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Raptors after 50: a look forward, a glance back

By Brian Boake

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 20: Head coach Dwane Casey of the Toronto Raptors looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 20, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 20: Head coach Dwane Casey of the Toronto Raptors looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 20, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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We continue our tradition of taking a breather after every 10 games of the Raptors’ schedule to look, Janus-like, in both directions.

With the Toronto Raptors now firmly in the second half of the season, matters in the NBA’s Eastern Conference are looking even more compelling than usual.

These two weeks in February can make or break the Raptors’ hopes of grabbing the #1 seed. There are an exhausting 7 games in 14 nights prior to the 9-day All-Star break. The Raptors close the month with 3 games in a relatively leisurely 7-day period. The Raptors enjoy a healthy 7 games at home.

Image result for janus images
Roman coin depicting Janus, the god who looked both backward & forward /

Moreover, the opponents aren’t particularly nasty (with one exception). Games 51 through 54 are at the Air Canada Centre. Portland is up first. They have a high-scoring backcourt featuring Damien Lillard and C.J. McCollom, though neither of them is a plus defender. The Memphis Grizzlies visit next. They have been surprisingly competitive since Christmas, so this one is no longer “Guaranteed Win

Night

Afternoon”.

And who’s next? None other than the Boston Celtics, in the first of 3 clashes before 2017-18 is done. This one has “Statement Game” scrawled all over it.

Celtics center Aron Baynes and Raptors PF Serge Ibaka battle for a loose ball.
Celtics center Aron Baynes and Raptors PF Serge Ibaka battle for a loose ball. /

The New York Knicks, who have done little more than tread water, close the homestand. We’re off to Charlotte to meet the lottery-bound Hornets, then return for another grudge match against the Miami Heat. A quick flight to Chicago to face the all-but-done Bulls, then home to see the Milwaukee Bucks. They don’t appear to be damaged by the firing of coach Jason Kidd, and will prove formidable.

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The revamped Detroit Pistons visit. That will be a most interesting affair, as Toronto tries to figure out how to defeat Blake Griffin’s new squad. Finally, we’re off to Orlando to face the (lack of) Magic for the first time (in Game 60 – who creates these schedules?)

How did we do?

If you recall, I suggested a 6-4 mark in the segment just ended would be respectable. Sadly, Kyle Lowry’s clanked free throw in Washington threw away a chance at an OT win, and our team hitting my prediction. Our guys were 5-5. While losses to Golden State (a dreadful first half, and a great comeback which fell just short) and the 76ers were acceptable, messing up at home against Utah was not. At least the Raptors got revenge against the Timberwolves.

Even with some ugliness, Toronto still hasn’t had a losing streak longer than two games.

How will we do?

We should do better with the Games 51-60 tranche – I’m thinking 7-3. The team’s home record is exemplary, and we’re getting excellent work from everyone. Hopefully C.J. Miles’ return from knee trouble is not long delayed. Coach Dwane Casey would like to have that guy in top form as we head into the season’s final stretch. We wonder if sitting him down until after the All-Star break might be the best option.

Regardless, we’re well ahead of my pre-season forecast of 48 wins, and our roster is otherwise healthy. There’s plenty of reason for optimism.

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