3 burning questions Raptors must answer as losing streak gets longer

3. Can this team escape the play-in?

Toronto currently sits at 10th in the Eastern Conference, meaning they’d barely make the play-in tournament and take on Kyle Lowry and the Heat in a road matchup. The Raptors came into the season with the expectation that a playoff spot would be well within reach, meaning that this result is extra disappointing.

The Raptors also have the 10th-best odds in the league at getting the legendary Victor Wembanyama in the 2023 NBA Draft, presenting them with a real crossroad. Masai Ujiri hates being stuck in the middle, potentially Toronto a chance to either go for broke at the trade deadline or waive the white flag and try again next year.

Will the Toronto Raptors make the playoffs?

The loss to the Nets marks the first of 13 consecutive games against teams that have a winning record, meaning that this stretch could easily make or break their entire season. The team will likely change how they operate at the trade deadline based on their results in this stretch.

The Raptors have pieces that can be sold off for a somewhat immediate upgrade, but they could also decide to throw their hands up on this unlucky season, collect a high lottery pick, and try again next year with Siakam and others extended. Nurse and Ujiri need to be in lockstep.