The raptors have a big chance to solidify a playoff spot over the next few weeks. With Richard Jefferson out 4-6 weeks (Doug Smith said its probably gonna be closer to 6), thats aprox. 24 games and the Nets starting a tought 5 game western swing, one would think that the next month or so is going to determine the raptors post season fate. It's almost as if the stars are aligned and all the raptors have to do is blow on the Nets and they'll tip over. We haven't been in a better position in the last 3 years, so the question is, "Will the raps be able to bust the door in?"
RJ is a notoriously quick healer, so it will be closer to 4 most likely. With the way he's been playing, the Nets really won't miss him that much, and it would be more advantageous to let him get back to 100%. As a Raptor fan, I can honestly say that I'd rather see us get a lottery shot than have a guarenteed first round exit. Give Colangelo another summer, and I can see us becoming outside contenders.
<div class="quote_poster">XSV Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">RJ is a notoriously quick healer, so it will be closer to 4 most likely. With the way he's been playing, the Nets really won't miss him that much, and it would be more advantageous to let him get back to 100%. As a Raptor fan, I can honestly say that I'd rather see us get a lottery shot than have a guarenteed first round exit. Give Colangelo another summer, and I can see us becoming outside contenders.</div> I would say that if we could get Oden. I've almost been beaten with a stick for suggesting such things
The Raptors will deinitly MAKE this time. The nets are a good team. But the raps in the long run and playoff team can beat any team. They CAN beat anyteam. They have a deep bench and can run with the best of them. So no matter how quickly RJ heals he is no match for the Raptors.
I think the Nets will be just fine without Jefferson. Vince has shown that he can step it up when Jefferson is injured and play well with just him and Kidd. Everyone thought that the Nets would struggle when Krystic went down as well and they've gone 8-2 in their last 10. It's just a matter if Vince can stay motivated throughout this stretch. At this point, I believe we get in either way. We're playing well enough to get a 7 or 8 seed in the playoffs if we don't win the division. Although some say that we're better off with a lottery pick, we're pretty much well beyond any decent pick anyways so I don't that as much of an option. If we get into the playoffs, the experience will be invaluable to the younger players.
I think the Nets are going to break down eventually. Toronto has more depth, and now with Jefferson and Krstic out I can't see them keeping up their current play with a 5 game road trip coming up.
Miki Moore is playing just as good as Kristic and Carter will play better without Jefferson like usual. If they played the Raptors in a 7 games series though, I think Raptors would take it.
