It was worth a double-take and a careful accounting: wait, the Raptors played only two games over the past week? Yes, it’s true. In a season in which it’s felt like Toronto has often crammed in five contests per week on a supremely gruelling timetable, the past seven days have been something of a salve — two contests, a 1-1 outcome, and some much-needed rest and recuperation (and, sure, some fun too).
Unfortunately, while the Raptors were taking a modest break, they were also losing ground in their quest for the 10th seed and their shrinking chance at a real playoff spot.