As the NBA season surpasses the 80% mark of the schedule, it may not surprise you that the Raptors and Clippers have similar records. What is surprising is that they’re both hovering around .500. With each passing game, the opportunity to climb the standings — and out of the play-in — lessens for each team.
On the flip side, both teams made trades that changed their respective outlooks. For Toronto, Jakob Poeltl’s impact on both ends of the floor has resulted in a higher ceiling and a brighter future (albeit short-term). For Los Angeles, trading away Luke Kennard, John Wall, and Reggie Jackson, while receiving Russell Westbrook, Bones Hyland, and Eric Gordon has yet to yield a positive return.