By any measure, the Raptors enjoyed the most successful regular season in franchise history. It won’t mean much unless Toronto finally performs in the playoffs. The Raptors topped 50 wins for the first time with a team record 56 and claimed their third straight Atlantic Division crown. But the bigger goal now is to win the franchise’s first seven-game playoff series.
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LOOK AHEAD
The Toronto Raptors are a soft No. 2 seed. In a season when most of the primary competition was undergoing some type of change, the Raptors kept chugging along with their core intact and, thanks largely to that continuity, were better prepared to win regular season games. And they did. A franchise record 56 of them to be exact.
But when the discussion of elite teams, championship contenders arises, the Raptors aren’t mentioned. Golden State, San Antonio, Cleveland and even the Thunder and Clippers are tossed around as possibilities. The Raptors? The No. 2 seed in the deepest, most competitive Eastern Conference in decades? No thanks. They have some nice players and a terrific coach, but the lack two very important factors: an intimidating presence and a history of postseason success.
INJURIES
C.J. Miles sat out Indiana’s last two regular season games with a shoulder injury, but is expected to play once the series gets underway. Also, Paul George continues to be bothered by a bone bruise in his left ankle but continues to play. He logged 29 minutes in Tuesday’s win over the Knicks before sitting out the regular season finale on Wednesday for additional rest.
Both teams had the chance to rest starters and key reserves in the finale with playoff seeding already determined. Neither team is dealing with significant injuries heading into the series.
KEY MATCHUP
Norman Powell has become a true feel-good story around the Raptors this season, the kid who came out of nowhere to contribute significantly to a very good team, bailing them out a bit when DeMarre Carroll missed more than half a season with knee surgery and a foot injury. The question now is: can the rookie handle the pressure of NBA playoff basketball? Powell had a nice finishing stretch to the regular season, earning Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for April when he averaged 15.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 31.6 minutes starting all eight games he played. He shot 54.8 percent from the field and led the team in scoring four times. “He understands what he is and what we need,” coach Dwane Casey said.
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
The day after Toronto’s basketball season ended last spring with a first round sweep at the hands of the Washington Wizards, DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry started discussing what they needed to do to avoid another early exit. Last year, Lowry missed nine of 10 games down the stretch with a sore back, and Toronto struggled after the All-Star break. This year, the Raptors aren’t just healthy, they’ve also avoided any hiccups; Toronto hasn’t lost more than two straight since mid-November.
NBA Odds: Toronto 99, Indiana 93
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