The Raptors locked up the top seed in the East with plenty of time to spare, leaving them with little to play for except for confidence entering the playoffs. While tonight’s game has no impact on the Raptors’ seeding, it could have impact on who their opponent is as Miami jostles for position with Milwaukee and Washington.
A potential 60 win top seed should have little to fear in the first round, but Raptors’ history has taught their most avid fans to always be wary. Stay on your toes and expect the worst in some cases. I’m trying to stay positive, and for the fourth straight season I’ll call the Raptors to have an easy run through the first round, but my confidence is easily rattled.
Without knowing an opponent it’s not yet possible to write a series preview, but there are still things that we can begin to anticipate. Here are my top 3:
- A Stupid/Ugly T-shirt Giveaway
It’s a spring tradition unlike any other. Despite all their success on and off the court, the Raptors as an organization have somehow failed at what should be one of the simplest tasks: designing a t-shirt for giveaways that is at least reasonably attractive.
I mean, whose stupid idea was this white one?
Looks like ACC is going white and red tonight, t-shirts laid out in shape of maple leaf pic.twitter.com/2jntuPs4j2
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 26, 2016
What is that supposed to be? An angry snowball? A warped volleyball possessed by the spirit of Ghost Rider? No one knows, except the fact that it was unnecessary and a poor decision.
And they alternated the white volleyball sperm with an angry Canadian beaver, as if the two go together somehow?
What unrelated shirt will we get to see this year? Feel the excitement!
- A Game One Victory
The Raptors are 1-12 in game one in their playoff history, having lost their last 10 series’ opening games. That’s miserable.
Their only game one victory came on May 6, 2001 in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers. That’s 17 years ago…
Hanging By a Moment by Lifehouse was the top song in the world that month.
The first Harry Potter movie wouldn’t be released for another 6 months.
OG Anunoby was just 3 years old…
There have been a lot of dark moments in this team’s history, but losing 10 straight opening games in the playoffs might top the list. Without knowing who they are playing, I’m calling the end of the streak.
It’s happening this year. I believe.
- Bench Fun
The Raptors are going to try to do something different from every other team, and something we may have never seen in the playoffs, win with depth.
Toronto’s bench has been one of the stories of the season. Not only have the Raptors willingly and freely played entire bench units for long stretches, these groups have skillfully and thoroughly demolished the majority of opponents in their path.
Prior to last night’s games there have been 46 five man units that have played at least 200 minutes together. The Raptors’ bench unit of Delon Wright, Fred VanVleet, CJ Miles, Pascal Siakam, and Jakob Poeltl have the 5th best net rating at +18.7. They have been one of the league’s most destructive units all year.
While most teams promptly shorten their rotation the moment the playoffs begin, the Raptors’ have been open that their depth has earned the chance to show what it can do. This bench unit will play together, and that’s a fun experiment to witness.
This group compliments one another, moves in sync together, and has shown no fear when matched up against some of the games’ best. Their leash will likely be shortened if they struggle under the brighter lights, but they have more the opportunity.
I could not be more excited to see what this young mob and the bench dad can do.
