The conclusion of the 2023-24 season is fast approaching, and for the Toronto Raptors and their supporters, it’s eagerly awaited. This season has been marked by challenges, bidding farewell to beloved figures and enduring a taxing 15-game losing streak, which was only recently halted in their latest match.
With just one week left in the regular season, anticipation builds for the Raptors and the NBA community, although Toronto won’t be participating in the playoffs. Instead, attention turns to the NBA Draft Lottery in May, where the Raptors await to see if they can retain their draft pick.
Nonetheless, there are still reasons for fans to rally behind various outcomes in the remaining games. Here’s a breakdown of what Raptors supporters should hope for and against as the season draws to a close.
First and foremost, let’s root for victories! Snapping the losing streak, which was perilously close to tying the franchise’s record of 17 consecutive losses, was a significant feat for the Raptors, especially considering their roster limitations. While the losing streak did contribute to their positioning for the draft pick, the odds of retaining it are still uncertain.
While it might appear logical for the Raptors to continue losing to secure or potentially enhance their draft pick, their current position is relatively fixed. Winning a few games won’t significantly alter their sixth-place standing in the lottery odds, except possibly pushing them ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies.
Currently, the Grizzlies sit three wins ahead of the Raptors with a record of 27-50, while the Portland Trail Blazers trail behind by three wins at 21-56. It’s improbable that losing every remaining game would catch up to the Blazers, and winning a couple, or possibly even three, won’t be adequate to surpass the Grizzlies. Therefore, it’s time for Toronto to aim for victory!
