After falling on their home court, the Raptors look to avoid travelling to Orlando down 0-2 in their first round series of the 2019 NBA Playoffs. On Saturday at around 8pm, I pondered the meaning of life. In the grand scheme of things, does anything truly matter? If everything is predetermined, has Toronto been cursed with ineluctable basketball-related misery? Why must the team I hold so dearly to my heart insist on losing so many game ones? Perhaps my allegiance to the Raptors is dependent on believing in something that, despite major roster changes and regular season success, can never be achieved.
Nearly 48 hours later, I’ve managed to calm down. (Inside tip: deep breaths, meditation, and copious amounts of Smashing Pumpkins can cure even the most severe ailments.) Perhaps against my better judgement, I decided to look on the bright side — I implore you all to do the same. Kyle Lowry isn’t going to go scoreless every game. More than likely, D.J. Augustin isn’t going to score 25 points on 69 percent (not-nice) shooting again. Kawhi Leonard is going to play more than 33 minutes.
Say it with me: we’re going to be okay. That feels oddly therapeutic, if …

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Author: Dylan Litman / Raptors HQ