2019-2020 NBA Previews – Raptors Odds
Looking for 2019 Toronto Raptors Predictions? The Larry O’Brien trophy resides North of the Border for the first time in NBA history. Similarly, the Raptors become the first team ever to win a championship and witness their Finals MVP exit the same summer.
Most pundits don’t expect much from Toronto this season given Leonard’s exit, but it’s nothing new for this team. They entered last season with the same analysts citing the Celtics, Bucks, or 76ers as favorites to come out of the East. Go ahead and underestimate this squad – but do so at your own peril.
Toronto Raptors Season Preview
Head Coach: Nick Nurse
2018-19 Record: 58-24
Raptors Odds to NBA Title: +3000
Raptors Odds to Win Conference: +800
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Players Who Have Left
- Kawhi Leonard
- Danny Green
- Jeremy Lin
- Jodie Meeks
- Eric Moreland
Players Who Have Arrived
- Stanley Johnson
- Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
- Matt Thomas
- Terence Davis (undrafted rookie)
- Dewan Hernandez (non-partial guarantee, rookie)
- Cameron Payne (non-partial guarantee)
- Isaiah Taylor (non-partial guarantee)
Toronto Raptors Strengths:
Defensive depth:
The Raptors learned precisely how vital defense is in the postseason and in particular the grit and toughness required to win those 16 games. Despite losing two solid defenders, the players added in the offseason are primarily defensive minded or fill a specialty need (perimeter shooting).
Two squads ranked top five offensively and defensively in 2019 (Milwaukee and Toronto). Notably, this isn’t a new scenario for the Raptors given they were the only team to do so the previous season without the services of Leonard or Green on the roster.
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Masai Ujiri:
Just like Ujiri was unafraid to take the big all-in risk for a year of Leonard and trade deadline move to add Gasol, don’t be surprised if he pulls off another deadline deal to push the Raptors over the top.
Toronto Raptors Weaknesses:
Missing a top 10 superstar:
Pascal Siakam is expected to take another step but isn’t likely to enter the top 10 debate even if he emulated last year’s Most Improved campaign. Without Leonard, Siakam becomes the Raptors best player on both sides of the hardwood and as such will face the primary defensive attention. That’s not entirely new for the Cameroonian since he had experience in that role during Kawhi’s load managed season.
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Siakam adjusts and grows quickly but this is just his eighth year playing organized ball given his late start in the sport. However, if Anunoby takes the leap the brain trust expects this may all end up being a moot point.
Meager 2020 free agent list might force Ujiri to have quick trigger:
The reality is the Raptors have four unrestricted free agents on expiring deals and three of those are valuable vets who could push a contender over the top. Lowry, Gasol, and Ibaka could be shopped with the latter two more likely given Lowry’s legacy with the franchise.
If Toronto isn’t in a position where they envision a deep playoff run Ujiri may flip the switch early especially given the lackluster 2020 free agent crop. The Raptors will have the most available cap space this offseason but may elect to hone in on specific targets they can obtain via trades instead of signing free agents who don’t fit the current culture or identity of the club.
Toronto Raptors Betting Prediction: 53-29
The oddsmakers suggesting the Raptors will lose an additional 12 games this season seems like a stretch. Admittedly, I can envision the Raptors winning more than 53 games. However, a shortened offseason, the integration of new players and the potential for Ujiri to take advantage of trading an expiring contract held me back.
Don’t forget this is the same club who won 17 of 22 games Leonard didn’t play in last season and most of those came on second nights of back-to-back sets. Lowry, in particular, shines in those matches. Ten players who gained championship experience return which is a valuable benefit in winning close matches.
2019 NBA Gambling
What do you think about our 2019 Toronto Raptors predictions? Please leave us a comment below telling us how you think they’ll do in the 2019-2020 NBA Season!
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