The Toronto Raptors have major expectations for this season.
After trading for Brandon Ingram at last season’s trade deadline, the team will be expected to compete for a play-in/playoff spot with their expensive payroll.
However, there are many doubts about how this Raptors team will gel. Scottie Barnes with Ingram and RJ Barrett is a questionable fit and there are injury concerns as well.
ESPN’s NBA insiders don’t think the Raptors will fare well this season. They recently put out their Eastern Conference standings predictions and they have the Raptors finishing in the lottery with a 33-49 record.
They are in the bottom five with the Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets, Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards:
“First, it’s the team that has the potential to rise into the play-in group: the Raptors. Toronto didn’t trade Brandon Ingram last spring and instead gave him a nine-figure extension. Teams sitting in the luxury tax don’t expect to be projected to be at the bottom of the standings. If Toronto is eliminated from postseason contention, it’ll be a major disappointment.”
If the Raptors wind up missing the play-in it would likely lead to a series of major changes. The team has gone all-in on this roster and now it’s time they produce results.
Come October, the Raptors will have many critics to try and silence.
ESPN makes major change to its NBA broadcasts
ESPN has shaken up its lead NBA broadcasting booth ahead of the 2025-26 season.
They announced in a press release that veteran analyst Tim Legler will join ESPN’s lead NBA broadcast team, replacing analyst Doris Burke. Legler will be joined by Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Breen, analyst and NBA Champion Richard Jefferson and reporter Lisa Salters.
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