As the Toronto Raptors approach their 30th season, expectations remain modest, according to Ryan Wolstat of The Toronto Sun.
Wolstat notes that the Raptors’ lack of star power will likely limit them to a play-in tournament spot at best, with the team expected to struggle to compete with the top contenders in the Eastern Conference.
He adds that only Washington and Brooklyn appear to be significantly weaker opponents in the East, which further reduces Toronto’s chances of making a deep playoff run.
Wolstat also highlights the team’s challenging early schedule, as 22 of their first 25 games will be against teams that made the playoffs last season.
This tough stretch could make it difficult for the Raptors to build momentum early on, putting even more pressure on their relatively young and unproven roster to overachieve.
With a roster lacking a true superstar and facing stiff competition, the Raptors may find themselves battling just to secure a spot in the postseason play-in tournament.
Atlantic Notes: Barrett, Raptors, Yabusele, Springer https://t.co/dmuCXWEnlM pic.twitter.com/klNVkZ8iKp
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) September 8, 2024
