NBA: Predicting which teams will make the Play-In Tournament in the East

8th seed – Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors are too talented to not be included in the play-in tournament and I believe that they have begun to play some really good basketball that will allow them to enter the postseason tournament at the 8th seed.

Whether they can protect that in the play-in games is an entirely different story. The Raptors got stronger at the trade deadline and have the 7th easiest schedule remaining in the league. Toronto will get jumped by Brooklyn in the standings but should be able to hold on to the 8th seed.

If there is one concern with this team is surrounding the idea that they peaked too early as a core. They were playing some great basketball leading up to the NBA All-Star break. They have to hope the time off won’t mess with their groove.