Toronto Raptors disrespected in ESPN playoff predictions

Sometimes, it feels like the entire sports world is against Toronto teams, no matter what they accomplish in the regular season. And this is just the latest example.

ESPN has released its playoff predictions and the Toronto Raptors did not receive a single vote to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in their seven-game series.

Ten of the 12 NBA writers picked Cleveland to beat Toronto in either five or six games, while the remaining two predicted the Cavs would win the series in seven.

12 NBA experts and writers all picked the Cleveland Cavaliers to beat the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. (Screenshot/ESPN.com)

Even with the Raptors facing long odds in the eyes of NBA pundits, their predictions should be taken with a grain of salt.

Many of the same experts also doubted Toronto before the season began. In an Eastern Conference preview, ESPN projected the Raptors to finish 12th with a 33-49 record. Toronto finished fifth at 46-36 and earned a spot in the first round for the first time in four seasons.

Statistically speaking, Cleveland has failed to beat Toronto in all three regular-season meetings this year, although the teams have not faced each other since late November.

Since then, the Cavaliers have made significant moves to improve their roster, acquiring 11-time NBA All-Star guard (and former MVP) James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers at the trade deadline and adding some bench depth with former Raptors guard Dennis Schröder.

What's the key for the Raptors to beat Cleveland? It'll be whether Toronto can lean into its strengths and slow down the Cavaliers' high-powered offence.

The Cavaliers rank among the NBA’s best teams in points per game (119.5) and offensive rating this season. The Raptors, on the other hand, finished among the league’s best in defensive rating and allowed just 111.9 points per game, which is one of the fewest among playoff teams.

As the saying goes, "defence wins championships," and that's exactly what Toronto will need to rely on to have a chance of winning this series. 

The Raptors will open the series with Games 1 and 2 on the road in Cleveland, beginning April 18 at 1 p.m. ET, before returning home to Scotiabank Arena for Games 3 and 4 the following week.