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Toronto Raptors: 5 predictions for the 2018-19 NBA season

By Simon Smith

TORONTO, ON- SEPTEMBER 24 - Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) as the Toronto Raptors host their media day before going to Vancouver for their training camp. Media Day was held at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. September 24, 2018. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON- SEPTEMBER 24 - Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) as the Toronto Raptors host their media day before going to Vancouver for their training camp. Media Day was held at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. September 24, 2018. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Following possibly the busiest offseason in franchise history, here are five predictions for the Toronto Raptors in the 2018-19 NBA season.

Having being swept out of the playoffs at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers, it only took a matter of days before the first major casualty was realized.

Despite leading the Toronto Raptors to a franchise-best 59 wins, and later being named Coach of the Year, Dwane Casey was relieved of his duties at the helm of the Raptors, replaced by assistant coach Nick Nurse. However, team president Masai Ujiri wasn’t done there.

After months of speculation and debate, superstar Kawhi Leonard and the San Antonio Spurs finally parted ways, with the Raptors the recipients of the two-time Defensive Player of the Year.

As a result of the transaction, the Raptors were forced to part ways with All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan, and emerging center Jakob Poeltl.

Having finished atop the Eastern Conference standings and making light work of the Washington Wizards in the opening round of the postseason, the Raptors then came up against their old nemesis in LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

After losing a nail-biting overtime contest in Game 1, the Raptors simply lost their way before ultimately losing 4-0.

However, with a new head coach, a new looking roster, and James now plying his trade out west, the Raptors will hoping a change in personnel will bring about a change in fortunes come the business end of the season.

With this in mind, here are five predictions for the 2018-19 season.

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