The Raptors will begin their playoff pursuit with the New Orleans Pelicans in town tonight (Feb. 23).
Currently, Toronto sits tenth in the Eastern Conference, with a record of 28 wins and 31 losses (.475). The Raptors have the fifth-toughest schedule until the end of the season but do play four games against the bottom four teams. What’s more worrying is that 12 of the 23 remaining fixtures are versus teams at or above a positive record. That starts with the Pels.
Here are my game-by-game predictions!
Game 60 — Vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Win (29–31)
The Raptors will return after the break and defeat the Pelicans at home, as fresh bodies like O.G. Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. returns.
Game 61 — At Detroit Pistons: Win (30–31)
Toronto will start their eight-game road trip by defeating the Pistons in Detroit…
Game 62 — At Cleveland Cavaliers: Lose (30–32)
Despite an opportunity at sweeping the season series against the Cavs, the Raptors will lose on a back-to-back after defeating the Pistons the night before.
Game 63 — At Chicago Bulls: Lose (30–33)
The Bulls will just edge the Raptors after a closely-contested game.
Game 64 — At Washington Wizards: Win (31–33)
The Raptors will start out their mini-series with the Wizards and will defeat them in game one.
Game 65 — At Washington Wizards: Lose (31–34)
However, there will be a different story in the second game as the Wiz take it.
Game 66 — At Denver Nuggets: Win (32–34)
I’ve gone for the Raptors winning a surprise one, away at the Denver Nuggets.
Game 67 — At Los Angeles Clippers: Lose (32–35)
Kawhi Leonard will play extremely well in this one, as the Raptors are edged out and lose, making the gap to neutral three games (again).
Game 68 — At Los Angeles Lakers: Win (33–35)
The Raps end the trip with a gritty win against the Lakers.
Game 69 — Vs. Denver Nuggets: Lose (33–36)
The Nuggets will get their revenge in Toronto with a victory.
Game 70 — Vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Win (34–36)
Shai could mess this prediction up, but I’m confident the Raptors can take this one at home.
Game 71 — Vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Win (35–36)
Gone with the Raptors to defeat old coach Chris Finch and edge closer to .500…
Game 72 — At Milwaukee Bucks: Lose (35–37)
Then they will lose to the Bucks on a back-to-back.
Game 73 — Vs. Indiana Pacers: Win (36–37)
Maybe the Pacers will be tanking by this point?
Game 74 — Vs. Detroit Pistons: Win (37–37)
Sweeping Dwane Casey is a risky pick, but one I’m confident with.
Game 75 — Vs. Washington Wizards: Win (38–37)
Taking care of the Wizards at home is a must-win if Toronto wants a shot at the playoffs. This puts them above .500.
Game 76 — Vs. Miami Heat: Win (39–37)
Raptors-Heat is always a grit and grind, I have Toronto sneaking this one.
Game 77 — At Philadelphia 76ers: Lose (39–38)
It’s starting to look like the Sixers will be a dark horse in the East, and Toronto will be beaten in Philly.
Game 78 — At Charlotte Hornets: Win (40–38)
Win number one against the tanking Hornets.
Game 79 — At Charlotte Hornets: Win (41–38)
Win number two against the tanking Hornets.
Game 80 — At Boston Celtics: Lose (41–39)
A back-to-back… you know how those go.
Game 81 — At Boston Celtics: Win (41–40)
The Raps do get their revenge in Boston with a pivotal victory.
Game 82 — At Milwaukee Bucks: Win (42–40)
I’m hoping the Bucks rest their players for this game, should be a win if they do.
Overall: The Raptors finish 42–40, with a 15–8 record since the restart
Last season, that record is the eight-seed and the play-in spot. However, it looks like it could place the Raptors higher up the standings this season. Still probably not good enough, though.
What do you think? Hit me up on Twitter. Thanks for reading!
