NBA projected win totals for all 30 teams
By Bryce Olin
7. Toronto Raptors- 49.5 wins
2013-14 Record: 48-34
This is a super-close call. The Raptors may have maximized their potential last season and didn’t make any huge roster moves this offseason.
Why you should take the Over:
The Raptors improved immediately after the “Rudy Gay” trade by adding quality role players, like Greivis Vasquez and Patrick Patterson. With those key players for a full offseason, training camp, and for the full season, there’s no limit to how much the Raptors can improve this season. I mean, they’re not going to win 60 games, but the high-50s are a possibility depending on what else happens across the Eastern Conference.
The Raptors added low-risk, high-reward players Lou Williams and James Johnson this offseason. If they’re able to contribute energy, effort, and some offensive fire power off the bench, the Raptors will incredibly tough to beat next season, especially at home.
The Raptors’ “Big 3” of Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, and Jonas Valanciunas has the potential to be really good, but the Raptors’ depth will be the key to their success.
Why you should take the Under:
Raptors’ GM Masai Ujiri is no stranger to blockbuster trades if he thinks it will pay off down the road. There’s no reason to think anyone other than Lowry is safe from a trade. The Raptors have a bright future, but Ujiri might try to make it brighter by making a big move. A big change to this roster, which had such good chemistry down the stretch last season, could be a fatal blow to the Raptors.
Other than a major trade or injury problems, the Raptors seem like a lock to win 50 games this season, especially in the Atlantic division and playing 12 games against Boston, New York, and Philadelphia.
I’ll take the over on the Raptors, and it’s not that tough of a decision.