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The Raptors haven’t lost many games of late and neither have they lost sight of the NBA landscape.
Beating the likes of a New Jersey or a Washington is one thing, but now comes a stretch that sees the Raptors stepping up in class.
Whether Chris Bosh plays Wednesday night is a decision that won’t be reached until tipoff.
Whether Rasho Nesterovic will continue to be an
anchor in the paint won’t be known until he steps on to the court.
What the Raptors know for certain is that the upcoming list of opponents is formidable, an important measuring stick that may ultimately define this season.
“We know what’s at stake,’’ Marco Belinelli said following Tuesday’s practice. “We’ve been able to win a couple of games without C.B., but we have to keep it up. Everyone has to be ready and be prepared to step it up.”
Belinelli has been caught up in a series of matchups that have led to the sharpshooter spending more time riding the bench.
Minutes coming
But he knows his minutes are coming and it may arrive on Wednesday.
Portland is a team Belinelli is familiar with, having played his first two seasons with Golden State.
The Raptors catch yet another break during this favourable run with Portland playing Tuesday night in New Jersey.
“We know that our next game is the most important and that’s our focus,’’ Belinelli said. “Portland comes in here, but we also know what’s coming.”
LeBron James and Cleveland pay a visit to the ACC on Friday night, followed by a back-to-back set on the road against Oklahoma City and Houston.
“We just have to keep rolling,’’ Belinelli said.
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