In the highly competitive Eastern Conference, one team falling under the radar just might be the Toronto Raptors. But the addition of Scottie Barnes to this roster changed the complexion of this team last season, and with the homegrown core in place, the ceiling continues to point up.
Barnes won rookie of the year and is set to become a two-way force in this league for a long time and possibly even reach superstar status. Pascal Siakam was a first time all-star last year, OG Anunoby’s game continues to grow and the backcourt is strong with all-star Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr.
The bench has been a weak spot for the last couple of seasons, but the improved play of Chris Boucher, the trade deadline and resigning of Thaddeus Young and the free agent addition of Otto Porter Jr. who just won a championship with the Warriors brings the potential to turn it into a strength.
Questions remain at the backup point guard and center position with the poo poo platter of PF/C Precious Achiuwa, C Khem Birch and PG Malachi Flynn.
Still, if the starters can stay healthy, with one of the best coaches in the game in Nick Nurse at the helm, and a great core in place, this is a team set to make some noise.
Toronto Raptors Season Outlook:
Projected Starting Lineup: PG Fred VanVleet, SG Gary Trent Jr., SF OG Anunoby, PF Scottie Barnes, C Pascal Siakam
Head coach: Nick Nurse
Notable Additions: Otto Porter Jr., Juancho Hernangomez
Draft Picks: Christian Kokolo (33rd overall)
Raptors Arena: Scotiabank Arena
Raptors NBA Schedule: NBA.com
2022-23 Toronto Raptors NBA Futures Odds
- Odds to win the 2023 NBA Championship: 45/1
- Odds to win the 2022-23 Eastern Conference: 20/1
- Odds to win the 2022-23 Atlantic Division: +1500
- 2022-23 Regular Season Win Total: Over 45½ (-150)
- Odds to Make the Playoffs: Yes -245 | No +180
- Official website: nba.com/raptors
- Twitter Account : @Raptors
2022-23 Toronto Raptors NBA Award Top Contenders
6th Man OTY: Gary Trent Jr. +3500
Most Improved Player: OG Anunoby +4000, Scottie Barnes +3300
Liev Jackson NBA Season Prediction on Raptors:
There is plenty of betting value to be found on a Raptors team with a talented young core that has been together for several years, along with a top coach that has also managed to add important pieces the last couple of seasons.
I’m not saying they are a title favorite at this point, but this is a team that won 48 games just last season and they have a core who are almost all in their primes, they have Barnes entering his second season and Porter who proved his worth as a glue guy for the Warriors.
Take advantage of the betting values while you still can.
Favorite bets for the season at current odds include:
- Odds to win the 2022-23 Atlantic Division: +1500
- 2022-23 Regular Season Win Total: Over 45½ (-150)
- Most Improved Player: Scottie Barnes +3300
2021-22 Record: 48-34
My Record Prediction: 51-31
NBA Odds According to Bovada as of September, 2022
Bet on the Toronto Raptors 2022-23 Season at Bovada Sportsbook.
