Photo: Toronto Raptors/X

After facing a challenging schedule filled with tough competition early in the 2024-25 season, the Toronto Raptors now find their remaining slate considerably easier as the season winds down.

This shift comes just as the team aims to improve its chances in the upcoming NBA draft by securing the best possible lottery odds.

However, as Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca points out, the Raptors’ plan to position themselves for a favorable draft pick could be complicated by games against fellow rebuilding teams.

Specifically, Toronto will face Charlotte and Brooklyn twice, as well as one more game against other teams likely to be in the lottery, including Philadelphia, San Antonio, Portland, Chicago, and Dallas.

Currently holding a 25-47 record, the Raptors are in the seventh-worst position in the league.

If they continue to perform in a way that maximizes their draft chances, they could potentially surpass the 23-49 Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers and possibly even the 20-53 New Orleans Pelicans, depending on how the final stretch of the season unfolds.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR