7. Toronto Raptors (4-3)
The Toronto Raptors had just enough. Even though it took seven games and all of the 48 minutes in Game 7, the Raptors did enough to advance to the second round for the first time since 2002. Credit them.
Their reward? The Miami Heat, who are fresh off beating the Charlotte Hornets in seven games.
The question going forward for the Raptors, though, will be whether or not DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry can break out of their shooting slumps. If they can, they SHOULD be able to handle the Heat. However, if the same Raptors that showed up against the Pacers show up against the Heat, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Miami take care of Toronto in six games or less.
First things first, good for the Raptors. They finally broke through. On to the second round.
Next: Atlanta Hawks