The Toronto Raptors are struggling a bit to start this 2021-22 season after an exhausting and disappointing 2020-21 campaign. The Raptors won only 29 games last season while playing all their home games in Tampa. That was their first missed postseason since 2012-13.

This season, Toronto has started with an 8-9 record and will have to claw its way back into the playoffs. While this start and OG Anunoby's injury aren't ideal, there are still reasons to believe in this Raptors team. To explain the optimism, here are three clear reasons why the Raptors could be a sleeping giant in the Eastern Conference.

Toronto Raptors' playoff push 

3. Poor home record up until now 

Scotiabank Arena was not a place that a lot of teams wanted to visit previously. As the only Canadian franchise in the league, the Raptors always boasted a full capacity arena and roaring fans. Prior to the start of this season, their record at home since the 2017-18 season was 89-25, a truly amazing mark.

This season, however, has been a different story. The Raptors have started 2-6 at home and do not look good playing in front of their crowd. While this can be concerning, this will change.

There are probably some jitters in the team to start the season. The Raptors played home games last season in Tampa due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. Even before last season, they were in the bubble for the 2020 NBA Playoffs, meaning that they could not have the support of their fans present. With a full arena backing them after almost two years, it is completely understandable that the team is still a tiny bit nervous.

Also, losing Kyle Lowry in the offseason could be a part of this issue. While it seems like a stretch in the preface, Lowry was a vocal leader and was able to get the arena and his teammates going. The Raptors desperately need that kind of energy in the squad so that the fans can be their sixth player on the court when it comes to home games. It remains to be seen whether Pascal Siakam can be that guy going forward.

2. Plethora of injuries 

The Raptors have played 17 games this season, and only three players have played all 17: Gary Trent Jr, Svi Mykhailiuk, and Dalano Banton. Except for Trent, this group does not constitute players who should be getting rotation minutes in a playoff team. Their key players have missed at least some time, affecting their cohesion on the court.

The big one here is Siakam, presumed to be the best player on the roster. Siakam has played just six games this season after recovering from shoulder surgery, and once he is consistently playing and playing well, the Raptors' record should improve.

The key players for the roster need to be in the lineup together to develop consistency and chemistry. While Anunoby's injury throws a wrench into that, the hope is he won't miss too much time and will be back in the fold at some point.

It will also be interesting to see what happens with Goran Dragic, who has been in and out of the rotation, but not due to injury. There will likely be a trade at some point.

1. Scottie Barnes will be even better

The Raptors rookie has surprised most out there who did not have him making an impact this early. A lot of analysts had him as a project pick who needed a lot of adjustment, but he has been great for the Raptors. In the 15 games he has played, Barnes is averaging 14.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. While his 3-point shot has not been falling, he finds other ways to impact the game.

The number to be concentrated on here is the assists. While 3.2 sounds small, there is a way to look at it in a different manner. Barnes, at Florida State, showcased incredible passing talent. If given the ball to distribute and get his teammates involved, Barnes will be able to get the Raptors to another level. In the fifth game of the season, Barnes put up 18 points, seven rebounds, and added seven assists, showcasing that he can develop that part of his game in the NBA as well.

This is all just a start for Barnes. After a single season at Florida State, he joined this Raptors team that is giving him a ton of space to really show off his talent. Coach Nick Nurse clearly has a lot of trust in his rookie, and Barnes has rewarded him to this point. It is clear to anyone watching that he will continue rewarding both Nurse and the Raptors faithful.