Toronto Raptors superfan Nav Bhatia predicts big things for team in 2016 NBA playoffs

Superfan Nav Bhatia says the Toronto Raptors have momentum on their side and will go much deeper into the playoffs this time around.

"It's going to be an amazing time for Toronto. We are blessed right now, we have everything going on," said Bhatia on CBC Radio's Metro Morning Friday.

The Raptors begin their pursuit of an NBA championship on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. at the Air Canada Centre. Their first test is the Indiana Pacers, a team they went 3-1 against during the regular season.

Bhatia, who says he hasn't missed a Raptors game in 21 years, says the key to success will be to win Game 1, something the Raptors have failed to do in their two previous trips to the playoffs which both ended in the first round.

"We're going to win this one," said Bhatia. "We are zero for six in the playoffs right now and I think we learned a lot from our losses."

The Raptors are coming off a franchise record 56-win season. In addition, Toronto's two starting guards, Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan represented the team at the All-Star Game, which was hosted here in February.

Bhatia thinks that momentum will help the Raptors. He also likes the team's chemistry, something influenced by a mix of young talent and savvy veterans.

"These are excellent players who've learned from the past," Bhatia said. "Every player knows his role right now … the team chemistry is right."

In terms of his own role on the sidelines, Bhatia was coy when asked if he'll be trying to throw off the Pacers with some trash talk.

"I will be doing all I can within the rules and regulations," said Bhatia. "I always do that. This year I believe I'll do my job and the team will do their job." 

That's something the fans have noticed, Bhatia said. From his special spot on the baseline, he's watched as Raptors fans have "shown love" all season long.

Now, he's hoping the Raptors can reward that love and give fans an NBA title.