The Raptors desperately need to create some separation between themselves and the teams chasing them in the standings, especially the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks’ upcoming schedule and some of the top teams in the league could help them with that—if the Raptors can take care of business on their end.
Seven of the Hawks’ last ten games are against the Pistons, Celtics, Knicks, Cavs, and Heat and only two are against teams well outside the playoff picture. Such a tough schedule could lead to some disappointing outcomes for the Hawks, which would, in turn, create opportunities for the Raptors to strengthen their hold on fifth place in the Eastern Conference.
The Hawks’ tough schedule could help the Raptors create some separation
The Hawks climbed into sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings with an impressive string of wins in February and March. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jalen Johnson have been on fire in their last fifteen games and led the Hawks to thirteen wins over that stretch. They only lost to the Heat and the Rockets.
However, some of the wins the Hawks collected over that stretch weren’t overly impressive. Nine of their thirteen wins came against the Nets, Wizards, Bucks, Mavericks, and Grizzlies. Those are teams any playoff-hopeful has to beat. The other three wins were over the Magic, Trail Blazers, and Warriors—three play-in teams.
So, an upcoming schedule that features three games against the Pistons and Celtics to close out March and four consecutive matchups with the Knicks, Cavs, and Heat to finish the season could lead to a rude awakening. The Hawks already won games against the Cavs, Knicks, and Celtics earlier in the season, but they still need to prove that they can do it again with their place in the standings on the line.
If the Hawks suffer a handful of losses and the Raptors take care of business against the Clippers, Pelicans, Magic, Kings, Grizzlies, and Nets, they could create the separation they need to secure that coveted five-seed going into the playoffs.
The Raptors need to get healthy
The Raptors had to face the Jazz without three starters. Brandon Ingram missed the game with a right heel issue, Jakob Poeltl sat out because of his back, and Immanuel Quickley was out with plantar fasciitis.
None of those injuries seems to be serious or anything to worry about long-term, but all three are still listed as questionable against the Clippers.
The Raptors need to be at full strength to close out the season with a string of wins, confidence, and a ticket to the playoffs firmly in hand.