The Raptors Are Back In The Playoffs

Posted on by

The last time the Toronto Raptors made the NBA playoffs, it was the pandemic during the 2021 to 2022 season, and everyone was stuck inside and wearing masks any time they went outside.

Before that, the last success the Toronto Raptors had any success in the playoffs, it was the 2018 to 2019 season, and COVID-19 was not even a figment of any of our imagination.

But now the year is 2026, and the Raptors are coming off of a season anchored by stars Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, clawing and fighting their way into the playoffs.

Surrounded by a young roster with a lack of playoff experience, they are up against the wall with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The aforementioned team from Cleveland is not a team to slouch at. The team that turned Toronto to Lebronto during Lebron James’ second stint with the team is back, but now with star players like Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and James Harden.

On top of a stacked opponent, the Raptors are also facing health concerns as well. The most notable players to be concerned about would be Jakob Poeltl, and Immanuel Quickley.

Poeltl, the center for the team, has been dealing with back issues is a concern in the middle of the court, but also Immanuel Quickly, who has been out with a hamstring injury, and last played for the team on April 12th against the Brooklyn Nets.

Is there any hope for the team heading into the playoffs? Possibly. If the team is able to play quickly and receive consistent production from their start players, then maybe, but it’s a high task to ask for a team that is so young and green behind the ears in the high stakes that is the playoffs.

What should fans expect for this team and this playoff run? They should want the team to get playoff experience. This shouldn’t be viewed as a run for the championship but instead as a learning experience, and something to grow on.

Building on this run is something that should be the goal for this team, and go into next season with a goal of more consistent play, and getting back to the playoffs in a higher seed, instead of just scraping by and sneaking in.

Let the team get the experience of playing on the biggest stage for the NBA, underneath the brightest lights so far for many of these young players careers. Go into next year with more confidence and consistent play, and they’ll be back in a stronger position than last year.