Another successful regular season has wrapped up for the Toronto Raptors. Finishing 3rd in the Eastern Conference with a 51-31 record. They now prepare to take on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, who were one of the hottest teams in the eastern Conference posting a record of 17-10 since the all star break. However, the Raptors have been even better since the break, posting a record of 18-7. That record came with the help from some major acquisitions made by Masai Ujiri and the Raptors head office. Those players were Serge Ibaka and P.J Tucker. With those pieces, the Raptors have filled two massive needs by getting an elite power forward who puts up 16 points and 7 rebounds on a nightly basis and a gritty defensive small forward who can shoot the 3.
This sets up the Raptors for a massive playoff run. They have that 3rd weapon they can go to, other than Lowry and DeRozan, in Ibaka and a guy who can defend almost anyone in the league in Tucker. Demar DeRozan has had the best season of his career, he put up the most games with a 30+ point performance in the franchise’s history with 32. Kyle Lowry is on a contract year so you know he’ll want to perform at the highest level. Not to mention the Cavs look considerably weaker this season. The East is wide open and the Raptors have the opportunity in their hands. The only question is, can they take advantage of it.? If you’re asking me, I believe the Raptors will make the NBA finals. But fall to the western Conference opponent in front of them.
Kanellis