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NBA Power Rankings Week 19: April review and the rising Phoenix Suns

By Corey Rausch

Apr 13, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) and Devin Booker (1) against the Miami Heat in the second half at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) and Devin Booker (1) against the Miami Heat in the second half at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

23. Toronto Raptors

Last Week: Beat Cleveland Cavaliers 112-96, Lost to Brooklyn Nets 116-103, Lost to Denver Nuggets 121-111, Lost to Utah Jazz 106-102

This Week: 5/2 at Los Angeles Lakers, 5/4 at LA Clippers, 5/6 vs. Washington Wizards, 5/8 vs. Memphis Grizzlies

The slide for the Toronto Raptors continues. They seem to be destined to make it into the play-in as the 10th seed. While their experience may help them in a one-game playoff scenario, the truth of the season has already been written. This will go down as a lost year for a team stuck far away from home.

The only thing keeping the Raptors in the hunt for the postseason is the level of play of the teams they are competing against for the final play-in spot. The Raptors were 8-7 in April. Only slightly worse were the Indiana Pacers, coming in at 8-8. The Chicago Bulls, currently ahead of them, were 7-10. Even worse, the Charlotte Hornets were 6-10.

It may not be stiff competition, but the Raptors are doing what they can to remain up to the challenge. Gary Trent Jr. has been a noticeable positive this month, averaging 16.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game on shooting splits of .417/.366/.917. He has taken to his new home nicely and appears to be a fixture in the future of the Raptors once they get back to Toronto next season. As rumors continue to swirl about a possible departure for Kyle Lowry, any positive free agency news is welcome.