The Raptors entered the all-star break as one of the NBA’s hottest teams. How they come out of it will go a long way in determining whether this season ends in success or disappointment.
After having the last week off, Nick Nurse’s crew is set to reconvene for practice Wednesday night in Charlotte, two days before the second half resumes with a matchup against the Hornets. A hot start out of the break should help secure a playoff spot in the wide-open Eastern Conference. A poor one, might derail the season entirely.
This is a high-stakes stretch for a promising young Raptors squad that arguably is a full year ahead of schedule.