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5 reasons the Toronto Raptors are must-watch TV this season

By Jason Mills

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 24: Fred VanVleet #23 and Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 24: Fred VanVleet #23 and Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
TORONTO, ON – JUNE 10: Fans gather at Jurassic Park to watch the Golden State Warriors play against the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

With the 2021-22 NBA Season right around the corner, the Toronto Raptors and their fanbase must be bursting with anticipation. Toronto did not make the playoffs in 2020-21, and they are not NBA title contenders this year, but that doesn’t mean that this season will be as cursed as last year’s Tampa exile.

However, with a vaccine breakthrough and lockdown restrictions lifting, North American society to some semblance of normal, and Raptors’ fans will soon get to release some of their pent-up energy by cheering on that.

The NBA season pits the Washington Wizards vs. the Toronto Raptors to open the season north of the USA border on October 20, a date Raptors’ fans await with barely containable excitement.

With that, less than a month away, here are five reasons that the Raptors are must-watch TV in the upcoming season.

5 reasons you must watch the Toronto Raptors this season.

5. The return to Scotiabank Arena.

The last time the Raptors played a home game in Toronto was February 28, 2020. It resulted in a loss to the Hornets, 99-96. The Raptors would then head out on a five-game road trip during which the NBA suspended play indefinitely due to COVID-19 concerns.

When the 2019-20 season finally resumed, it was in a bubble at Disney World, and due to a closed border, the Raptors had to compete in the 2020-21 season in Tampa.

It wasn’t ideal or convenient, as the only Canadian franchise in the NBA had to compete on the road every single game. Luckily, the Raptors will be able to return to one of the best home-court advantages this sport has to offer.

It’s been more than a year and a half since the Raptors played in Toronto

It has been 91 games (including 2020 playoffs) or just under 600 days, since the on-court personnel for the Raptors has enjoyed their usual routine in Toronto. Things may finally be back to normal as the Raptors have received the welcome news that they have the green light to play at the Scotiabank Arena for the coming season.

This news could help a rebuilding team win more than 27 games this year and more than 16 at home, as they will have the benefit of a genuinely energetic and positive home experience.