3 X-factors that will determine if Raptors can make a playoff push

2. Bench scoring.

Two seasons ago, “Next Man Up” resonated around the Toronto Raptors. Through a long list of injuries to key players, every player who was called upon to fill a bigger role produced. The Raptors would even win 15 straight games a franchise record.

So far this season, the phrase, attitude, and mantra do not apply to this team. On the season, the Raptors’ bench is dead last in the NBA in points per game. There is no Norman Powell to provide instant offense off of the bench for the Raptors anymore, and with Gary Trent Jr. in the starting lineup, the lack of offensive skill is criminal.

Birch is averaging 6.9 points per game, followed by Svi Mykhailuk at 6.8 points in 18.2 minutes. It is no wonder a rookie in Champagnie got fourth-quarter opportunities Wednesday night against the Thunder and had an opportunity to win the game. Who is the real standout in this group?

The Toronto Raptors’ bench is not playing well.

In Wednesday night’s one-point loss, the Raptors’ had just 14 bench points while Mykhailuk and Banton were held scoreless in 18 minutes combined.

In stark contrast, when Toronto defeated Washington Sunday night 102-90, the bench scored 34 points, 14 coming from Boucher.

The coaching staff is searching for any combination that will click off of the bench offensively and consistently so. With the injuries mounting, the top bench performers are finding themselves in the starting lineup which weakens the bench. Once the lineup is healthy the bench needs to be more productive.