Raptors schedule lookahead: Ranking this week’s games by level of importance

The Toronto Raptors are swiftly realizing that not even Jakob Poeltl is good enough to save them from the issue they have created with their poor roster construction. A once-promising team has now been relegated to joke status after falling to the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference after 68 games.

Losing to the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers on the road is not necessarily something to panic over, especially when you consider that officiating robbed them of what could have been two extra victories. Losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in the manner that they did, however, is simply unacceptable.

The Raptors have an absolutely pivotal week of games coming up on the schedule, as they could fall completely out of the postseason picture if they end up underperforming and showing the rest of the league that they are not to be taken seriously.

Raptors schedule: Ranking most important March 13-19 games.

4. Vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, March 18

The Wolves could prove to be a very difficult matchup with or without the presence of Karl-Anthony Towns, as Rudy Gobert might be skilled enough to beat up on a Raptors team that is lacking size despite the addition of Poeltl in the starting lineup. Shooting will be key in this one.

3. Vs. Denver Nuggets, March 14

While Scott Foster may have ripped the chance at securing a victory away from the Raptors, they need to snap back to reality quickly as they try to take down Jokic once again. Denver has not been as lethal as they were during the early parts of the season.

2. Vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, March 16

Losing to Jokic and a Denver team that is widely expected to compete for a championship would have absolutely no shame attached to it. Even with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey on the roster, this is simply a game that Toronto has to win.

1. Vs. Milwaukee Bucks, March 19

The Bucks will be taking on Toronto in what will be the second night of a back-to-back for the Raptors. A tried Raptors team taking on Giannis Antetokounmpo could officially put a potentially fatal dent into their postseason hopes if they do not perform well in the above games.