Raptors 2020-21 season predictions: Can they remain competitive?

Raptors finish top five in the East

When many were ready to write off the Raptors following the departure of Kawhi Leonard, the team responded by finishing second in the Eastern Conference. In the playoffs, they pushed the Boston Celtics to Game 7 but ultimately couldn’t get the job done.

Looking at what the Brooklyn Nets did to the Golden State Warriors on opening night, they are certainly in a position to contend for a top-three spot in the East. Then when you add in the Milwaukee Bucks, Celtics, and Miami Heat it’s going to be tough for Toronto to repeat as a top-three team but there’s no reason why they can’t remain in the top five.

What allowed the Raptors to remain a contender last season was Nick Nurse’s defensive mindset and creativity on offence. This is a coach who isn’t afraid of a challenge and with the added inconvenience of not being able to play at home in Toronto, it should only give this team more reason to prove others wrong again.

This is a team that should be able to win a playoff round if they can grab a favourable spot in the standings. However, moving past the second round will remain a challenge depending on how the bracket works out.