The inconsistency of Raptors performances over recent weeks, combined with Toronto-based fans having to follow the action in Tampa from afar have made this a strange, unsettling season so far. There’s precious little we can do from the sidelines as far as the inconsistency is concerned, other than hope Norman Powell can keep doing what he did in the recent games against the Bucks and the Timberwolves.
At least we have a little more power to take control regarding the temporary absence of the Raptors from the Scotiabank Arena. Missing those we would ordinarily hang with has been an inevitable theme of recent months. For those who are used to attending games in the regular season, the temporary move to Tampa has left a significant hole.
Here, though, technology has a solution. Almost 90 percent of Canadian adults have a smartphone, and just as we can stay in touch with Granny using Skype or Zoom, so there are some great phone apps that will keep you close to the Raptors action. Let’s take a look at four of the best.
Raptors Mobile
Let’s start with the official team app. It’s the go-to mobile resource that brings play-by-play updates from every game, along with shot charts, news, standings and plenty more. The pre-game interviews are a popular feature that give behind the scenes insights you just can’t get elsewhere. There’s also a neat in-app game called Fast Break to keep you entertained between Raptors fixtures.
ComeOn Canada
Placing a wager on a Raptors game is a great way to feel you are personally involved in the action, even if it is taking place 1,300 miles away in Florida instead of just down the road. There are numerous online sports betting options out there, but ComeOn Casino Canada gets the nod here due to its Canadian focus and its responsive mobile offering. When you’ve placed your bets on the next Raptors encounter, there are some classic casino games on offer there, too.
Microsoft Teams
You might have noticed the virtual fans flickering like ghosts in the stands. It’s part of the NBA’s efforts to add some atmosphere in the strange circumstances surrounding this season’s games. If you’d like to virtually attend the next Raptors home game, there are about 300 spots available. You’ll need to install Microsoft Teams, and you also require a decent webcam and microphone. With that in place, you should head over to the waiting room well in advance of the game. The NBA has provided detailed instructions on what to do.
4Fans
This Raptor fan app is not directly affiliated with the team, but was developed by social mobile specialist Contivate. The news feeds and so on are no better than the official Raptors Mobile app, but where this one really stands out is the discussion area. It’s the perfect place to hang out with like-minded Raptors fans before or after the game, just like you would at the Scotiabank Arena during more normal times.
