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Raptors Eye Top-Six Playoff Berth vs. Nets
13 Apr
Summary
- Raptors can clinch top-six playoff spot with win Sunday.
- A loss Friday night dropped Toronto to sixth place.
- Nets sit third in lottery standings and are struggling.
The Toronto Raptors have an opportunity to clinch a guaranteed spot in the top six of the Eastern Conference playoffs by winning their regular-season finale against the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. Their recent 112-95 road loss to the New York Knicks on Friday night saw them drop to sixth place. This defeat means their playoff positioning is not yet secured.
Despite the setback, the Raptors could still potentially finish fifth if they defeat the Nets and both the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic lose their final games. Coach Darko Rajakovic emphasized the need for peak performance and focus in this crucial season-ending match. The Raptors hold a two-three record against the Nets this season, though Brooklyn won their most recent encounter.
The Brooklyn Nets are currently third in the lottery standings and have lost their last two games. Their recent performance includes a 125-108 road loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Center Nic Claxton acknowledged the team's difficult season and the focus on returning to a winning situation next summer.
If the Raptors secure the sixth seed, they are projected to face the third-seeded New York Knicks in the first round, a challenging matchup given the Knicks' recent dominance over Toronto. Several Raptors players missed Friday's game due to injuries, including RJ Barrett, who was a late scratch, and Immanuel Quickley and Collin Murray-Boyles.
