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?
2. May 13 @ Chicago Bulls
The Raptors have to take one from a Chicago Bulls team who is struggling despite being loaded with talent. The Bulls are one of the toughest teams to understand. An organization that was already loaded with young talent went all-in at the NBA Trade Deadline bringing in all-star big man Nikola Vucevic among some other small depth deals.
Nonetheless, the Bulls have struggled to play consistent basketball since the deadline and have had a tough time beating even the lowest tier of opponents. Despite their struggles with regards to integrating Vucevic into the lineup, Toronto would be foolish to look past them when it comes to making the postseason.
The Raptors can’t overlook the deep Bulls
Zach LaVine missing the past couple weeks due to league health and safety protocols was a big blow to this team, but once LaVine returns, a healthy Bulls team will be no easy task. With Vucevic on the inside and the LaVine-Coby White duo on the outside, Toronto’s defense could be stretched thin.
The Raptors have struggled this year against the Bulls, going 0-2 in their matchups so far. Chicago already has the tiebreaker after pummeling a team that couldn’t hang with them down in the low post in their first few seasons, so a win May 13 is a must for Toronto.
1. May 16 vs Indiana Pacers
The Raptors have to win the series against a gritty Indiana Pacers team who are safely holding on to the ninth seed. The Pacers have been through a lot injury-wise this season, but are firmly seated in the second last seed of the play-in tournament with room to jump even higher if Myles Turner returns
Old friend and former Raptors assistant Nate Bjorkgren has done a masterful job at getting the most out of his guys through injuries and steering new players in the right direction with his system.
With both of the Pacers’ big men in Turner and Domantas Sabonis missing time due to injury, the Raptors should look to take advantage of a thinner Pacers frontcourt May 16 should either of those players still be out. Even with those absences, the likes of Malcolm Brogdon and Caris LeVert could form a hellacious backcourt in Indiana.
Is there any hope for a Toronto Raptors playoff appearance?
The road to the 10th seed is going to be a battle for the Raptors. Along with these necessary wins, the Raptors will have to beat some Western Conference superpowers while staying sharp against their competition in the East.
Toronto is a funny team though, and they have beaten some good teams while losing to some poor ones. In a season unlike any other given how weird and unique it is, don’t be surprised if this ragtag bunch makes a run.