Toronto's current March record stands at 1-3, falling relatively short of what fans hope to see during this final stretch before the playoffs. While it’s somewhat easier to accept these losses knowing they came against top-tier opponents — the Knicks, Timberwolves, and Rockets — the results still cast a worrying shadow over the Raptors' ability to compete with strong teams as the playoff race heats up. With so much at stake in this stretch, the upcoming games will be crucial for Toronto's postseason hopes.
And while we’re on the topic of struggles and a troubling shadow emerging, the Raptors' resident gritty guard Jamal Shead has had an exceptionally difficult stretch lately.