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Toronto Raptors: 2017-18 NBA season preview

By Simon Cherin-Gordon

Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images
Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images /
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Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images)
Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Predictions

We have established the three areas of mystery on this roster: the star backcourt, the turnover in the frontcourt, and the young players entering new roles.

The most likely outcome for Lowry and DeRozan is stagnation. Lowry should get a tad worse, but should also appear in more than 60 games. DeRozan is equally as likely to lose a step prematurely as he is to improve his outside shot. This all cancels out.

Not each of Powell, Wright, Poeltl and Anunoby will be ready for rotation minutes. This will make the Raptors slightly less deep than in years past. At the same time, Ibaka is better than any Raptors frontcourt player from last year, and unlocks lineups previously not available.

Next: 10 bold predictions for 2017-18 NBA season

As a coach who gets quality two-way effort and is willing to reinvent on the fly, Casey should make the most out of his new tools. The Raptors will be slightly better than last season, going 53-29 and finishing first in the East.

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