The Toronto Raptors required a string of successful performances and their longest winning streak in two seasons, but they finally have played their way off the playoff bubble.
With a 117-98 road victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, the Raptors extended their win streak to seven games and moved into sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings, one-half game above the leading postseason play-in position.
Toronto will conclude its three-game road trip Thursday against the Houston Rockets, seeking an eighth straight victory and continued momentum through a trade deadline in which some contenders might reshape their rosters. For the Raptors, optimal health has been the key.
Reserve center Chris Boucher is the lone Toronto player to have appeared in at least 50 games this season. However, now that the Raptors are at full strength, they appear reborn, with Pascal Siakam (27 points, 16 rebounds on Wednesday) and OG Anunoby (15 points, 10 rebounds) posting double-doubles…