Toronto Raptors start playoffs today

It is almost guaranteed we here at Canadian Corner will cover the NHL playoffs since Canadian-based teams are extremely likely to make the playoffs. After all, Canadian-based teams make up 20% of the league.

Much less likely is our coverage of the NBA playoffs, since the Canadian-based team is 3% of the league. After the Grizzlies moved from Vancouver, Toronto is the only team left. And for the first time since 2002, the Raptors are in the playoffs.

The Raptors are Atlantic Division champions and will play the New Jersey Nets. Vince Carter, perhaps the team's best-known franchise player, now plays for New Jersey. This is the first division crown for Toronto.

The TV coverage will be spotty at best. NBA TV is a digital cable channel I don't even get. All the games should be available nationwide on cable in Canada. A game here and there could air in the states on ABC, though Toronto will likely have to advance to the next round for that to happen.

In the NBA culture, Toronto is out there whereas Toronto has fit in well in the MLB culture. So little attention will be paid to Toronto unless they do something huge in the postseason.