Raptors Clinch No. 1 Seed in Eastern Conference with Win vs. Pacers
It's official: The Toronto Raptors have clinched home-court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Although the race for the No. 1 seed has long been decided, it was not officially over until Friday when Toronto defeated the Indiana Pacers 92-73 at Air Canada Centre. If the season ended today, the Raptors would face the Washington Wizards in the first round of the playoffs.
It marks the first time in franchise history Toronto has finished with the best record in the Eastern Conference. It has also set a team record by making the playoffs in five consecutive seasons.
Having home-court advantage puts the Raptors in good position entering the postseason. They are 33-7 at the Air Canada Centre this season, the second-best home record in the league. While talent wins out, starting a series at home and having a potential Game 7 in Toronto could be a difference-maker.
In each of the last two seasons, Toronto has been eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers, once in the conference finals (2015) and once in the conference semifinals. LeBron James and Co. had home-court advantage in both series, including the six-game battle just two years ago.
The 57-22 record has been a team effort. DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry, Serge Ibaka and Jonas Valanciunas have been strong all season but especially as of late. Toronto is not far removed from an 18-1 stretch over 19 games.
Toronto has been the best—and healthiest—team in the Eastern Conference this season. As a result, the Raptors have earned themselves the No. 1 seed as they look to make their first NBA Finals appearance.
