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The International Fan Site of the Toronto Raptors Basketball Club
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The Raptors start NBA Cup contention today. Are they ready?
The Toronto Raptors open NBA Cup Group Play with a 30‑point win over a shorthanded Orlando Magic and now face a second‑round showdown that could cement their return to the knockout round. Missing only Kawhi Leonard and rookie center Nate Bittle, Toronto relies on Scottie Barnes’s All‑Star form (20+ ppg, recent double‑double) and the expanded role of Ja’Kobe Walter, while hoping center Jakob Poeltl regains shooting confidence. Their group includes the Bucks, Pistons—who pose the toughest test with strong interior play—and the Nets, positioning the Raptors as early favorites without Leonard. A win tonight tightens the lineup before a three‑game Western road trip against the Lakers, Nuggets and Clippers.
Can Ja’Kobe Walter step up in Kawhi’s absence?
The Toronto Raptors lose Kawhi Leonard for several weeks after a knee swelling, leaving a sizable hole in the lineup early in the 2026‑27 season. Third‑year guard Ja’Kobe Walter emerges as the most viable option to fill the void, having scored a career‑high 22 points on 7‑of‑12 shooting (including five threes) in the 117‑94 loss to Minnesota on Oct. 25. Walter’s perimeter shooting, defensive instincts and ability to play off primary ball‑handlers give him a chance to earn more minutes, but consistency remains the key question. With Leonard sidelined, the coaching staff will test Walter’s decision‑making and transition play, offering a crucial stretch for the young guard to prove his ceiling and secure a larger role in Toronto’s rotation.
5 free agent targets for the Toronto Tempo
As free agency looms for the 2027 WNBA season, the Toronto Tempo—an expansion team that started 9‑9 before injuries—have ample cap space and a champion coach in Sandy Brondello. Their biggest needs lie at power forward and center, where they must upgrade scoring and fix a defense that ranked last in efficiency. The article highlights five potential targets: Napheesa Collier, whose frontcourt scoring could revitalize Toronto’s offense; defensive stalwart DiJonai Carrington to bolster the wing; rim‑protecting Awak Kuier, a former EuroLeague Defensive Player of the Year; plus two unnamed prospects. With the league offering at least $1.4 million in max‑deal space, the Tempo’s pursuit of these frontcourt upgrades could push them toward contention.
“Yak is our starter,” but here’s what Rajaković’s centre rotation might look like
Raptor coach Darko Rajaković backs centre Jakob Poeltl despite a sluggish start—averaging just 3 points, 4.5 rebounds and under a block in under 20 minutes over the first four games—citing his defensive impact that doesn’t show up in the box score. At the same time, Rajaković hints at shaking up the centre rotation, giving more minutes to 6'9" rookie Trayce Jackson‑Davis, who grabbed 11 rebounds after Poeltl and Collin Murray‑Boyles fell into foul trouble. With the team set to face the Orlando Magic Friday, the coach will weigh Poeltl’s chance to prove starter status against Jackson‑Davis’s push for a larger role.
Takeaways & Quotes: Raptors defeat Magic 129-99
The Toronto Raptors routed the Orlando Magic 129-99 on Oct. 28, improving to 3-1 and 1-1 without Kawhi Leonard. RJ Barrett led with 25 points on 50% shooting, matching his second‑best halftime output, while Scottie Barnes posted 28 points, six rebounds and four assists. A pivotal 11‑2 run early in the game featured contributions from Immanuel Quickley, Jamal Shead (who scored a season‑high 13 off the bench), Jamison Battle and rookie Trayce Jackson‑Davis, sparking a comeback and energizing Scotiabank Arena. Coach Darko Rajaković praised the bench’s effort and highlighted Barnes’ paint‑first strategy. The win underscores the Raptors’ depth and resilience in Leonard’s absence.
A closer look at the Raptors 17-5 record in 2019 ahead of Magic matchup
The Raptors head into Wednesday’s showdown with the Orlando Magic missing Kawhi Leonard, who is sidelined with left‑knee swelling. The article revisits Toronto’s 17‑5 record without Leonard in 2019, noting ten wins came against Eastern opponents—nine of them non‑playoff teams—while all five losses were to playoff clubs. With the Magic also shorthanded (Paolo Banchero out 4‑6 weeks, Jalen Suggs out at least two), the piece breaks down the Raptors’ past performance without their star and highlights how those trends could shape the upcoming Eastern‑conference clash.
“Returning soon.” Kawhi Leonard writes post-health announcement
Kawhi Leonard confirms he will miss several weeks with knee swelling but no structural damage, posting a personal tweet thanking fans and pledging a quick return. Raptors officials echo the update, noting a reassessment within a week. In his absence, RJ Barrett expects a larger offensive role, while rookie Ja’Kobe Walter delivered 22 points and two steals as a starter against Minnesota. The team will experiment with lineups, especially against the shorthanded Orlando Magic, as they gauge how to cope without Leonard’s spacing. Transparency from Leonard and Toronto may keep fans reassured during his load‑management stint.
Kawhi Leonard also missed a week of games with the Raptors in 2019
Kawhi Leonard is entering a one‑week rehab for left‑knee swelling, with a re‑evaluation set for Nov. 4. Raptors officials note imaging shows no acute injury, mirroring his 2019 stint when he missed four games as load management while Toronto posted a 3‑1 record. If cleared, Leonard will miss matchups against the Lakers and Clippers, adding to the 34‑game absence he endured with the Clippers in 2024‑25 due to chronic knee issues. Despite setbacks, he logged 37 of the last 48 games last season and played 65 games the year before, his second‑best stretch since 2016‑17.
Kevin Porter Jr. should be kept far away from the Toronto Raptors
Kevin Porter Jr., recently waived by the Milwaukee Bucks after posting 17 points, seven assists and two steals per game, is unlikely to be a fit for the Toronto Raptors. Despite his on‑court production, his documented history of legal trouble—including a misdemeanor assault and harassment plea tied to alleged domestic abuse—raises serious concerns. Raptors fans have voiced frustration with point guard Immanuel Quickley, but the article warns that Porter’s past volatility could disrupt the team’s locker‑room chemistry, which the Raptors prioritize. The piece argues the Raptors should avoid adding Porter to their roster as they pursue a playoff push.
Fans want Chris Boucher back on the Raptors after last night’s game
After a 94-117 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Raptors fans are urging former big man Chris Boucher to return to Toronto. The defeat highlighted scoring blanks from starters Jakob Poeltl and Scottie Barnes, sparking calls for a change at center. Boucher, who last played for the Celtics and posted a supportive tweet on Oct. 26, 2026, received a flood of nostalgic messages from fans. Although his recent averages (2 points, 2 rebounds) and 6'8" frame suggest a limited bench role, supporters hope his defensive presence could boost morale and address the team's interior woes.
The Raptors have two spooky theme nights coming this week
The Toronto Raptors host back‑to‑back games against the Orlando Magic on Oct. 28 (7:30 PM) and Oct. 30, turning both nights into Halloween‑themed spectacles. The first features a fan costume contest and glow‑in‑the‑dark skeleton Raptor merch, while the second counts toward the Emirates NBA Cup group stage, where Toronto hopes to rebound from an Oct. 25 loss to Minnesota. Both teams are dealing with injuries—Kawhi Leonard’s status remains uncertain and the Magic are without Paolo Banchero and possibly Jalen Suggs—giving the Raptors a chance to regain momentum and vie for a Cup upset.
Yes, the Timberwolves ate the Raptors alive: Here’s why you shouldn’t panic
The Toronto Raptors suffered a 117-94 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves in their season opener without Kawhi Leonard, sparking concerns about the team's future. While Scottie Barnes went 0‑12, RJ Barrett showed his worth with 20 points and three steals, and bench player Ja’Kobe Walter dropped 22 points on 62.5% shooting from three. The article argues that Barrett could become the long‑term second‑option offense, but warns that Jakob Poeltl’s continued lack of production—zero points and no double‑digit rebounds over three games—remains a major issue, especially with his contract extension looming.
Leonard’s first absence gives young Raptors early test
Kawhi Leonard misses his first game back with the Toronto Raptors due to knee swelling, sidelining him for the crucial Sunday showdown against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Ja’Kobe Walter steps into the starting lineup as the two undefeated teams face off, providing an early test of the Raptors’ depth without Leonard. The article notes Leonard’s recent 27‑minute, 112‑102 win over the Wizards and his historic 60‑game 2019 season, while previewing upcoming back‑to‑back games against the Lakers and Clippers.
Raptors Rewind: I hope this legend isn’t forgotten
The piece revisits Toronto Raptors swing‑man Terrence Ross, a forgotten yet pivotal figure between the Vince Carter era and the 2019 championship. Ross spent 11 seasons primarily with Toronto, playing over 70 games each year, tying Carter’s 51‑point single‑game record and winning the 2013 NBA Slam Dunk Contest—the first Raptor victory since Carter in 2000. His trade to Orlando for Serge Ibaka in 2016‑17 helped reshape the Raptors’ frontcourt, setting the stage for future success. Ross later faced Toronto in the 2019 playoffs, ranking second on the Magic in points and steals as they fell in five games. The article argues his contributions deserve lasting recognition.
Raptors clash against Timberwolves as both seek to preserve winning streaks
The Toronto Raptors, boasting a 97‑point defensive average and two double‑digit wins, travel to face a revamped Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 25, 2026. Minnesota’s roster shake‑up adds LaMelo Ball, who brings elite playmaking, and Jonathan Kuminga at power forward, complementing Anthony Edwards. While the Wolves' offense exploded for 131 points in their season‑opener, depth concerns linger beyond Ayo Dosunmu and Terrence Shannon Jr. Key matchups include Rudy Gobert’s interior presence against the Raptors’ small‑ball scheme and the Raptors’ ability to exploit Ball and Kuminga’s defensive inexperience. The game serves as a crucial early‑season test for both teams after major offseason moves.
Raptors improve to 2-0 against Wizards
The Toronto Raptors snap to a 2-0 start for the first time since their 2019 championship season, beating the Washington Wizards 112-102 at Capital One Arena on Oct. 23. Scottie Barnes leads with a 28‑point, 14‑rebound double‑double, while RJ Barrett adds 23 points and Kawhi Leonard contributes 16. Despite the win, Toronto struggles with three‑point shooting (1‑of‑12 in the third) and early miscommunication, prompting foul trouble for Leonard, Quickley and Murray‑Boyles. A bench surge from Ja’Kobe Walter, Jamal Shead and Allen Graves fuels the lead, and the Raptors head to Minnesota for a Sunday night showdown.
The new normal for the Toronto Raptors: 40 point wins, the Bench Mob 2.0, and more?
The Raptors opened the season with a dominant 124‑81 win over the Chicago Bulls, their biggest margin in franchise history. Starters tallied 92 points while the bench—dubbed the new Bench Mob 2.0 featuring Jamison Battle, Allen Graves, Jamal Shead, Ja’Kobe Walter and Collin Murray‑Boyles—provided solid defense, playmaking and three‑point shooting. Immanuel Quickley hit four-of‑nine from downtown, signaling a shift toward higher volume threes. Concerns linger for center Jakob Poeltl, who managed only three points in 22 minutes, especially with a tougher interior test looming against Anthony Davis and the Washington Wizards. The article previews the upcoming matchup and its potential impact on Toronto’s new identity.
Can the Raptors Replicate Their Opening Day Dominance Against the Wizards?
The Toronto Raptors aim to repeat their opening‑night fireworks after crushing the Chicago Bulls 135‑92, the biggest home‑opener win in franchise history. Kawhi Leonard returns with 23 points, joined by Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley (23 each) and RJ Barrett’s 20. On Friday they face a Wizards squad that opened with a 128‑116 win over Milwaukee, highlighted by Anthony Davis’s 34‑point, 12‑board effort and Trae Young’s 20 points and 13 assists. The preview flags the duel between Leonard and Davis, the importance of Raptors’ turnover pressure, and a predicted 114‑108 Raptors victory.
Raptors crush Bulls by 43 points, win 135 to 92 at home
The Toronto Raptors open the 2026‑27 season with a dominant 135‑92 home victory over the Chicago Bulls, a 43‑point blowout on Oct. 21. RJ Barrett leads the scoring surge, while Scottie Barnes (23 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists) and Kawhi Leonard (23 points, 6 assists, 4 steals) anchor the win despite sub‑par shooting percentages. Chicago, shorthanded at center, struggles; rookie Caleb Wilson and Josh Giddey combine for just two points. The Raptors control the game with perimeter shooting and aggressive defense, finishing strong as fans celebrate the emphatic start.
Join us for the 2026-27 Raptors season on the SB Nation app
Raptors fans are invited to follow the 2026-27 season on the new SB Nation app, now available for iOS and Android in North America with global rollout underway. The app centralizes community posts, front‑page articles, and a real‑time game chat that speeds up comments, notifications, and interaction during live games. Since its launch two months ago, the platform has set record‑high single‑day comment volumes and offers ad‑free reading, seamless community navigation, and instant posting. Download the app to join live discussions, react to every play, and stay connected with the Raptors community.
Can the Raptors shut down the Bulls’ offence in the season opener?
The Raptors open the 2026-27 season against a revamped Chicago Bulls, hoping to exploit the Bulls' weakened frontcourt after the loss of Nic Claxton. Rookie power forward Caleb Wilson, a high‑impact scorer from UNC, draws attention, but Toronto’s Scottie Barnes (237 lb) may have a size edge. Key matchups include RJ Barrett and Barnes versus Wilson, and guard Jamal Shead versus former Raptor Norman Powell. With Kawhi Leonard back and healthy, the Raptors aim to dominate the paint and contain the Bulls’ guard duo of Josh Giddey and Powell. Injuries: Raptors’ Nate Bittle (foot) and Bulls’ Claxton (hamstring) are out.
Do the Raptors have enough shooting to contend?
The Raptors may finally address their persistent shooting woes after swapping Brandon Ingram for Kawhi Leonard, but doubts remain. Leonard shoots 38.7% from three and excels mid‑range, yet his 5‑starter—Barrett, Barnes, Quickley, and Poeltl—provides only two above‑average three‑point shooters. Barrett’s career three‑point average hovers around 36%, Barnes is a 30% career shooter, and Poeltl offers little range. Even promising marksmen like Ja’Kobe Walter (40.9% on 3.7 attempts) and Collin Murray‑Boyles are unproven. The article argues Toronto’s defense stays elite, but without another roster tweak or a breakout shooting season, their offense may still fall short against playoff elites.
The Raptors should bring back this blue throwback jersey sooner rather than later
On the 80th anniversary of the 1946-47 Basketball Association of America (BAA) season, the Toronto Raptors get a rare opportunity to mark the occasion of the city’s first professional basketball team. But, unfortunately, they probably won’t take it. The National Basketball Association as we know it has its roots in the BAA, which later went […]
‘I don’t care if the shot is gonna fall or not.’ Darko Rajaković thinks Allen Graves should let it fly
Allen Graves has had a bit of a rough outing in the Raptors’ preseason games, but his coach sees things as going all according to plan. In two games played, the forward has averaged just over 19 minutes of playing time, posting numbers of seven points, five and a half rebounds, and an assist and […]
Why the Kawhi Leonard GOAT build could break NBA 2K27
NBA 2K27 celebrated its Season 2 drop with the arrival of‘GOAT builds and a particular Toronto Raptors superstar is at the centre of it. The game’s latest update (Oct. 16) added 18 unique player builds for use in the MyCareer game mode. Kawhi Leonard – in a Raptors jersey – is one of the archetypes […]
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