2017-18 NBA Regular Season: 10 pleasant surprises

#9 Toronto Raptors locking up the No. 1 seed in the East

DeMar DeRozan has been money for the Raptors this year

Unlike 2 seasons ago, when the Toronto Raptors had a 56-26 record but were not favorites to progress through their Conference playoffs by any means, they look good value for the #1 seeding which they've locked up this season.

This seeding is important since it gives them homecourt advantage through their Conference run, which could be crucial against the likes of Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers - teams who they could run into as early as the second round.

The Raptors currently own a 58-22 record and their overall play at both ends of the court suggests a significant improvement on their play from recent seasons. They are ranked 3rd in offensive efficiency, 5th in defensive efficiency and 3rd in net rating, and they pass the eye test as one of the best teams in the league on both ends of the floor.

The most surprising development is the progress that the Raptors have made in terms of running a modern NBA offense. They have taken significant touches away from DeRozan and Lowry, allowing the rest of their role players to step up - which they have done, big time.

They run a number of unconventional plays now and allow all their players the freedom to handle the rock during possessions and make plays one-on-one.