The recent defeat against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night served as a significant example of the organization's current trajectory and future direction.Toronto Raptors Supporters of the Raptors who have been rooting for the team must now reconsider their expectations for the season's developments.Ontario sports betting proposition will have noticed.
At the opening of this season, the Raptors' main lineup included the exceptional small forward and defensive expert OG Anunoby, All-Star power forward Pascal Siakam, and rising talent Scottie Barnes at small forward.
The pivotal question at hand was whether the Raptors would maintain their existing core, make minor adjustments, aim for a spot in the NBA play-in tournament, and gauge what they could accomplish in the playoffs. With Anunoby and Siakam approaching the end of their contracts this season, the financial implications were substantial.
A revealing article from the Toronto Star a few weeks ago provided insights into the Raptors' thought process. After investing in the promising No. 1 draft pick, Barnes - seeScottie Barnes All-Star Game odds atdeereplanet.com before the All-Star reserves are announced on Thursday - management expressed concerns about the possibility of a sophomore slump. Last season, we observed a decline in Barnes' performance following his accolade as the NBA’s Rookie of the Year the previous year. They needed to determine Barnes' true potential, which is why they retained Anunoby and Siakam for further evaluation.
This current season, Barnes has decisively dispelled any skepticism. He's averaging an impressive 35.2 minutes, 8.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.30 steals, 1.54 blocks, and 20.3 points per game.
Major Trades Lead to Significant Changes for the Toronto Raptors
As the Raptors found themselves out of a feasible playoff race by Christmas, the organization decided to make its first major move towards a new chapter, trading Anunoby along with center Precious Achiuwa and point guard Malachi Flynn to the New York Knicks. In return, the Knicks sent shooting guard RJ Barrett, guard Immanuel Quickley, and a first-round draft choice to Toronto.Ontario sportsbook apps Subsequently, a short while ago, the Raptors executed another major trade, sending Siakam to the Indiana Pacers in a three-team arrangement that enabled Toronto to acquire forward Bruce Brown, forward Jordan Nwora, guard Kira Lewis Jr., and a total of three first-round selections – with two in 2024 and one in 2026.
Although this scenario may seem unrealistic, the remainder of the season will focus on different aspects. The team aims to provide valuable experience to rookie guard Gradey Dick and establish an offensive rhythm centered around Barnes, Barrett, and Quickley while assessing the potential of players like Nwora.
NowToronto Raptors playoff odds In a competitive matchup on Sunday against the Hawks, which ended in a narrow 126-125 defeat, Dick arguably had his standout performance of the season, scoring 15 points and achieving a 3-for-5 record in three-point attempts. Nwora was also impressive, leading the bench with 24 points, tying with Barnes for the team lead while playing 31 minutes.
Despite the Hawks being positioned for a playoff spot at 10th in the Eastern Conference, their performance wasn’t exactly stellar (see our
for tips). Nonetheless, it was an exhilarating game, remaining tightly contested until the final moments. The Raptors played without Barrett, Quickley, and center Jakob Poeltl due to injuries, yet they still fought valiantly. Such competitive games contribute significantly to establishing a solid foundation for the team's future.NBA Ontario betting guide As Raptors president Masai Ujiri expressed during a recent press briefing, the team will inevitably encounter some difficulties in the short-term as they navigate through this rebuilding phase.
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Raptors Future Draft Outlook
Should they pursue that coveted top-six pick? The pressing issue leading up to the trade deadline on February 8 is Brown, whose name has been frequently mentioned as a target for various playoff contenders. This presents yet another opportunity for the Raptors to enhance their draft stock. The Raptors (16-30) are set to face off against the Chicago Bulls (22-25) tonight at 8 PM Eastern Time, with the game broadcast in Canada on Sportsnet, as they continue a challenging six-game road trip. The Bulls are currently favored by 6 points according to NorthStar Bets.NorthStar Bets Ontario Sportsbook Poeltl (ankle) is nearing a return, which is crucial as Toronto missed his contributions in the paint against the Hawks. Quickley is currently nursing a thigh contusion and Barrett's knee injury prevented him from taking part in Sunday’s match.
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