Toronto Raptors: 3 must-win games if Toronto wants the postseason
By Jack Long
The Toronto Raptors are currently on the outside looking in of the playoff race, but are by no means out of the hunt. It doesn’t get any easier if you look at the Raptors’ upcoming schedule with tilts against the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers.
One look at that remaining schedule and many fans may say it’s just time to call it a season. Toronto is currently only one game out of the play-in tournament though and can book their ticket to the postseason with a half-decent record down the stretch.
If the Raptors decide to sit key players again, this season is as good as over. Unless role players can really step up for the loss of Chris Boucher, that loss combined with sitting their star players is a recipe for disaster with their upcoming opponents.
If the Toronto Raptors decide they want to make a go at playoffs, they will have to win a few upset contests at some Western Conference powerhouses. With the second-toughest strength of schedule remaining in the league by opponent win percentage – there are a few games against Eastern Conference playoff hopefuls that are must-wins.
These 3 upcoming Toronto Raptors games are must-wins
3. May 6 vs Washington Wizards
The Raptors will have to beat the currently rolling Washington Wizards, who as of now reside in the No. 10 seed. The Wizards have been absolutely rolling this past month and have arisen from the depths of the Eastern Conference to currently sitting in the last seed of the play-in tournament.
The combo of Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook have finally become what Washington fans were salivating over when Russ was brought in last offseason. Despite their standout backcourt, Washington has some holes Toronto could exploit.
The Toronto Raptors could exploit Washington’s injury troubles.
In addition to losing center Thomas Bryant early in the season, though Daniel Gafford has filled in nicely, the Wizards say lottery pick and versatile wing Deni Avdija end his season prematurely on the back of a scary ankle injury. While incredibly unfortunate for Avidja and the Wizards, that could help the Raptors leapfrog them in the standings.
If the Toronto Raptors want any chance at squeaking into the playoffs they will have to sweep the season series against the Wizards. Perhaps another Gary Trent Jr. buzzer-beater will do the job?