50+ win season in the books, nothing would cap it off better than a playoff victory. Analysts pick the Raptors to challenge the Cleveland Cavaliers more than any other team in the conference. That’s great and all, but the NBA knows that the past two post-seasons were train wrecks for the Raptors, and the only way to truly gain recognition for the franchise is to close on a series.

Maybe two?

Let’s not get too greedy.

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