A play-in spot might be a little out of reach for the Toronto Raptors next year.
Following Toronto’s 25-57 record last season, ESPN’s NBA Analysts The Raptors are expected to have a 26-56 season next year, which would put Toronto just outside the Eastern Conference play-in pool. The Raptors are projected to be the 11th seed in the conference next year, four games behind the Chicago Bulls, who are considered the last team to make the Eastern Conference play-in tournament.
That would likely be a disappointing result for Toronto, which neither looks bad enough to be among the worst teams in the conference nor good enough to actually contend for a playoff spot. The Raptors would ideally like to climb the standings and qualify for the play-in or playoffs next year, but a top-of-the-lottery spot wouldn’t be a bad consolation prize if the season goes off the rails.
The Eastern Conference standings are expected to resemble last season’s standings with the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers and Miami Heat all making the playoffs next year. After that group, the Atlanta Hawks are expected to finish the year with a 31-51 record as the conference’s No. 9 seed. The Bulls round out the play-in bracket with a projected 30-52 record.
On the other side of the spectrum, ESPN has the Wizards finishing the year with a conference-worst 17-65 record. The Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets and Brooklyn Nets follow in reverse order, respectively.
Another leap forward in Scottie Barnes’ development and improved health for Toronto could allow the Raptors to exceed expectations next year. Conversely, if Toronto gets off to a rough start and faces injury issues next year, it wouldn’t be too surprising if the organization opts to sell at the trade deadline and try to get in on the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
