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Toronto Raptors: Is the Central Division a threat to win the conference?

By Brian Boake

MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball while being guarded by Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers in the fourth quarter at the Bradley Center on March 2, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball while being guarded by Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers in the fourth quarter at the Bradley Center on March 2, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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As we prepare for the Toronto Raptors 2018-2019 season, we take a look at across the league, including the Central Division.

With the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers looming large, the Toronto Raptors have a lot to focus on in their own division. Still, the Central Division is far from a pushover, particularly at the top.

Boy, are we going to see a lot of churn in Flyover Country. Three Central teams made the playoffs in 2017-18; that won’t be the case this season. Indiana and Milwaukee should re-appear, but Cleveland is going to tumble, and neither Chicago nor Detroit will take up the slack.

LeBron James has flown from Cleveland for the second time, leaving the Cavaliers pumping Kevin Love as the “face” of the franchise. That’s fine, but Love will need to do everything except sell beer in the stands for an understaffed franchise.

The Pacers look to build on their excellent, out-of-nowhere 2017-18 season. I don’t see them with the improvements to take another giant step, but another 48-win season won’t hurt at all.

Milwaukee was content to fiddle with the edges of their strong, young roster. I’m not sold on their second unit, nor their overall shooting capability.

The Pistons just missed the post-season. Detroit hasn’t won a playoff game since 2007-08. New coach Dwane Casey (I think I remember him) is highly motivated to prove his Coach of the Year awards weren’t a fluke. If Reggie Jackson is healthy, and they can get a full season out of oft-injured Blake Griffin, the Pistons may be on the move.

The Bulls are still a season away from climbing over .500. I like their youngsters a lot, and if there’s a dark horse in this Conference, it’s Chicago.

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