TOP-SIX LOCKS? Why the Raptors should have no problem hanging onto a playoff spot

The Toronto Raptors are holding onto the fifth-seed in the Eastern Conference with a handful of teams behind them, but is their grip on a top-six playoff spot less precarious than it feels? In Episode 2043, Sean Woodley goes solo to take stock of the race for the 5th and 6th seeds in the Eastern Conference before taking one last opportunity to address tanking and other rule changes that always get talked to death during All-Star Week. Off the top, Sean talks about why the Raptors' hopes for a top-four finish and home court in the first round are starting to look slimmer by the day, and why they should still be the comfortable favourites to hang onto the fifth seed considering the issues plaguing the Sixers, Heat and Magic behind them. And yes, the Hornets are playing super well, but they've too far behind the Raptors to mount a serious push to pass them. Next, Sean puts on his commissioner cap for one more day, and proposes fixes to the draft lottery and the length of the schedule, overtime rules, basket interference, and the rules around live ball timeouts in clutch moments of games. Discord: https://discord.gg/5bc4rQHt Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/lockedonnba.Quo — no missed calls, no missed customers. 5-Hour ENERGYHave your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastGametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelUse your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals.Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started.  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Show Theme Music: Keep Fallin' / The Passion HiFi on SoundCloud Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.