The Toronto Raptors may have a record of only 1-2 but oddly enough for some reason it feels like 3-0.  In losses to Indiana and Brooklyn, the Raptors were close all the way until the end.  They were never really out of it and should have won the game against Indiana.  Their one win against Minnesota last night, it was close until the beginning of the fourth quarter when the Raptors pulled away.  Kyle Lowry was once again outstanding in the win.  Demar DeRozan is finally becoming the player we all hoped he would be.  Raptors coach Dwane Casey on the game, "We took a little step forward tonight.  We had a lot more possessions because of the turnovers."  While being 1-2 is nothing to celebrate, their play is something to celebrate.

The Raptors next stretch of games will tell us how the season is going to go.  They will be on the road to face the NBA finalist Oklahoma City Thunder then travel to face the Dallas Mavericks.  Be in those two games or win and we have a pretty darn good chance at making the playoffs this year.

So far in three games this year, the only negative thing so far is the play of Andrea Bargnani.  He went 4-16 from the field and only had 10 points in 24 minutes.  Through three games he is only averaging 13 points per game and 2 rebounds per game.  Though Bargnani is struggling, the Raptors have the luxury of a very deep bench.  12 players played for the Raptors and 10 of them made the score sheet last night.

Though it's only 3 games into the season, there is a lot to be optimistic about.  With the Celtics and 76ers struggling, a playoff spot looks promising.  Let's see how we do in our upcoming ten game stretch.  This will give us a clearer picture of where the Raptors are headed.  Coming out of the short west coast trip 2-0 is not out of the question.  I expect the Raptors to be competitive and the games will be close.  Only 3 games in and a record of 1-2 but it feels like the Raptors record is 3-0.