NBA Power Rankings: Health the great intangible for squads like OKC Thunder
. 46-18. Previous: 4th. Toronto Raptors. 3. team. 81
The Pistons loss resonates as a ‘should’ve’ won, after all, Toronto fans took over Little Caesars arena with their typical vigor. Seven busloads and copious others who drove the short trek from the 6ix were audibly in attendance.
Yet, it’s also a forgivable loss given the whistle (don’t get me started). However, the Raptors return back to my top three because of the two quality wins they did earn. First absolutely annihilating the Celtics and then ending the Blazers win streak despite having to deal with a phantom foul call at the game end.
With the win over the Blazers, the Raptors lead the NBA in the number of games won by three points or less (11-4). In addition, the Raptors are the only team who hasn’t lost at least once to an entire division. They’ve swept the Pacific (Warriors, Clippers, Kings, Suns) and have one more game to play against the Lakers.
Raptors improve to 11-4 in games decided by 3 points or fewer. That's the most wins in the NBA and 2nd-best record (Denver is 10-2). Raps were 5-7 in those close games last season.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) March 2, 2019
Schedule particulars:
Tankathon rank for schedule strength of remaining games: 29th
Games Remaining: 18 | Home: 8 | Road: 10
- Versus top 10 offenses: two
- Versus top 10 defenses: five
- Games facing teams over .500: three (plus Pistons)
- Last 10 games: 8-2
- Back to back sets: two
Key Stats:
Offensive Rating: 7th (112.3)
Defensive Rating: 8th ( 107.5)
Net Differential: 7th ( +4.8)
Record: 2nd in EC
Home: 27-6 |Road: 19-12 | Back to back sets:10
Versus the East: 28-12 | Versus the West: 18-6
Week 20, 2-1: Won vs. Celtics, Blazers, Lost @Pistons
On tap for week 21: vs.Rockets, @Pelicans, @Heat