Welcome to the weekly NBA stock report where we go around the league and examine whose stock is rising and whose is falling.

In the penultimate regular-season edition of the NBA Stock Report, the Toronto Raptors are poised for big things in the playoffs, history might have to wait, and things are starting to look up for the Philadelphia 76ers…maybe.

Stock Rising

The Toronto Raptors: The Raptors have enjoyed their best season in franchise history, and have been comfortably locked in to the second seed in the Eastern Conference for quite some time now. It is speculated that San Antonio Spurs head coach Greg Popovich even sees them making the NBA Finals.

In addition to this boost of confidence, the Raptors have all the reasons in the world to be content with how they’re positioned. The Chicago Bulls, who have been a thorn in Toronto’s side the past few years, are hanging onto their post-season hopes for dear life. Even if they make it in, they have no chance of climbing up to seventh.

As for other possible Eastern Conference foes? Dwane Casey’s group has won the season series against six of the other seven teams currently occupying a playoff spot. They’ll have the chance to go a perfect seven-for-seven Friday if they can defeat the Indiana Pacers. Oh, and DeMarre Carroll is back. Things are looking pretty peachy in Raptorland.

The Dallas Mavericks: Not too long ago, it seemed like the Mavericks were going to fall completely out of the playoff race. Don’t look now, but Dallas has won its past five games, including an absolutely crucial battle of Texas with the ninth-place Houston Rockets on Wednesday. Dirk Nowitzki seems ready for a 15th post-season appearance, however brief this one may be. The Mavs’ final four games won’t be a walk in the park, though, as they finish their schedule against four playoff-calibre squads.

The Philadelphia 76ers: General manager Sam Hinkie, the man behind ‘The Process,’ announced his resignation on Wednesday and it appears to be a positive for the beleaguered franchise. On Hinkey’s watch, the 76ers posted three consecutive sub-20-win seasons, setting several records for futility along the way.

In steps former Raptors GM and two-time Executive of the Year Bryan Colangelo. United with his father Jerry, it will be interesting to monitor which direction the Sixers take. Will they stay on their path of stockpiling young players, or will the new regime attempt to bring in some more proven talent?

Stock Falling

Raptors fans: Raptors supporters have become the stuff of legend over the past two years, packing the area outside the Air Canada Centre during the playoffs to prove their loyalty. Maybe it’s a result of the team losing trust following last season’s painful sweep at the hands of the Washington Wizards, but the city of Toronto just doesn’t seem to be as invested in the Raptors as it should be.

As mentioned earlier, this instalment of the Raptors is the best in franchise history. We’ll see what the vibe is like once the playoffs roll around and if fans continue to flock to Jurassic Park, all will be forgiven. The bandwagon will have plenty of room.

James Johnson: With the emergence of rookie Norm Powell, who has done a superb job since being inserted into the starting lineup, and the return of Carroll, there simply aren’t enough minutes at the wing for Johnson to see the floor for the Raptors.

Even with the long-term injury to Carroll, Johnson’s playing time has been spotty. On the year, he’s averaged 5.0 points and 2.2 rebounds in 16 minutes per game. He’s an unrestricted free agent come the end of the season, and it would be a shock to see him back with the club in 2016-17.

Warriors’ shot at history: All year long, it seemed inevitable that the Golden State Warriors would break the 1995-96 Bulls’ record for wins in a season. Now it’s anything but a lock.

After defeating the Spurs at home on Thursday night, Golden State must finish the campaign 3-0 in order to set a new NBA mark with 73 wins. Steph Curry and co. will play the banged-up Memphis Grizzlies twice, who they should be able to handle. However, there is one final game against the Spurs looming, and it will take place in San Antonio – on the second night of a back-to-back no less – where no visiting team has been able to pull out a victory.