Back to where we belong. #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/YznPR4x2nU – Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 6, 2022 Tuesday’s victory was not an easy one as Toronto faced an Atlanta team that entered the night driving the momentum of a five-game winning streak. The Raptors were also left without OG Anunoby, who continues to progress after a thigh injury last Friday. NBA LEAGUE PASS: Sign up to unlock live games off the market (free 7 day trial) Pascal Shiakam led the way with 31 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, while Chris Boutcher came out of a recent recession and scored big numbers from the bench, finishing with 18 points and seven rebounds. BACK➡️BACK 3s for @chrisboucher 👌 pic.twitter.com/xOKJqLndNZ – Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 6, 2022 Scottie Barnes, who stepped up his Rookie of the Year case with 19 points (7-of-13 shots) and 14 rebounds, reached the clutch with a late overturning to put Toronto in good stead. While Fred VanVleet struggled, finishing with just 12 points on 4-of-21 shots from the field and 2-of-12 shots from three, his last buck could not have come any longer. FRED FOR THREE ️ ️ @FredVanVleet pic.twitter.com/NkTTVgY8x0 – Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 6, 2022 With less than a week left for the regular season, there is still much to be judged in the Eastern Region ranking. But the Raptors added a little clarity to the playoffs with their win over the Hawks. With the Cleveland Cavaliers losing to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, Toronto’s victory ensures they will not finish lower than sixth in the East, avoiding the Play-In tournament altogether. Having completely lost since last season, gaining a place in the NBA Playoffs is an important step for a team of Raptors preparing for the future, while facing many injuries to key players during the season. By avoiding the Play-In Tournament, Toronto has given itself almost a week of rest when the regular season ends on April 10, as the NBA playoffs are set to begin by April 16. With Anunoby and VanVleet dealing with annoying injuries, resting before the first round match will have to prove crucial. Who the Raptors will play in the playoffs remains to be determined, but a current picture of the standings can give an idea. Toronto is very likely to finish in fifth or sixth place in the standings, which means that the Bucks, 76ers and Celtics are all potential opponents. Toronto returns to action on Thursday when it welcomes Philadelphia to the front end of a back-to-back.
Eastern Region Standings 2021-22, NBA Playoff image
(Until the games on April 5.) Team WL WIN% GB 1 Heat 52 28 .650 – 2 Celtics 49 30 .620 2.5 3 Bucks 49 30 .620 2.5 4 76ers 49 30 .615 2.5 5 Raptors 46 625 33. 43 37 .538 9 8 Nets * 41 37 .519 10.5 9 Hawks * 41 38 .519 10.5 10 Hornets * 40 39 .513 11.5
Raptors Program 2021-22
Date Opponent Time (ET) April 7 vs. 76ers 7:30 p.m. April 8 vs. Rockets 7:30 p.m. April 10 at the Knicks 7 p.m.
Bulls Program 2021-22
Date Opponent Time (ET) April 6 vs. Celtics 8 p.m. April 8 vs. Hornets 8 p.m. April 10 at Timberwolves 8:30 p.m.
