#nba-eastern-conference

#nba-eastern-conference

At the very least, they could be a gutsy and gritty squad fighting their way into the playoffs. But even with that in mind, it was a thought that garnered very little confidence. I can recall seeing the Raptors viewed an end-of-the-standings play-in team (or barely at all), especially when looking back at those preseason ESPN predictions - not even good enough to surpass the Chicago Bulls.

The NBA's Eastern Conference is as unpredictable as any point in recent history. Superstar injuries during last season's playoffs depleted two East powers. The upstart Detroit Pistons sit atop the standings at the quarter mark.