Toronto Raptors road games are amongst the best attended in the NBA this season

Author Photo
#RapsFans

There's been an on-going myth that those south of the border don't want to watch the Toronto Raptors. 

In recent years, the Raptors have been featured more and more on U.S. TV but the appetite for Raptors' basketball doesn't stop there — it's spilling into the arenas, too. 

Through the first month and a half of the season, the Raptors are currently ranked second in road percentage attendance behind only LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the L.A. Lakers according to ESPN's attendance report

More people percentage-wise are rolling into opposing arenas to watch the defending NBA Champs then the star-studded Clippers, rejuvenated Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks who have rising star Luka Doncic.

Other surprises amongst the data? The Zion effect is still alive and well as the Pelicans are ranked sixth in road attendance percentage despite their prized first overall selection not playing a single minute.

The Bucks, who have been off to a hot start again this year powered by reigning league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo are ranked in the bottom half of the league. Giannis may be one of the most unique and talented players we've seen in the league in quite some time, but fans in opposing cities haven't been dying to see him yet.

2020 Road Attendance Report
Team Road Games Average attendance Attendance %
L.A Lakers 9 18,933 102.2%
Raptors 10 18,557 99.6%
L.A. Clippers 8 17,857 98.7%
Thunder 9 17,997 98.1%
Trail Blazers 13 18,020 98.0%
Pelicans 10 18,183 97.7%
Kings 10 18,266 96.8%
Rockets 9 18,347 96.7%
Celtics 12 18,249 96.6%
Mavericks 9 17,899 96.3%

*All data courtesy of ESPN

Moral of the story: if you're planning to catch the Raptors on the road in 2020, don't be surprised if you're one the many chanting "Let's go Raptors" in an opposing arena.

The views expressed here do not represent those of the NBA or its clubs.

Author(s)
Carlan Gay Photo

Carlan Gay is a deputy editor at The Sporting News.