There’s just over two months left until the 2024-2025 NBA season kicks off. The Boston Celtics dominated their way to their 18th title in franchise history and are the favorites to repeat their run this upcoming season. However, plenty of young teams are looking to make a big jump this season - including the Raptors.
Toronto Raptors 2024/25 NBA Regular Season Schedule
Toronto Raptors Season Preview: The Bad
It will be a gauntlet for the Raptors at the start of the season. They open the season at home against the Cavaliers, who just locked up their core players in the offseason. Next up is the 76ers, who added Paul George in the offseason in hopes of keeping up with the Celtics. That’s already a tough start to the season, but it only worsens.
Here are Toronto’s next 10 opponents: Timberwolves, Clippers, Hornets, Bucks, Lakers twice, Nuggets twice and Kings twice. That’s a brutal stretch of games for any team but even more difficult for a young Raptors team still trying to find its identity amid a rebuild.
Toronto Raptors Season Preview: The Good
Following an extremely difficult first two months of the season, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for the Raptors. Their schedule in January and February is much more forgiving, including a stretch of games against the Magic, Hawks, Pelicans, Wizards, Bulls and Grizzlies.
It should only get easier for Toronto if they can stay afloat past Thanksgiving. Also, an important date on the calendar that many Raptors fans should circle is November 18, when the Pacers come to town. It will be the return of Pascal Siakam to Toronto, which is bound to be a very emotional but exciting game.
Expectations for the Raptors in 2024-2025
The Raptors signaled a rebuild when they traded away Pascal Siakam last season. It will take some time to build a team around the core of Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley. Toronto has plenty of young players who have the potential to be a starter, but the development won’t be overnight.
Gradey Dick, Davion Mitchell, and Ja’Kobe Walter are three names to keep an eye on, as they should all see more playing time in this upcoming season. However, the bottom line is the Eastern Conference is loaded right now.
The Celtics are the reigning champions and somehow brought back every key player from last year’s Finals run. Plus, the Knicks and 76ers made big moves in the offseason to try and compete with Boston’s Eastern Conference dominance. After that, plenty of talented teams could be a real threat in the playoffs, like the Pacers, Cavaliers, Bucks and Magic.
That will make it extremely difficult for the Raptors to find a place in the top half of the conference. Expect Toronto to take a step forward from last year but not to be in contention for a playoff spot - especially with their daunting schedule and opponents in the Eastern Conference.
