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The International Fan Site of the Toronto Raptors Basketball Club
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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 […]
Raptors’ bench full of fight in final preseason game
The Toronto Raptors preseason finally came to an end tonight as they fell to the Detroit Pistons in a well-fought battle that ended 129-125 in the Pistons’ favour. In a turn of events that could be surprising to some and completely predictable to others, Toronto went to their bench entirely, sitting most of their rotation […]
The Raptors need to get over a multi-season losing streak
Overreacting to preseason games is one of the least productive thing that basketball fans and media do, and yet, it’s hard not to draw certain conclusions from two teams matching up, whether or not such games count for regular season standings. In particular, the Raptors’ two-point loss against the Knicks last night has exemplified an […]
Raptors fall to Knicks in rematch
The Toronto Raptors fell to the New York Knicks 120-122 at Madison Square Garden. Despite coming off a 50-point victory against the Knicks on Tuesday, the Raptors couldn’t produce a similar performance. The Knicks fielded a significantly stronger lineup tonight, which featured their usual starting five, except for guard Josh Hart, who did not suit […]
Raptors’ last preseason game takes them to Detroit
Tonight the Raptors’ final preseason game tips off, this time against the Detroit Pistons. So far, Toronto has split the preseason with a 2-2 record. They started off-balance when they lost handily to the Heat, but followed it up with convincing wins over the Clippers and Knicks and a single-possession loss to the Knicks yesterday. […]
Raptors look to go up 2-0 on the Knicks in Thursday road game
The Toronto Raptors will look to carry their preseason momentum into Madison Square Garden when they face the New York Knicks on Thursday, Oct. 15. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET as Toronto continues preparing for the 2026-27 NBA season. The matchup comes two days after the teams met at Scotiabank Arena on Oct. […]
Can the Raptors Finish Top Four in the East?
Last year’s Toronto Raptors exceeded expectations, as the young and athletic squad racked up 46 wins, their most since the 2021-22 season, and finished fifth in the Eastern Conference before pushing the fourth-seed Cleveland Cavaliers to the brink in the first round of the playoffs. The Cavs’ second-half surge in Game 7 highlighted the importance […]
Kawhi Leonard doesn’t need to be the Raptors’ best player every night
Seeing Kawhi Leonard in a Raptors jersey again is naturally going to bring back memories of 2019. That season, there was no question who Toronto’s best player was. When a possession broke down or a playoff game tightened up, the answer was usually simple: get Kawhi the ball and let him figure it out. Seven […]
Thoughts & Quotes for Your Group Chat: Raptors vs. Knicks
The Toronto Raptors may have been facing the New York Knicks’ C-Team, but that wasn’t why fans packed the Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday. New York could’ve grabbed randoms off NBA Twitter and the electricity in the building would’ve remained. Here are a few thoughts and quotes to drop in your group chat after the Raptors […]
Kyle Anderson speaks on Jamal Shead, Lil Wayne, and his place on the Raptors
Kyle Anderson doesn’t want to ruffle any feathers. At least, that’s what Slo Mo, the 13 year NBA veteran, said during last Wednesday’s practice. “I don’t want to be like, ‘oh, I’m the old head. You gotta do it my way,’” said Anderson. The former Timberwolf understands that he’s from a different era of NBA […]
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