The Toronto Raptors could find themselves back in the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 2022 with a win on Friday, or some help from teams around the league.
As the Raptors visit the New York Knicks for their penultimate game of the regular season, a victory — or losses by the Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers AND Charlotte Hornets — would mean Toronto could fall no lower than sixth in the standings and subsequently clinch their return to the playoffs.
Each of those scenarios is easier said than done, however, as the Raptors have yet to beat the Knicks through four matchups this season, losing by an average margin of 20.3 points. Toronto has lost 12 consecutive games against New York, its last victory coming in January 2023.
Meanwhile, the Magic take on the lottery-bound Chicago Bulls, the 76ers face the 14th-seeded Indiana Pacers and the Hornets face the Detroit Pistons, who’ve already locked up the No. 1 seed in the East.
As for the Raptors, they enter Friday back to fifth in the East following back-to-back wins over the Miami Heat on Tuesday and Thursday. They’re currently tied with the Atlanta Hawks at 45-35 but own the head-to-head tiebreaker thanks to a 4-0 season series sweep.
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Other post-season scenarios on Friday include:
• Atlanta clinches a playoff spot and the Southeast Division title with a win OR losses by Orlando AND Charlotte.
• Boston clinches the Atlantic Division title with a win OR a New York loss.
• Charlotte is locked into the Play-In Tournament with a loss OR wins by Toronto AND Atlanta.
• Orlando is locked into the Play-In Tournament with a loss OR wins by Toronto AND Atlanta.
• Philadelphia is locked into the Play-In Tournament with a loss OR a Toronto win.
The NBA’s Play-In Tournament between seeds seven through 10 in each conference begins on April 14 and the playoffs start on April 18.
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