OKC Thunder: Dissecting 16 playoff seeds and 4 WC team records

Toronto Raptors:

• 64 games played (46-18)
• Record versus seeded teams: 32 occasions (17-15)
• Record versus lottery teams: 32 occasions (29-3).
• Home record (23-9)
• Road record: (26-9)
• Back to back sets: Ten played (14-6)
  • four with both teams seeded (5-3)
  •  three with one seed/one lottery seed (4-2)
  • three with both teams in the lottery (5-1)

A model of consistency, the Raptors possess identical winning records at home and on the road. While they won’t be able to catch the Bucks for first in the conference they will want the option of extra regular-season games for a variety of reasons. Most importantly this team has dealt with injuries to their core the entirety of the season. Getting that core back on the floor to re-build their chemistry is essential.

Only starter OG Anunoby has avoided missing a stretch of 10 or more consecutive games. Alternatively, that factor will bode well for the club since their youngsters gained experience and with teams looking to be cautious about overextending playing time that could factor large.

The other reason the Raptors will want the extra games is to try to catch the Lakers for the second-best overall record (they trail by 3.5 games). They’ll also want to stave off the Celtics who trail them by three games.