Crazy Eights - Predictions for Raptors last 8 games.

[old skool]

6 of the Raps 8 games are against teams with winning records. Since they have a losing record against such teams, it would be an improvement if they went 3-3 in those six games. Assuming they win both games against losing teams, they finish 5-3. Seems reasonable, but one never knows if teams will be using regular rotations and playing to win every game.

[bballsparkin]

I'm going with 4-4 but hoping for 5-3. It's a tough schedule and anything can happen in 8 games.

[LoveMyRaps]

6-2.

[fbalmeida]

I should update my earlier post in light of it having dawned on me that Avery Bradley will not be playing for the Lakers.

Of the more "loseable" games...

Aug 1 - Lakers
Aug 7 - Celtics
Aug 10 - Bucks
Aug 14 - Nuggets

I considered that splitting them would be the worst case scenario. I don't see our Raptors losing one to a good team without bouncing back for the next. Furthermore, after seeing our team paddle-spank the Lakers in their arena, minus Lowry and Ibaka, I can frankly see nothing to fear in them. Even more so now that Bradley is gone.

So between the Celtics, Bucks, and Nuggets, we're dropping one, maybe two, tops. I'm sticking with my prediction of 6-2 at worst. Most likely a 7-1.

I'd almost prefer a 7-1 finish than an 8-0. A painful reminder of the sting of defeat just before the playoffs may help them focus for the championship run.

[plainballing]

Record wise, I believe Raptors can go for 6-2, but I think realistically we will be 4-4.

Not that we can't beat those team, it's that I firmly believe Nurse is gonna try to get our guys in condition and kinda experiment a few last thing he wanna do.

Let's face this, we are virtually locked for #2 barring any crazy change. Other than the game vs C's, what's really the point to "win" to "improve" our record. No home court, no "best team ever" award so I think Nurse is just gonna play out our guys and make sure we are ready for the real thing.

This is no better than 8 pre-season games where only one is important.

[ontnut]

4-4 or 5-3. Went with 5-3 to stay positive.

[Harcore Fenton Mun]

My prediction is after the Raptors go 8-0 to start, ESPN is going to go from a hard "no asterisk" to "asterisk" season.

Honestly, they will flip this narrative 180 after the LA teams are out.

[fbalmeida]

My prediction is after the Raptors go 8-0 to start, ESPN is going to go from a hard "no asterisk" to "asterisk" season.

Honestly, they will flip this narrative 180 after the LA teams are out.

They've already primed their audiences with the "Lakers were rolling" before the season was suspended and "this is really all about the Lakers and Clippers". Pivoting to the asterisk once they crack will be mandatory for all of their talking potato heads.

[mihaic]

The next 8 games are just practice for the playoffs

[Kordic27]

I may be too long term a Toronto sports fan, but I went 3-5...

Aug 1 - Lakers (L) (Lebron hyped, league hyped, refs hyped)
Aug 3 - Heat (L) (super hungry)
Aug 5 - Magic (W) (no explanation)
Aug 7 - Celtics (W) (young team over amped for the game - we win this, 2nd seed wrapped, Nurse starts experimenting)
Aug 9 - Grizzlies (L) (foot off pedal game)
Aug 10 - Bucks (L) (they prove a point)
Aug 12 - 76ers (L) (Simmons goes off)
Aug 14 - Nuggets (W) (seeding decided, everyone resting)

[Oakville_Raptor]

6-2

[t54zhao]

Seems like we've over performed most peoples predictions.

[fbalmeida]

I was spot on. 7-1.

[Mak]

7 and 1 is pretty impressive. Pushed Lakers to third, finished well ahead of Celtics and Clippers.

[Tor_Raps]

To be fair, our last 3 games had 0 meaning. Just shows our 3rd unit is pretty damn good there lol.