Locked On Raptors

What are the biggest questions facing the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers in their first round playoff series? In Episode 2090, Sean Woodley links up with Danny Cunningham of Locked On Cavs to run through the biggest questions facing each team as they head into the playoffs, the swings players that could alter the course of the series, and their predictions. Off the top, Sean grills Danny about how often we should expect to see the Cavs roll out their double big lineup in this series and why it probably benefits the Cavs to play a ton of minutes with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen on the floor together. Plus, is the Cavs lack of continuity a concern? And could their past playoff baggage be a weight on the team in this series or later in the postseason? Next, Danny asks Sean about the status of Immanuel Quickley and how much his health will determine the Raptors' level of competitiveness in this series, how the Raptors should align themselves defensively against the Cavs and whether Collin Murray-Boyles

The Toronto Raptors are underdogs in their first round playoff series with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but are there any matchup advantages they can press? In Episode 2089, Sean Woodley and Joe Wolfond do a deep dive into all the tactical items of note when it comes to the Raptors-Cavs matchup. Off the top, they chat about what it would mean for Toronto's chances of an upset if Immanuel Quickley isn't 100%, whether the Cavs' past playoff baggage is something that could crop up again in this series, and whether Scottie Barnes has a chance to outplay Donovan Mitchell and be the always important Best Player in the Series. Next, Sean and Joe dig into how the Raptors can work to slow down Cleveland's offense, the challenges the Cavs' guard play poses, and why Collin Murray-Boyles needs to be a fixture of the rotation for the Raptors to reach their defensive ceiling. Lastly, they dig into the Raptors offense and where it might be able to poke holes in a middling Cavs defense. Is this a Point Scottie Barnes series? Can

With the Toronto Raptors set to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Playoffs, it's time for another round of What's More Likely?! In Episode 2088, Sean Woodley and Katie run through three What's More Likely? scenarios ahead of the Raptors series with the Cavs. Off the top, is it more like the Toronto Raptors have a player average more than 25 points a game in this series, OR to have zero players put up more than 20 a game? Next, are the Raptors more likely to increase their 3PT volume and launch 35+ threes a game, OR for the Raptors to suppress the high-powered Cavs into taking fewer than 35 threes a night in the series? Lastly, is it more likely that the Raptors win the series in any number of games, OR that the Cavaliers sweep the Raptors in four games?  Discord: https://discord.gg/fkZJGsWP Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fan

Who will win the 2021 Draft Class duel between Scottie Barnes and Evan Mobley in the Toronto Raptors first round series with the Cleveland Cavaliers? In Episode 2087, Sean Woodley goes solo for a bonus mailbag edition of the show! Barnes vs. Mobley, who has the edge? Which deep bench guys on the Raptors are the most likely to swing a series? What should the expectations be for Collin Murray-Boyles in his first playoff run? Which role players on the Cavs are the scariest? Are the Raptors wings a greater strength than the Cavaliers guards? Do any Raptors have their futures with the team hinging upon their play in this series? And who's the better mascot: The Raptor, or the Moon Dog / Sir CC tandem? Discord: https://discord.gg/fkZJGsWP Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://

The Toronto Raptors are underdogs in their first round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but that doesn't mean we can't put an optimistic spin on the matchup. In Episode 2086, Sean Woodley is joined by stand-up comic and die-hard Raptors fan Andrew Ivimey to outline the Optimist's Guide to the Raptors first round playoff series. Off the top, they chat about the areas of the Raptors-Cavs matchup they're zeroed in on to give them some hope for a Raptors upset. Is Darko Rajakovic a master playoff tactician who's yet to be unleashed? Is the Cavs' porous defense cause for genuine hope? And can Scottie Barnes continue his history of outplaying Evan Mobley in head-to-head matchups? Next, Sean and Andrew prepare themselves for the Raptors' potential first round exit with some pre-fab cope responses that you're all free to use in the event of a loss. Lastly, they chat about their playoff basketball watching rituals, most upsetting playoff games they've attended as fans and more.  Check out Andrew's new comedy sp

The Toronto Raptors are the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference and will play the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs! In Episode 2085, Sean Woodley is joined by Vivek Jacob to talk about the Raptors' locking up the fifth-place after handling the Brooklyn Nets while the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic (LOL) both lost on Sunday, their reflections on the Raptors' return to relevance with a 46-win regular season, and their 10,000 foot takes on the Raptors-Cavs first round matchup. Off the top, they dig into the Raptors' turnaround after winning 55 games combined over the previous two years and why this was a season worth celebrating no matter the outcome in the postseason. Plus, is there anything left for the Raptors to learn about their team over the next couple weeks that we haven't already learned? Next, they talk about their early impressions of the Raptors matchup vs. Cleveland, which matchups are going to dictate the outcome of the series, whether the Raptors have any answers for the

Zulfi Sheikh and Duane Notice recap the Toronto Raptors 136-101 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. A masterful win over the Nets, led by a Scottie Barnes triple-double, clinched the Raptors' first playoff berth since 2022. And thanks to some help from the Boston Celtics the Raptors jumped into the fifth seed! Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 

Zulfi Sheikh and Duane Notice recap the Toronto Raptors 112-95 loss to the New York Knicks on Friday. Right after the opening tip-off, it felt like the Raptors were already looking ahead to Sunday. A slow start, sloppy turnovers and uneventful play from Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram mean the Raptors NEED to win on Sunday to control their fate for the playoffs. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 

The Toronto Raptors smoked the Miami Heat again to sweep the season series as Brandon Ingram played arguably his best game of the season. In Episode 2084, Sean Woodley is joined by Joe Wolfond to talk about what they found most encouraging about Ingram's 38-7-7 masterclass, why his rim pressure and pick-and-roll creation have been throughlines across his best games of the season, and why the targeted mismatch hunting he engaged in against Miami is something that we'll probably see a whole lot of come playoff time. Plus, Sean and Joe dive into the incredible play of Collin Murray-Boyles, the options he's giving the Raptors when it comes to how they deploy their centers, and why he's not only changing the future outlook for the better, but also making their ceiling for this season a little higher as well. Lastly, they run through The Good (Immanuel Quickley, winning the possession battle), The Bad (point of attack defense) and The Hmm (who do you want: the Knicks, or the Cavs?) to round out the show.  Discord:

Zulfi Sheikh recaps the Toronto Raptors 128-114 win vs. the Miami Heat on Thursday. Brandon Ingram's AGGRESSIVE season-high 38 points led the way as the Raptors swept the season series and earned a massive boost to their playoff hopes. He was helped by the youngsters off the bench, and a productive night at the charity stripe from the whole team. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 

The Toronto Raptors' hopes of landing the 5-seed are alive once again after the Atlanta Hawks fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. In Episode 2083, Sean Woodley and Katie Heindl take the temperature of the ridiculously close race between the Raptors, Hawks, Magic, Hornets and Sixers for the last two playoff spots in the East, get into why this race is a real win for parity and those who like late-season stakes, and whether the Raptors are in good enough form for them to feel good about how they'll close things out over the final three games. Plus, Sean and Katie field a couple mailbag questions from you, the listeners! What happens if the Raptors crash out of the Play-in Tournament and miss the playoffs entirely? Will there be drastic changes with the roster or in the front office? Plus, what have they had their mind changed on the most since the start of the Raptors season?  Discord: https://discord.gg/m7d3f2Sb  Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join t

The Toronto Raptors mopped the floor with the Miami Heat, 121-95, in their first of two critical matchups this week on Tuesday night. In Episode 2082, Sean Woodley digs into why the Raptors are pretty clearly just a better basketball team than the gimmick-dependent Heat, how the return of Immanuel Quickley restored balance to the Raptors offense and helped unleash Scottie Barnes for his 25-8-5 night, and why the healthy Raptors with all their parts have a lot going for them. Next, after another wildly impactful outing, Sean digs into why Collin Murray-Boyles late season surge should be earning him serious All-Rookie Team consideration. Lastly, Sean runs through The Good (another good night of scoreboard watching), The Bad (Brandon Ingram's offensive process, which didn't matter!) and The Hmmm (Can we get more of that Quickley-Walter-Barnes-Mamu-CMB lineup?) to round out the show.  Discord: https://discord.gg/m7d3f2Sb Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked O

Zulfi Sheikh and Duane Notice recap the Toronto Raptors 121-95 win over the Miami Heat on Tuesday. A full team effort in a MUST-WIN situation that included dominance in the paint, on the glass and from the leaders in Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 

The Toronto Raptors take on the Miami Heat tonight in the first of two absolutely critical matchups between the Eastern Conference playoff hopefuls this week. In Episode 2081, Sean Woodley goes solo to take stock of the stakes at play in tonight's first Raptors-Heat tilt, the injuries to Immanuel Quickley, Collin Murray-Boyles, Tyler Herro and Norman Powell that could swing the outcome, the Raptors' improved play against zone defense and why it could be put to the test tonight, and much more ahead of arguably the most important game of the season. Plus, Sean digs into mailbag questions about the case for the Raptors being able to pull a first round upset (if there is one), whether this roster is closer to its ceiling or floor with its results this year, the build of this team compared to the last Raptors team to make the playoffs in 2021-22, the most important archetype for the Raptors' to target this summer, and WNBA free agents he'd like to see the Toronto Tempo take a run at.  Discord: https://discord.gg/m

The Toronto Raptors spanked a tanking Grizzlies team and loss to the Celtics after three hard fought quarters on Sunday, and it sure would have been nice to have gotten more out of the Raptors core guys on Friday. In Episode 2080, Sean Woodley is joined by Vivek Jacob to talk about the struggles of the Raptors' starters in Boston, Collin Murray-Boyles and Ja'Kobe Walter looking like pillars of the future and the state of the playoff race in the East. Off the top, they examine Scottie Barnes' issues with scoring and the limits of the Point Scottie experience. Next, they dive into the improvement of Collin Murray-Boyles as a scorer, Walter never missing threes, and why both guys look like winning pieces of the team around Scottie Barnes going forward. Lastly, they run through The Good (Mamu, IQ working his way back), The Bad (playoff seeding no longer entirely in the Raptors' hands) and The Hmmm (What if the Raptors get stuck in the Play-in?) to round out the show.  Discord: https://discord.gg/zT6C9jmy Everyday

Zulfi Sheikh and Duane Notice recap the Toronto Raptors 115-101 loss to the Boston Celtics on Sunday. Despite going into the fourth down by only three points thanks to Ja'Kobe Walter and Collin Murray-Boyles, the Raptors lose to the Celtics in Boston ... AGAIN. Where was the leadership? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 

Zulfi Sheikh recaps the Toronto Raptors 128-96 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. A beatdown that required a second-quarter reset thanks to Jamal Shead and plenty of points in the paint. A much-needed response with just five games left. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 

The Toronto Raptors lost an absolute stinker to the Sacramento Kings, and they're now in the Play-in. COOL! In Episode 2079, Sean Woodley goes solo to break down one of the more inexcusable losses you'll ever see. Off the top, Sean talks about what an unserious performance it was from the team, from their unspooled defense to their incessant fouling to Scottie Barnes' scoring struggles to the nonchalance with which the team played all night. Not great! Next, Sean spotlights the guys who were good: Collin Murray-Boyles, Sandro Mamukelshvili and Jamal Shead, who all probably should have closed the game, but did not. Hmm. Lastly, Sean wraps things up with The Good (REVENGE GAMES!), The Bad (everyone else won) and The Hmm (Scottie-Mamu-Jak lineups) to round out the show.  Discord: https://discord.gg/zT6C9jmy Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loya

Zulfi Sheikh and Duane Notice recap the Toronto Raptors 123-115 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. An unacceptable outcome to one of the worst teams in the league in what was a must-win situation. Toronto was DOMINATED on the glass and fell victim to a pair of former Raptors all night. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 

The Toronto Raptors offense sputtered out the gate and never quite recovered as they fell 127-116 to the Detroit Pistons. In Episode 2073, Sean Woodley goes solo to talk about how Point Scottie Barnes got contained as a scorer by the Pistons, even as he was able to thread a series of very rad passes through the oppressive Pistons defense. The Raptors clearly have some ways to give the Pistons trouble, but they need Immanuel Quickley available if they're gonna have enough juice on offense to overcome Detroit's size and length. Next, Sean talks about the fun fourth quarter flourish from the bench group of Jamal Shead, Ja'Kobe Walter, Collin Murray-Boyles, AJ Lawson and Sandro Mamukelashvili. Lastly, Sean runs through The Good (Walters' on-ball defense), The Bad (Jak getting the business from Jalen Duren) and The Hmmm (Will Lawson get his two-way converted to an NBA deal?) to round out the show.  Discord: https://discord.gg/zT6C9jmy Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join