The Toronto Raptors shrugged off some early struggles to put together a great season in 2021-22.

The Raptors seemed destined for a rebuilding year before the calendar flipped to 2022, starting 14-17. They are 39-31 now, meaning they have gone 25-13 since that 17th loss in late December, a stretch that includes separate win streaks of five, six and seven games.

As the postseason fast approaches, here are three reasons why the Raptors can make noise in the Eastern Conference.

Why Raptors can make noise in Eastern Conference

There is no clear favorite in the East 

The Eastern Conference could produce just about anyone when it comes to the Finals. Some teams will have a better starting position in the playoffs, of course, but that does not always mean much.