Reviewing the Raptors path to 50 wins

The Toronto Raptors finished with a franchise best 48 wins last season. It’s sad, but the franchise has never seen a 50 win season. After the red-hot start, most people thought that benchmark would have been reached with ease, however the late season free-fall has made people lose confidence in the team.

With that being said, this Raptors squad should still make history and get at least 50 wins, marking the best season in franchise history. They currently sit at 42-28, with 12 games remaining. Thus, they must win 8 out of their remaining 12 games. However, the team has been playing better in the past handful of games, and they will look to carry the strong play forward for the rest of the season. DeMar DeRozan is stabilizing the offence, Greivis Vasquez is more watchable and less selfish, and the team is really playing much harder defensively.

Taking a look at the remaining schedule, it is clear that the Raps have a good chance of reaching the 50 win mark.

Raptors @ Pistons: This should be a win. The Pistons have been dreadful after dealing Brandon Knight. 

Raptors vs Bulls: While it will be a tough one, a healthy Lowry paired with homecourt advantage makes me believe the Raps have a chance to win this. 

Raptors vs Lakers: This should be a win. The Lakers suck, plain and simple. 

Raptors vs Rockets: This will be a tough one, however absolutely winnable. 

Raptors @ Timberwolves: This should be a win. The Timberwolves are the worst team in the West. 

Raptors @ Nets: Brooklyn are fighting for their playoff lives, however the Raps should be able to win this one. 

Raptors vs Celtics: The Celtics are another one of those fringe playoff teams, however this should be a win, once again. 

Raptors @ Hornets: Yet another fringe playoff team. Definitely should still be a win, despite the fact that the Raps simply have not been able to beat the Hornets. 

Raptors @ Magic: This should be a win against a rebuilding team. 

Raptors @ Heat: This might be a tougher one, however the Raptors should still be favored to win this one. 

Raptors @ Celtics: Again, the Raptors should be beating the Celtics. 

Raptors vs Hornets: And yet again, the Raptors should beat the Hornets. 

If the Raptors take care of business, they should realistically be looking at anywhere between 50-52 wins. Simply put, they will be favored in essentially every game moving forward, and should start to pick up some steam late in the season. While they will likely lose a few just because of the nature of the game, every game aside from Chicago and Houston should be a win if the Raps are playing with the intensity that is needed.

So yes, Raptors fans. If all goes well, we should see a record breaking 50+ win season, an Atlantic division title, and a 3rd seed with a favorable playoff match-up. Not such a disastrous season, after all.