#toronto-raptors

#toronto-raptors

The Raptors opened the game scorching hot from all areas of the court, not unlike the 76ers on Monday. Guys were making shots from all over. Murray-Boyles with two left handed layups. Scottie Barnes with a spinning middy. Brandon Ingram working Nesmith for a short corner jumper. Jamison Battle capping off an 11-2 run with a deep three from the left wing.

I got an opportunity to experience probably one of the greatest basketball moments of my personal career,

When a reporter inquired whether there was a particular reason for his decision not to use Agbaji, Toronto's head coach simply replied, " No. I just made the decision to go with other guys." The exchange didn't end there, as the reporter followed up with, " How come?" Rajakovic responded, " That's how I decided to give opportunity [sic] to other guys. Coach's decision." Now, there's no more point-blank answer than that from Coach Darko, who has a knack for replying in this blunt tone.

Raptors Outlook Record: 22-15 | 4th in Eastern ConferenceOffensive Rating: 114.0 (19th) | Defensive Rating: 111.8 (4th) | Net Rating: +2.1 (11th) Charlotte is an extremely weak defensive team, with injuries to an already subpar center position. Their point-of-attack defense is also compromised as it is led by LaMelo Ball, a notoriously poor defender, and Kon Knueppel who is also not a standout defender.

Fans are seeing ups and downs in the Raptors' 2025-26 campaign. After a rough 2-4 start in October, they posted a 12-3 record in November, then went on somewhat of an underwhelming 6-8 run in December. But mind you, there are plenty of uncertainties surrounding the Raptors lately - especially when it comes to Jakob Poeltl's injury issues, whether the high-cost Immanuel Quickley investment is really paying off, and thought-provoking trade scenarios that could unfold as the deadline approaches.

Barnes makes All NBA and finishes top two in DPOY: Barnes absolutely has the opportunity to win Defensive Player of the Year this season. He has been a whirlwind of defensive destruction akin to the Tasmanian Devil. Currently Barnes is seventh in betting odds to win the award, but in my opinion should be no lower than third and I think has a real chance to finish top two in voting.

The first half of the year has been quite the roller-coaster of emotions for the Toronto Raptors. First the 1-4 start to the season had everyone in a panic, and then the 13-1 stretch where the team peaked as high the 2nd seed had people crowning them champions. And then, RJ Barrett went down with his knee injury and the team seemed incapable of generating offense.