dailyloe.com – The Toronto Raptors can clinch an NBA playoff spot on Friday with a win or specific losses by other teams. They visit the New York Knicks for their penultimate regular season game. A victory or losses by Orlando, Philadelphia, and Charlotte would secure Toronto’s return.
Toronto has not beaten New York this season. They have lost all four matchups by an average of 20.3 points. The Raptors have also lost 12 consecutive games to the Knicks.
Their last win against New York came in January 2023. The Raptors enter Friday fifth in the Eastern Conference. They have back-to-back wins over the Miami Heat.
Toronto is currently tied with Atlanta at 45-35. They own the head-to-head tiebreaker from a 4-0 season sweep. Meanwhile, other Eastern Conference games will impact the standings.
The Orlando Magic play the Chicago Bulls. The Philadelphia 76ers face the Indiana Pacers. The Charlotte Hornets meet the Detroit Pistons.
Detroit has already locked up the East’s number one seed. Several other postseason scenarios are also in play on Friday. Atlanta can clinch a spot and division title with a win.
They can also clinch if Orlando and Charlotte both lose. Boston can clinch the Atlantic Division title with a win. A New York loss would also secure it for Boston.
Charlotte can be locked into the Play-In Tournament with a loss. Wins by Toronto and Atlanta would also lock them in. Orlando faces the same Play-In Tournament lock scenario.
Philadelphia is locked into the Play-In with a loss or a Toronto win. The NBA’s Play-In Tournament begins on April 14. The playoffs officially start on April 18.[]
Source: Sportsnet
