Reading the Toronto Raptors Tarot Cards ahead of New York Knicks game

The 8-28 Toronto Raptors need a little divine intervention as they head into a three game road trip against the Knicks, Cavaliers, and Pistons.

What a Toronto Raptors season we are having.

The 8-28 Raptors sit 14th in the Eastern Conference, above only the 6-28 Washington Wizards. There has been some rough games through it all, some minor highlights, and overall just a lot of reminding oneself what the goal is: top draft pick.

Another highlight of this week was finally getting to see the Raptors core play together. For the first time this season, we got to see a starting lineup of Barnes, Barrett, Quickley, Dick and Poeltl against Milwaukee on Monday. Thought it still resulted in a loss, it was just nice to finally see it happen.

Now, the Toronto Raptors head out on a three-game road trip to New York, Cleveland, and Detroit. First stop tonight is the Big Apple, where Barrett and Quickley will play against their old team and Raptors fans will get to see O.G. Anunoby play.

With the Raptors sitting in 14th and the New York Knicks sitting in 3rd in the Eastern Conference, I don’t have to sit here and tell you what the forecast is for this game. Not only do the records reflect this, but the Knicks have lost their last three games. Tonight will be an easy one to end that streak. We know the “likely” outcome. Instead, let’s do something different.

For today’s game preview, I am going to read the Toronto Raptors tarot cards.

I’m not going to waste any time before disclaiming that I am NOT A PROFESSIONAL TAROT READER. I am simply a girl with a deck of tarot cards. I play around with them for my own personal enjoyment. This is meant to be joke-y and fun, not a serious prediction.

Okay, with that out of the way. What are tarot cards? They are cards that some use in divination practices, with each card having meaning that the reader interprets based on questions they ask the deck. It’s all up for interpretation. Like regular cards, there are suits, but there are also other cards. I’ll let you all google more about tarot if you’re interested, but for the purposes of this exercise I am simply going to write down three questions I have about the Raptors, shuffle out a card, and write down my reading here. Let’s do it!

Question 1: What do the Toronto Raptors need to keep in mind tonight in order to be successful against the Knicks?

Tarot Card: Two of Wands

General Card Meanings: Planning and moving forward, with an emphasis on progression. This card represents what comes after making a plan — fulfilling it. In order to achieve goals you need to be adventurous and take risks in your pursuit, you need to leave your comfort zone.

My Raptors interpretation: If we are talking just about this game, then it’a bout sticking to the game plan and more importantly the development plan. This team is clearly on the lottery path, so what’s the harm in trying new things on that path? Try out new lineups, give young guys more minutes if they are playing well. Losing is uncomfortable, but if you trust that the long term plan set in place will heed results, then commit 100% to it. Individually, players need to be thinking about their own long term progression for themselves beyond this season. What can they do today to be better tomorrow?

Question 2: What will the Raptors 2025 lottery pick do for the team?

Tarot Card: Ace of Wands

General Card Meaning: The Ace of Wands points towards new passion, spark, and creative energy. It is seen as the “less mature” version of the two of wands, coincidentally. It can also symbolize a breakthrough moment in a journey — when you are motivated to continue with your project. It symbolizes excitement about what is opening up for you in the near future.

My Raptors Interpretation: uh, on point much? Thanks spirits. Getting this card when asking about a lottery pick in a draft is baller, and the Raptors need a breakthrough. They’ve been wading in these rebuilding waters for years and something’s gotta give. It feels like this draft pick is going to give everyone the push and motivation needed to start bringing this team back to former glory. Relief from struggle would be just what the Raptors need, and the player coming in could be the fresh start both he and the team need. I like that two of the three cards I pull are wands (maybe the third will be too?) because the Wands suit is about passion and creativity — artistic pursuits. Basketball is full of passion but that can lost in a losing year. It’s never gone forever though.

Question 3: What should we keep in mind as the Toronto Raptors head toward the trade deadline?

Tarot Card: Page of Cups

General Card Meaning: Being open to new ideas as they come, especially when those ideas intuitively make themselves known. Tackling challenges from new perspectives if you feel stuck. Listening to your intuition as you follow your calling and believe anything is possible. Doing things that would make your inner child proud.

My Raptors Interpretation: Okay maybe I pulled the Masai card? Haha kidding! Yet, this seems like a good perspective to have when navigating an ever-changing NBA market. Is any trade impossible? I think the Raptors’ front office is pretty well known for trusting their intuition when it comes to making decisions, which has worked out extremely well and also backfired. That’s just life. From an outside perspective, I think a lot of sports fans have the habit of instantly judging any move, trade, or deal. They forget to understand that this is a game of chess and not shooting archery — that results often are not instantaneous. When thinking about a losing team, it’s great to think about the idea of an inner child. Would your younger self give up on the Raptors for a few bad seasons? Probably not. Be patient and keep an open mind.

The Toronto Raptors will play at Madison Square Garden tonight against the New York Knicks. Here are the game deets:

Where to Watch: TSN, 7:30pm

Lineups:

Toronto: Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Gradey Dick, Jakob Poeltl

New York: Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Jericho Sims, Josh Hart

Injuries:

Toronto: Battle, Chomche, Lawson, Mogbo all with the Raptors 905

New York: Miles McBride (hamstring — questionable), Karl Anthony Towns (knee — questionable), Mitchell Robinson (ankle — out), Kevin McCullar Jr (knee — out)