The Toronto Raptors are 4 games back of the final Play-In spot in the East.
Currently, the Chicago Bulls are in the 10th spot as Toronto recently lost to them. Which means that the Raptors need Chicago to do a fair amount of losing.
With the Bulls having the tie breaker, it makes the climb to the Play-In a bit more daunting. However, Toronto currently has the easiest remaining schedule, according to Tankathon.
Meanwhile, the Bulls have the 20th hardest schedule left. But, they have games against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers twice.
ESPN writer Tim Bontemps believes the Raptors are going to have to tank even harder given their schedule. If not, they could find themselves in the Play-In Tournament, via The Hoop Collective:
“Toronto is going to have to actively try and lose those games hard…they could end up in the play-in. They could end up in 10th.”
After losing their pick at the NBA Draft Lottery last season, there is an anticipation for Toronto to get into the lottery this year. But the players have made it clear that they want to win games and having the easiest schedule goes in their favor.
Ultimately, the Raptors front office may have to step in, should they want a higher chance at participating in the draft lottery. There are arguments for both sides, but it will be intriguing to see how the team approaches it.
The toughest opponents remaining for Toronto are the Golden State Warriors and Detroit Pistons, who they play each once. On the other hand, they have to play the Washington Wizards three times, Philadelphia 76ers twice, Brooklyn Nets twice, Charlotte Hornets twice and Utah Jazz once.
As a result, the Raptors could wind up in the Play-In Tournament.
Raptors share latest injury update on Brandon Ingram
A player that has yet to suit up for the Toronto Raptors is Brandon Ingram, who they traded for and extended at the trade deadline.
After suffering a severe ankle sprain back on Dec. 7, Toronto shared the latest update regarding Ingram’s recovery.
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