3. Toronto Raptors (42-16)
The Toronto Raptors arguably made the biggest splash of all the Eastern Conference at the NBA Trade Deadline, by acquiring Marc Gasol from the Grizzlies by sending Jonas Valanciunas (and other pieces) on deadline day.
Whether it will pay off remains to be seen, however there’s no question that this team has one of the most talented rosters in the East. Toronto is second in the East, and will be expected to make the Eastern Conference Finals, at least.
The problem with that is that this team has struggled with expectations in the past. The names on the back of the jerseys may be different, but there’s no question that their recent playoff shortcomings will be on the backs of the front office’s minds. Especially after all the all-in moves they’ve made recently, the Raptors need to succeed.