"The Raptors do not want to finish the regular season in the play-in tournament. It would put their playoff hopes at risk and add one or two highly stressful games before a gruelling first-round series."
"If the Raptors can string together some wins against the Heat, Knicks, and Nets and the 76ers lose at least one more game, they might just be able to hold on to that precious six-seed."
"The Knicks would rather face the Raptors than the 76ers in the first round. If the Knicks have the choice between a 76ers team that has Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George and a young Raptors team with little playoff experience, they will take the latter."
"They don't have to win a first-round series against a top team in the league to consider this season a success. Getting their key players some playoff minutes is crucial."
The Raptors are striving to finish the regular season in sixth place to avoid the play-in tournament, which could jeopardize their playoff chances. A recent win over the Philadelphia 76ers has helped them regain sixth place. If they can win against the Heat, Knicks, and Nets, while the 76ers lose, they may secure this position. The Knicks prefer facing the Raptors over the 76ers in the first round. Regardless of their final position, the Raptors will be underdogs in the playoffs, but gaining playoff experience is crucial for their young roster.
Read at Raptors Rapture
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