NBA Playoff Odds: Will the Raptors Make the Postseason?

Toronto Raptors NBA Playoff Odds

The Toronto Raptors have been one of the most successful franchises over the past seven seasons. But this season's team has struggled from the start.

The Raptors started the season 2-8 and when they finally put together some wins to get back into the playoff race, they were hit with injuries and absences due to COVID.

Although the Raptors are just one game out of the play-in window, they seem more interested in tanking for a higher draft pick than playing their way into the postseason. Kyle Lowry has missed 11 out of their past 16 games, Fred VanVleet has missed eight of their past 12.

If the Raptors were interested in competing for a playoff spot, they’d be the team to bet here given their championship pedigree.

I'm saying this with the understanding that the Raptors have the fourth-toughest toughest remaining strength of schedule with an upcoming game against the Brooklyn Nets as well as a West coast road trip that features consecutive games against the Denver Nuggets, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers.

With Nick Nurse at the helm, veterans like Lowry, VanVleet and Siakam, and new additions Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood, the Raptors should have an edge over the bottom tier teams in the East. However, based on their moves over the past few weeks, it's hard not to envision them giving up on the season.

I can't recommend playing them to make the playoffs and it's clear the "No" is priced appropriately.

Lean: No