5. Toronto Raptors (46-18)
Even though the Toronto Raptors were consistently the second-best team in the Eastern Conference, behind the Bucks, for much of the 2019-20 regular season, I still have my reservations what this team will look like in a seven-game playoff series against a loaded Bucks team, or even a dangerously talented 76ers or Celtics squad.
The Raptors are good. Until we see Pascal Siakam carry and lead a team in the playoffs, it’s only natural to have concerns. That’s often how the NBA works. The masses don’t believe in a star player until he proves it when it matters most.
The evolution that Siakam has made over the past couple of seasons has been remarkable. For a player to practically come out of nowhere and then emerge as a budding superstar is generally unprecedented. He’ll have a chance to cement his status in the playoffs.