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Tempo off-season Roundup: Unrivaled rosters revealed, Brondello a Hall of Famer
The Toronto Tempo’s off‑season buzz centers on two big stories. Six Tempo players join the Unrivaled 3‑on‑3 league for its third season, with All‑Star Marina Mabrey and Temi Fagbenle leading the Lunar Owls and rookie Kiki Rice teaming with Isabelle Harrison on Mist, while other Tempo alumni fill rosters for Rose, Vinyl and more. Unrivaled action kicks off Jan. 8 with a 14‑game tour. Meanwhile, head coach Sandy Brondello earns dual Hall of Fame inductions – the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (Class of 2027) – cementing her legacy after a tough inaugural 11‑33 season with the Tempo. These developments showcase the franchise’s growing talent pipeline and coaching pedigree ahead of the May 1 WNBA start.
Raptors 905 fade down stretch in season-opening loss to Skyhawks
In their season‑opening loss, the Raptors 905 fell 128-117 to the College Park Skyhawks at Georgia's Gateway Center Arena despite strong individual showings. Tyreke Key poured in 28 points on 16 shots, while G League Defensive Player of the Year Jamarion Sharp recorded four blocks and Malachi Smith dazzled with drives, assists and defensive pressure. Injuries sidelined four key contributors—Nate Bittle, Trey Jemison, Chucky Hepburn and Andre Jackson Jr.—leaving the roster thin. The Skyhawks, led by Keon Johnson’s aggressive play and AJ Hoggard’s 15 points, surged in the fourth quarter with an 18‑4 run to seal the win. Notable moments included a pick‑and‑roll three from AJ Hoggard and a debut defensive effort by newcomer Olumide Adelodun.
Alijah Martin cooks as short-handed Raptors handle the Bucks
Despite missing Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and Kawhi Leonard, the Toronto Raptors pull off a gritty road win in Milwaukee. After a sluggish first quarter (24 points, 9‑for‑28 shooting) and a rebounding surge by the Bucks, Alijah Martin ignites the offense with a dunk and 11 points in seven minutes, aided by Jamal Shead’s playmaking (career‑high 16 assists). RJ Barrett heats up in the second quarter, while Jakob Poeltl transforms a quiet start into a dominant fourth‑quarter finish (19 points, 11 rebounds). The Raptors’ resilience and the bench’s timely contributions secure the victory against a struggling Bucks squad.
Raptors vs. Bucks: Jamal Shead puts on a masterclass
In Milwaukee, the Raptors clinch a gritty victory over the Bucks despite missing Kawhi Leonard, Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley. Backup guard Jamal Shead delivers a career‑high 16 assists, orchestrating a comeback that fuels Alijah Martin’s 27‑point, six‑three performance and RJ Barrett’s matching 27 points. Jakob Poeltl and Collin Murray‑Boyles also post season‑best outings, cementing Shead’s masterclass as the catalyst for the win.
Quick Reaction: Raptors 121, Bucks 107
The Raptors beat the Bucks 121‑107 in a November 7 showdown, with RJ Barrett posting 27 points but struggling early and ending with a –2 plus/minus. Collin Murray‑Boyles stepped up with 19 points, 7 rebounds and a pivotal plus‑17, while Jakob Poeltl contributed a double‑double (19/11) and crucial second‑half hustle. Jamal Shead orchestrated the offense, dishing out a team‑high 16 assists and adding 10 points, helping Toronto shift the playmaking load from Barrett. Despite defensive lapses and early rebounding woes, the Raptors surged in the second half to secure the win.
7 Stats in 7 Days: What trends defined the Raptors’ second week?
In their second week of the 2026‑27 season, the Toronto Raptors have slipped to 14th in defensive rating (111.1) and posted a disastrous 125.1 rating over the last four games, surrendering 121‑131 points per contest. Opponents are shooting 70.9% at the rim – the league’s seventh‑highest – while the Raptors rank last in opponent free‑throw rate, fouling 27.3 times per game. Heavy fouling falls on Jakob Poeltl (4.0 fouls/game) and Collin Murray‑Boyles (3.5 fouls/game). Meanwhile, new signing Jamal Shead posts a 41% eFG, near the league bottom. These trends suggest deeper defensive flaws beyond the absence of Kawhi Leonard.
Gameday: Raptors @ Bucks, November 6
The Raptors aim to snap their 0‑2 Emirates Cup slide on November 6 at Milwaukee, hoping to improve their 4‑4 record and climb back to a plus‑500 record. Toronto struggles with free‑throw shooting (28th in the league) and a dip in defensive rating since Kawhi Leonard’s injury, though his recovery shows cautious optimism. The Bucks, now 1‑7 without Giannis, are in a rebuilding phase led by Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Ryan Rollins, but sit near the bottom of the East in both offense and defense. Projected lineups feature Quickley and Barrett for Toronto, and Herro and Turner for Milwaukee. Tip‑off is 8 p.m. ET at Fiserv Forum.
Raptors 905 announce opening-night roster
The Toronto Raptors' G League affiliate, Raptors 905, unveils its 13-man opening-night roster ahead of the Tip‑Off Tournament. The team opens on Friday at 7 p.m. against the College Park Skyhawks, with the first home game set for Nov. 11 versus Greensboro. New two‑way signing Kevin McCullar Jr. joins five returning players—Tyreke Key, Tyson Degenhart, AJ Hoggard, Caleb Stone‑Carrawell and Jamarion Sharp—plus affiliate and tryout talent, including Canadian wing Olumide Adelodun. Former two‑way Chucky Hepburn returns after preseason injuries, while Nimari Burnett and Andre Jackson Jr. complete the affiliate group. The roster mixes championship pedigree, featuring McCullar and Trey Jemison, former Knicks two‑ways, and Burnett, a Michigan NCAA champion.
Raptors sign Kevin McCullar Jr. to final two-way spot
The Toronto Raptors fill their last open two-way contract by signing guard Kevin McCullar Jr. on November 5, 2026. McCullar, a 6‑ft‑6 second‑round pick (56th overall, 2024) who spent last season with the New York Knicks, posted 2.4 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 21 NBA games and averaged 16.8 points, 6.2 assists and 5.4 rebounds in 14 G League outings for Westchester. He joins Nate Bittle (currently injured) and Malachi Smith to complete the Raptors’ two‑way trio, giving Toronto depth for the remaining 90 two‑way games. The Raptors 905 will debut the new roster in the G League Tip‑Off Tournament on Friday, with a home game on Nov. 11.
The Raptors have a center problem + Kawhi’s return looms large
The latest Raptors analysis highlights a mounting center crisis and the looming impact of Kawhi Leonard’s return. In a recent game, Scottie Barnes logged 17 points in 32 minutes but struggled with passing and defense in the second half, while rookie Collin Murray‑Boyles posted 13 points against Nikola Jokic’s 32‑10‑11 line. The authors argue that the team's front‑court depth is thin, making Leonard’s comeback a potential game‑changer. Detailed box‑score excerpts underscore the urgency of bolstering the center position before the season intensifies.
Raptors hit a wall in Denver after disastrous third quarter
Nikola Jokic shuts down doubts with a dominant 32-point, 10‑reb, 11‑ast triple‑double as the Denver Nuggets rout the Toronto Raptors 128‑109 on Nov. 5, 2026. After leading at halftime 67‑64, Toronto’s promising start—sparked by Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett’s 22 points and Immanuel Quickley’s 10—collapses in the third quarter. Denver exploits the Raptors’ interior woes; center Jakob Poeltl posts a minus‑14 plus/minus in limited action. The win marks Denver’s first against a winning‑record team this season and silences Bill Simmons’ criticism of Jokic’s elite status.
Quick Reaction: Raptors 109, Nuggets 128
The Raptors fall 109‑128 to the Denver Nuggets as Nikola Jokic stuffs a 32‑point triple‑double. RJ Barrett leads Toronto with 22 points and a few late threes, earning a C+ grade, while Scottie Barnes contributes 17 points but struggles with turnovers and defense (C‑). Collin Murray‑Boyles scores 13 against Jokic’s dominance, and Immanuel Quickley flashes a strong first half with 13 points and seven assists before fading in the second half (C+). Ja’Kobe Walter adds eight points. The recap breaks down each player’s performance and grades, highlighting the Raptors’ defensive lapses and missed opportunities.
Raptors 905 announce coaching staff for 2026-27 season
The Toronto Raptors’ G League affiliate, Raptors 905, reveals its 2026‑27 coaching roster ahead of the season opener on Nov. 6. First‑year head coach Noah Lewis, a former 905 assistant and NBA video coordinator, leads a staff that includes assistants Isaiah Fox, Eric Rwahwire, Moustapha Youssouf and Zach Marcus. Lacey Purdy steps up as head athletic therapist, joined by Jacob Gallant and strength coach Kris Robertson. The staff will guide a team fresh off a 37‑13 2025‑26 campaign that featured a record 16‑0 start and a perfect 14‑0 run in the Tip‑Off Tournament. Training camp features two‑way players Nate Bittle and Malachi Smith, plus veterans and new talent like Jamarion Sharp and Canadian prospects.
Gameday: Raptors @ Nuggets, November 4
The Raptors head to Denver for a Wednesday night showdown after a dramatic 125-118 comeback win over the Clippers. Sitting 4-3 and leading the league with 15.3 offensive rebounds per game, Toronto hopes to exploit Denver’s weak rebounding (19th overall, 21st defensively) against the Nuggets, who are 3-3 after a 118-110 loss to Portland. Key storylines include DeMar DeRozan’s bench role for Denver, Nikola Jokić’s early‑season slump, and the Raptors’ injury list (Kawhi Leonard out, Jakob Poeltl questionable). Tip‑off is 9 p.m. ET at Ball Arena.
Raptors announce update on Kawhi Leonard’s health
The Toronto Raptors confirm that Kawhi Leonard has completed treatment for swelling in his left knee and is now beginning the rehabilitation process to return to action. Leonard missed the October 25 game against the Minnesota Timberwolves and was expected to be sidelined for weeks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The news arrives as the Raptors rebounded with a win over the Clippers after a loss to the Lakers, offering a morale boost. The team will provide another health update within the coming week.
Raptors turn an ugly night into a much-needed win
The Raptors snap a two‑game skid with a gritty 112‑107 win over the Clippers in Los Angeles on Nov. 2, 2026. After three quarters of sloppy shooting and turnovers, Toronto erupts in the fourth, fueled by Collin Murray‑Boyles’ timely play and a late surge from Scottie Barnes. Kawhi Leonard, sidelined with knee swelling, misses the drama surrounding the Clippers’ salary‑cap scandal and five forfeited first‑round picks. RJ Barrett leads early with 16 points, while Kobe Sanders drops a season‑high 26 for the Clippers. The comeback showcases Toronto’s resilience despite injuries to Leonard and Jakob Poeltl.
The Raptors are finding their limitations + diving into the Raptors Sketchbook w/ Aidan Lising
Samson Folk and Trevon Heath dissect the Raptors' recent loss, highlighting Scottie Barnes' dramatic fourth‑quarter surge (22 points, 15 rebounds in 38 minutes) after a sluggish start, and Immanuel Quickley’s mixed performance (27 points, strong shooting but costly decision‑making). The analysts argue Barnes revived the team while Quickley’s lapses contributed to the early deficit, underscoring the Raptors' ongoing limitations. The episode also features an interview with Raptors Sketchbook creator Aidan Lising.
Quick Reaction: Raptors 125, Clippers 118
The Raptors outlast the Clippers 125‑118, sparking a detailed player‑by‑player recap. RJ Barrett leads with 26 points despite defensive lapses, while Scottie Barnes erupts for 22 points and 15 rebounds, scoring 15 in the fourth to silence Darius Garfeld. Collin Murray‑Boyles nets 18 off the bench, battling Brook Lopez and earning a big‑minute start. Immanuel Quickley adds 27 points and near‑perfect free‑throw shooting, though his decision‑making draws criticism. Ja’Kobe Walter contributes 10 points and aggressive rebounding, while Kyle Anderson sees limited action. The analysis highlights the Raptors’ offensive surge and defensive tweaks needed moving forward.
Scottie Barnes listed as questionable for tonight’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers
The Toronto Raptors list forward Scottie Barnes as questionable for tonight’s 10 p.m. ET game against the Los Angeles Clippers due to left‑hip soreness and tightness. The Raptors are also missing Kawhi Leonard (knee), Nate Bittle (foot) and Malachi Smith (two‑way), with Jakob Poeltl doubtful because of shoulder bursitis. The Clippers, coming off a loss to Golden State, lose Derrick Jones Jr. (knee) and Rui Hachimura, while Max Strus makes his season debut. Despite the injuries, analysts expect the Raptors to prevail, citing strong play from Jamal Shead, Ja’Kobe Walter, Barrett and Quickley. Updates will follow.
Gameday: Raptors @ Clippers, November 2nd
The Raptors head to Los Angeles for the second night of a back‑to‑back on Nov. 2, aiming to snap a 3‑3 start and climb back above .500 against a struggling Clippers squad (1‑5). Toronto boasts a top‑10 offense (115.1) and a strong defense (107.3), while the Clippers rank near the bottom in scoring (105.9) and defense (112.3). With Kawhi Leonard out and the Clippers missing Ingram and Beal, the Raptors expect to capitalize on their paint presence—especially Scottie Barnes—and contain Darius Garland. Tip‑off is 10 p.m. ET at Intuit Dome, televised on TSN.
Raptors Stock Talk: Scottie Barnes is making an All-NBA case, more
Raptors Republic’s latest Stock Talk flags Scottie Barnes as a BUY, arguing his recent scoring surge makes an All‑NBA case. After a scoreless night versus Minnesota, Barnes posted 28 points against Orlando, then exploded for a career‑high 41 in the NBA Cup, followed by a 29‑point effort versus the Lakers. The analyst highlights Barnes’ all‑around impact—scoring, playmaking, defense—and suggests his value will rise when Kawhi Leonard returns. Conversely, centre Jakob Poeltl is a SELL after five lackluster games and an injury, with only one double‑double to show.
Raptors drop their second game in a row to kick-start their Los Angeles trip
The Raptors fall to the Lakers, extending their losing streak to two games and dropping their road record to 1‑2. Despite Scottie Barnes' 29‑point effort and RJ Barrett's 22‑point, 10‑rebound night, Toronto can't stop Luka Doncic, who pours in 45 points on a shooting clinic. Contributions from Jamison Battle (20) and Jamal Shead (9) are outweighed by Immanuel Quickley's 12 points on 3‑of‑13 shooting and a weak supporting cast. Walker Kessler dominates the paint with 16 points, 15 rebounds and 3 blocks, while the Lakers secure the win.
Quick Reaction: Lakers 131, Raptors 125
The Lakers edge the Raptors 131‑125 on Nov. 2, 2026. RJ Barrett rebounds with 22 points and a double‑double after early foul trouble, while Scottie Barnes leads Toronto with 29 points despite a turnover‑heavy start. Jamison Battle sparks a brief rally, adding 20 points and key three‑pointers, but the Raptors fall short. Bench contributions include Ja’Kobe Walter’s hot start and Immanuel Quickley’s solid defense and playmaking. The loss highlights inconsistent play from Collin Murray‑Boyles and a modest showing from Trayce Jackson‑Davis.
Eastern Conference Check-in: October
The inaugural Eastern Conference Check‑in spotlights the top teams as of October. The Philadelphia 76ers lead 6‑1 with a stacked lineup featuring LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, while the Detroit Pistons sit 5‑1 after upsetting the 76ers and beating Boston. Boston follows at 4‑1, Chicago, Milwaukee and Brooklyn trail as the bottom three. The Toronto Raptors sit 3‑2, missing Kawhi Leonard but seeing Scottie Barnes improve; Washington, Atlanta, and Charlotte round out the mid‑tier. The piece offers quick records, key additions, and recent highlights for each team.
Gameday: Raptors @ Lakers, November 1st
The Raptors, sitting 3-2 and boasting the league's second‑best defense (103.9 DRTG), aim to bounce back after a 121-114 loss to the Magic as they face Luka Doncic’s high‑octane Lakers (4-2, 119.3 ORTG). Doncic leads the league with 36.2 pts, 7.6 assists and a 65.1 TS%, while Walker Kessler anchors the paint with 2.8 blocks per game. Toronto leans on Scottie Barnes, fresh off a 41‑point outing, and needs contributions from RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to match Los Angeles’ offense. Key absentees: Kawhi Leonard (knee) for Toronto and Ziaire Williams (questionable) for the Lakers. Tip‑off is 9 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena.
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