Toronto Raptors
2017-18 record: 59-23
2017-18 season series: 3-1, Raptors
2018-19 advantage: Raptors
Speaking of Kawhi Leonard, the Raptors might be the East’s best team. Leonard looks healthy in preseason action, patrolling the defensive end with his usual effectiveness and scoring at all three levels on offense.
Kyle Lowry is getting older, but he remains an effective two-way playmaker. The Raptors also have an elite defensive group, with Serge Ibaka, OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam and Danny Green adding to the core’s brilliance.
Toronto has the personnel to give Philly fits on both ends, throwing different looks at Ben Simmons on defense and stretching them out on offense. Leonard is the East’s most dynamic player when healthy, capable of single-handedly winning games.
After years of losing to LeBron James, the Raptors might finally take the next step. The Sixers and Celtics are both viable opponents — most outlets have the Celtics pegged as favorites — but Toronto deserves some love.