The Toronto Raptors have won the NBA Atlantic Division title two straight years. Forget the fact it’s not the NBA’s strongest div, the Raptors played plenty of Western Conference teams–plus the likes of Cleveland and Chicago–and still won 49 games. They are, as sports fans like to say, for real.
But you couldn’t know about this excellent Toronto basketball team if you watch the NBA on TV. Because the Raptors are on TV about as much as Rodney Dangerfield these days–they get no respect. That all changes today. Getting ousted in 7 games by Brooklyn in the first round last year left a bad taste in the Raptors beaks. They begin their 2015 playoff quest against the Washington Wizards, a tough but inconsistent opponent with more playoff experience. The Raptors have been the Wizards in all three meetings this year. Saturday, 12:30pm, ESPN. Toronto is a tough place for visitors to win.
