Toronto Raptors: Ranking Potential Playoff Opponents

Ranking Potential Playoff Opponents For The Toronto Raptors

Mar 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) talks with forward Patrick Patterson (54) and guard DeMar DeRozan (10) and guard Norman Powell (24) and forward Jason Thompson (1) during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at Air Canada Centre. The Bulls beat the Raptors 109-107. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 14, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) celebrates after tying the game against the Dallas Mavericks in the fourth quarter at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Mavericks won 107-96. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Charlotte Hornets

The Raptors are 1-1 against the Hornets this season, but they’ve proven to be a pesky foe in the past and are peaking at the right time.

What makes them a desirable matchup:

Like the Celtics, the Hornets are a very well coached, deep team without a true star player. They are just outside the top 10 in offensive efficiency and currently eighth in defensive efficiency. Their play centers around Kemba Walker, who has been playing at an All-Star level this season. They can be prone to offensive droughts and it’s possible that Toronto could be able to slow down their attack by deploying Lowry and Cory Joseph on to Walker to make the series more difficult.

What makes them dangerous:

The Hornets have the third best record in the NBA since Feb. 1. They are a team that is peaking at the right time and look to bring the expansion franchise its first ever playoff win, and first ever playoff series win. Like Boston, their ability to play high-end defense at times could cause the Raptors to stall out and make the series more difficult than it needs to be.

Next: Chicago Bulls

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