The Toronto Raptors made up ground on the Memphis Grizzlies for the 6th worst record in the NBA.
Just when it looked like the Raptors were making a push for the Play-In tournament, they were both injured. Scottie Barnes And Jakob Poeltl. Both players have had surgery and are out indefinitely.
After its first three-game winning streak of the season, Toronto has since lost 4 of 5.
During this stretch, the Grizzlies started winning a few games and are coming off back-to-back wins.
As it stands, Toronto is just one game ahead of Memphis for the 6th worst record in the league.
If the Raptors finish the season with the 6th worst record, that will give them a 45% chance of keeping their 2024 first-round pick. The pick is owed to the San Antonio Spurs, but it is protected in the top 6.
Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic has already made it clear he wants his players to play hard and a few weeks ago he said they were focused on the play-in.
However, given this team’s injuries, it will be extremely difficult for the Raptors to win games from here on out.
If the Raptors keep losing and the Grizzlies keep winning, then Toronto could give themselves a solid chance of retaining their pick for this year’s draft.
The Raptors will eventually have to pay the Spurs. If he doesn’t pass on this year, the Spurs will hold the Raptors’ 2025 first-round pick (top-6 protected).
Given how this Toronto team’s season fell apart due to injuries, it might make more sense for them to tank until the end.
Next up for the Raptors
The Raptors will visit the Portland Trail Blazers on March 9.
Portland currently has a 5-game lead over Toronto, which is the 5th worst record in the league.
