Toronto Raptors: Five crazy predictions that might come true

Raptors win 65+ games – 10 percent

Toronto won 59 games last season. This season they have a better roster and should have more regular season motivation.

To win 65 games, you have to be truly special. Over the past four seasons, it has only occurred five times, with the Golden State Warriors accounting for three of the five teams.

For Toronto to crack the 65-win threshold, they will almost certainly need to be at least one of the top two teams during the regular season, probably the first overall seed.

That isn’t likely, but it is possible. After winning 59 games the season prior, Toronto returns nearly the same squad with the exception of the Kawhi Leonard trade. Leonard raises the ceiling of the Raptors significantly, and if he can find his rhythm after a long absence from consistent basketball, Toronto will be as talented as anyone outside of Golden State.

Another factor working in the Raptors favor is their depth. Although it’s importance is somewhat marginalized in the playoffs, having a roster with 11 legitimate rotation-quality players is a godsend in the regular season. Toronto is able to consistently give players rest without seeing a significant drop-off on the court.

Having the talent is important, but teams also need motivation throughout the marathon style length of an 82-game regular season.

Boston won 55 games last season without Gordon Hayward and without Kyrie Irving for long stretches. If Toronto wants to earn the one-seed in the Eastern Conference (it was SUPER beneficial last year), they will likely need to win 60+ games. With the Celtics pushing them throughout the season, Toronto is much more likely to stay focused on a consistent basis.

There are plenty of reasons why Toronto won’t win 65+ games this season: A new head coach, an emphasis on postseason play rather than the regular season, and chemistry issues to begin the year.

But if everything breaks right, 65 is attainable for a roster this talented.