Toronto Raptors face critical crossroads as losing streak jeopardizes playoff aspirations
The Toronto Raptors are grappling with a troubling stretch, having lost six of their last seven games. Despite this downward trajectory, the team’s standing in the latest NBA power rankings remains unchanged, as noted by NBA.com writer John Schuhmann, who still places them at No. 13.
Struggles in Recent Matchups
In a recent quarterfinal matchup against the New York Knicks, the Raptors were unable to find their footing, even with a standout performance from Brandon Ingram, who shot 6-for-8 from mid-range. Schuhmann highlighted the lack of competitiveness in the game, noting, “The Raptors weren’t very competitive against the Knicks… They’ve now lost six of their last seven games, sliding from second to fifth place in the East.”
As the Raptors prepare to enter a demanding stretch of their schedule, the team has faced significant challenges at home, playing nine of their last 11 games on their home court. The upcoming schedule does not favor them, as they will embark on a road trip that includes five of their next six games away from home.
Back-to-Back Woes and Road Challenges
One key aspect of the Raptors’ struggles has been their performance in the second game of back-to-backs, where they hold a dismal 1-4 record. Their offensive output has been particularly concerning, showcasing a stark decline during these games. “They’ll have another one (vs. Boston, at Brooklyn) this weekend,” Schuhmann remarked, emphasizing the difficulties that lie ahead.
Power Rankings Landscape
In the current power rankings, the Raptors find themselves trailing teams such as the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, and Boston Celtics, among others. For Toronto to reclaim a spot in the top 12, they must focus on getting back to winning ways. The upcoming road games will be critical as the Raptors aim to find their rhythm again, a task that will not be easy.
Trends Indicating Underperformance
Recent trends indicate that the Raptors have not been playing their best basketball. A stark contrast has emerged since Thanksgiving: prior to the holiday, the Raptors boasted a 9-1 record when winning the first quarter. However, since then, they have stumbled to an 0-3 mark, plagued by significant issues in the second quarter. Over their four-game losing streak, they have been outscored by a staggering 52 points in this pivotal period (148-96).
Interestingly, their opponents have managed to score those 148 points despite shooting only 33% from three-point range. Over their first 17 games, the Raptors had a notable advantage in three-pointers made, outpacing their opponents by eight. However, in their last nine games, that trend has reversed dramatically, with the Raptors making 38 fewer three-pointers than their rivals. This deficit translates into an average loss of 12.7 points per game, a challenging gap to bridge, even with Ingram’s reliable mid-range shooting.
Next Steps for the Raptors
As the Raptors gear up for their next game against the Miami Heat, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, the pressure is mounting. With fans eager to see a turnaround, the game will be available for viewing on TSN Sports and streaming via NBA League Pass. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but it may also present the Raptors with the opportunity they need to recalibrate their season and reignite their playoff hopes.
