The Toronto Raptors might have their sights set on the Play-In Tournament after all.
After posting back-to-back wins out of the All-Star break, Toronto now finds themselves 3.5 games back of the Atlanta Hawks for the final play-in spot in the East.
The Raptors win over the Hawks on Feb. 23 gave their play-in chances life. However, it also hurt their chances of keeping their 2024 first-round pick which is owed to the San Antonio Spurs (Top-6 protected).
The Raptors currently have the seventh-worst record in the NBA. If the season ended today, they would have a 32 percent chance to land a top-four pick.
If the Raptors leapfrog the Memphis Grizzlies in the reverse standings, that would give the Raptors the sixth-worst record and a 45.8 percent chance to keep its pick.
There are 25 games left for Toronto to decide its ultimate fate. Of course, the Raptors are no where close to being playoff contenders this season. However, coach Darko Rajakovic recently talked about the importance of trying to reach the play-in with this group via Sports Illustrated’s Aaron Rose:
“It’s very important. We want to go into every single game competing and trying to catch up for a play-in and try to make the playoffs, and to grow at the same time.”
The Raptors have played well for three straight games and are 2-0 post All-Star break. They were able to defeat teams in the Brooklyn Nets and Hawks who are ahead of them in the standings.
The real test will be on Feb. 26 when Toronto takes on the Pacers in Indiana, a team that is trying to get into the top 6 of the East. If the Raptors go into Indiana and win the game, perhaps this team can go on a run.
Javon Freeman-Liberty standout performances
Javon Freeman-Liberty has been lighting it up with the Raptors 905. He has put up back-to-back 30+ performances as the 905 have won 3 games in a row in OT:
GUESS WHO❓@JavonFreemanLib. pic.twitter.com/r3K660e4ag
— Raptors 905 (@Raptors905) February 25, 2024
Freeman-Liberty is on a two-way contract with the Raptors. It will be interesting to see if the team decides to give him a true chance to flourish on the main roster.
Given his recent play and the Raptors being thin with their backcourt depth, it certainly would not hurt.
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