The new look Raptors are 2-0 with their leader Kyle Lowry back in the mix and are closing in on solidifying the third seed in the Eastern Conference.
Though the division may be all but out of reach (Boston needs to lose out and the Raps vice versa) Raptors fans can find solace in three seed. Assuming the Cavaliers finish on top, Toronto avoids LeBron and most likely welcomes the Celtics themselves in round two.
Enough about that, though — let’s just get there first. Today marks the second last game of the season with the Raps travelling to Madison Square Garden in New York for a Sunday matinee on Broadway.
It’s been quite the season from the "super team" Knicks (remember that?) as Carmelo Anthony showed once again he doesn’t give a crap, Derrick Rose helped the team win less games than they did without him, Kristaps Porzingis was frozen in time watching the two aforementioned solo artists dribble around him, Joakim Noah managed to play 46 games on one leg, and coach Jeff Hornacek aged about fifteen years over eighty-two games. Another great Knicks season for the ages.
The Raptors look to sweep the season series against the Knicks and have won three straight under the dim lights of MSG and six straight against New York overall. The last time the two teams hooked up at the end of February, DeRozan stole the show with a single flick of the wrist.
The Raptors are an NBA best 13-2 against teams in their division and look to grab that low-hanging fruit for a fourteenth. After their date with the Knicks, the Raps return home to take on the Cavaliers in what will be their final game of the season. Fifty wins is within reach in back-to-back seasons for the first time in franchise history.
Be sure to check out Kevin Nimmock's game preview for further insight. Now, enjoy your Sunday afternoon of hoops!