3 second-half goals the Toronto Raptors should accomplish

1. Earn the No. 6 seed in the East.

The Raptors made it to the No. 6 seed in the conference before their winning streak ended. In tandem with the Wizards and Hornets falling off and the Nets struggling with a host of injuries, Toronto has firmly established themselves as a team worthy of a postseason nod.

Earning the No. 6 spot would take them out of a play-in tournament where randomness and entropy could send the Raptors home. The rival Celtics have used their hot streak and newfound defensive identity to leapfrog Toronto right before the break, and the Raptors need to pick up the pace to unseat them.

Can the Toronto Raptors overtake the Celtics?

The Raptors have one more game against the Celtics scheduled for March 28, which could be a prime opportunity to jump over them in the standings. The Raptors have had success against potential play-in opponents like Charlotte and Atlanta, but they shouldn’t take their foot off of the gas pedal.

Toronto even getting to the playoffs would be a successful season given how so many of the preseason haters thought they were destined for another year in the lottery. However, if they make it to the No. 6 seed, the rest of the NBA will be put on notice and realize just how good this team is.