NBA: 5 teams to watch out for after the All-Star Break

#4 Toronto Raptors (41-16):

DeRozan and Lowry have formed an unbeatable backcourt

The Toronto Raptors have always been a team that are considered "just good enough". Past couple of seasons, they have been performing well enough to make the Semifinals of the Eastern Conference just to lose to LeBron James and the Cavaliers. But this year, coach Dwane Casey has turned this team into a new look roster with the same old players. DeMar DeRozan, the Midrange Marauder, has added a 3-point shot that is consistent and has been averaging a cool 23.7 points per game, 5.2 assists and 33.0% shooting from behind the arc on at least 3.5 attempts a game, which is a career-high for him.

The Raptors have made such a drastic turnaround in such a short time, that it was rocketed them to the top seed in the Eastern Conference, with a 2-game lead over the Boston Celtics, who have been under the limelight all the way.

The emergence of Ibaka as a floor-spacing big, alongside rookie OG Anunoby, who has established himself in this rotation, has had a profound impact on their season. The bench strength has also had a big-time influence on the results. Players like Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, and Jakob Poeltl, who have had breakout campaigns this season, have been a dependable asset to the team.

They are a team to watch out for as they can actually cause an upset and stay the #1 seed in the East and be favorites for the Conference title this season.

Players to watch out for: DeMar DeRozan, OG Anunoby, Delon Wright, Jakob Poeltl.