Toronto Raptors Soar Up NBA Power Rankings
The Toronto Raptors have entered the NBA season with a renewed sense of hope following a promising preseason. With a record of 4-2 in their exhibition games, the team demonstrated competitiveness, losing none of their games by more than four points.
Raptors’ Position in Power Rankings
This impressive performance led CBS Sports’ Colin Ward-Henninger to elevate the Raptors five spots in his final power rankings, placing them at No. 21. This movement represents the most significant upward shift among all teams in the rankings.
Starting Players and Team Assessment
Ward-Henninger highlighted the talents of the Raptors’ starting lineup, which includes:
- Immanuel Quickley
- RJ Barrett
- Brandon Ingram
- Scottie Barnes
- Jakob Poeltl
He noted the potential excitement for fantasy team owners but raised concerns regarding how these players will fit together on the court. Despite uncertainties on offense and defense, the Raptors boast a talented roster, deserving commendation for their efforts this season.
Comparison with Other Teams
The Raptors rank just above several other teams in the league, including:
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Portland Trail Blazers
- Chicago Bulls
- Sacramento Kings
- Phoenix Suns
- Charlotte Hornets
- Washington Wizards
- Utah Jazz
- Brooklyn Nets
This positions Toronto in the lower tier of the Eastern Conference, making them the 11th-best team in the East and just outside the playoff picture.
Looking Ahead
To further enhance their standing, the Raptors will need to capitalize on their recent performances and maintain overall health within their roster. Head coach Darko Rajakovic aims to keep the team competitive, which could yield victories against opponents who are not fully engaged.
The Raptors’ journey begins tomorrow with a matchup against the Atlanta Hawks in Peachtree State. The game is set to start at 7:30 p.m. ET, and fans will be eager to see how the team’s offseason adjustments translate into regular-season success.
