Raptors Face Crucial Test vs Knicks

0:00This is Corey with NBA News Today, powered by the Daily News Now. Subscribe for daily updates on your team. The Toronto Raptors have shown real growth this season, turning from a lottery team into a playoff contender. But their biggest challenge is clear. They struggle against stronger opponents. They're now 11 wins and 18 losses against teams above 500 in the standings, including a rough 5 and 6 mark in their last, 11 games, with all those losses to better squads. In-home games highlighted the issue, as they dropped close contests to the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs. They hung tough late, but couldn't close out either time, leading to back-to-back defeats. Fans and analysts see this as normal growing pains for a young improving squad. While the progress deserves praise, these losses raise questions about their postseason chances, especially if they slip from 5th place in the east. Playoff seating matters a lot for Toronto. They're 3 and 0 against the Cleveland Cavaliers so far, but those wins came early, before

1:02Cleveland got tougher. A drop could mean facing the Detroit Pistons or Boston Celtics in the first round instead. Looking ahead, the Raptors face a key test Tuesday night against the New York Knicks at home. Tip off is at 7.30 pm. Eastern time inside Scotia Bank Arena. The Daily News Now is powered by our sponsor. It looks like a pillow. It sounds like headphones, built for comfort and sound.