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One of the Raptors' deficiencies 10 games into the season is their defence, which will improve once centre Jakob Poeltl is fully healthy.
Published Nov 10, 2025 • Last updated 7 minutes ago • 4 minute read
Forward Brandon Ingram made his Raptors debut
Forward Brandon Ingram made his Raptors debut on Oct. 22, 2025 in a win over the Atlanta Hawks. Photo by Mike Stewart /The Associated Press
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What’s gone right, what’s gone wrong with the Raptors, whose five-game road trip features a Tuesday night tip against the woeful Brooklyn Nets.
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Toronto sits at 5-5, which includes a 2-2 home road and a 3-3 road record.
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Is the glass half full or is it half empty?
The following are five areas that the above question.
Brandon Ingram Impact
He didn’t play a single game when the Raptors acquired this versatile scorer from the New Orleans Pelicans, but Ingram has played in all 10 of team’s games.
His impact on the offensive end isn’t in question.
What’s questionable is his defence.
Keep in mind Ingram has never been known for his lock-down abilities, but he must find a way to be a presence on the defensive end, especially in close games when a stop is needed.
While the Raptors have played some tight and competitive games, no game has been decided on the final possession.
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As their .500 record indicates, they’ve had good moments in games decided in the final two minutes and some bad moments.
Ingram has taken a lot of pressure off Toronto’s other scorers.
Some defence will help, but keep in mind the Raptors went through a four-game losing streak when opponents simply scored at will.
There’s no one on Toronto’s roster with Ingram’s offensive versatility.
His defensive deficiency has to be masked.
It will be interesting to see how head coach Darko Rajakovic manages Ingram in a one or two possession game.
Conventional wisdom suggests Rajakovic won’t have Ingram on the floor when a stop is required, but he will be on the floor when a bucket is needed.
Scottie Barnes’ Maturation
He was in a no-win situation Saturday night when the Raptors had Barnes defend Joel Embiid in Philadelphia.
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Barnes is a versatile defender, but had no chance on Embiid.
Barnes would ultimately foul out when he picked up his sixth foul in the fourth quarter.
Overall, he’s been good.
His three-point shooting has improved, but he needs to be more aggressive in attacking the rim and drawing fouls.
With Ingram, Barnes doesn’t need to handle the ball as often, which is a good thing.
What Barnes must do is play better off the ball and become more of a rebounding presence.
Toronto began its road trip by beating the Atlanta Hawks in overcoming a double-digit hole.
The Raptors lost the rebounding battle, an area that will improve once Barnes becomes more engaged.
Keeping Poeltl Healthy
Jakob Poeltl is the team’s one and only legitimate big.
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He sat out the Sixers game because it was the back end of a back-to-back set and his absence was quite obvious.
Poeltl’s lower back stiffness has limited his effectiveness.
It goes without say that the Raptors desperately need him, but they also need to get Poeltl more involved on the offensive end of the floor.
When he does get the rare touch, Poeltl lacks confidence.
While free-agent signing Sandro Mamukelashvili has acquitted himself well, he’s no Poeltl just like Poeltl isn’t going to drain three-pointers the way Mamukelashvili has done in his early run with the Raptors.
In a fantasy world, the two combined would be an all-NBA centre.
The reality is Mamukelashvili is a backup who must be used in stretches.
The key is Poeltl, who has yet to emerge.
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He deserves the benefit of the doubt in the wake of his back woes.
CMB IS OK
The Raptors may have found a gem in first-round pick Collin Murray-Boyles, who has held his own an at times excelled since his rough debut in Dallas.
The kid has a nice feel for the game and is gaining confidence, a sure sign of that growth evident when he takes his defender off the dribble.
As long as he shows improvement, the sky seems to be the limit for CMB.
If he were a few inches taller, he’d be light outs.
Then again, if he were a few inches taller there’s no way the Raptors would have been able to pick him with the ninth overall slot.
He started for Poeltl in three games.
It’s clear CMB needs to be on the floor with as many starters as possible.
So far, the Raptors have done a solid job of using CMB.
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The ball seems to find him on offence.
His jumper is pretty pure and he has already shown an ability to extend beyond the three-point line.
He’s well on his way to turning into the Raptors’ best draft pick since Barnes went fourth overall.
Hits And Misses
Jamal Shead has had moments when he’s looked better at point guard than incumbent Immanuel Quickley.
Good news is IQ has looked better offensively in posting back-to-back double-digit games heading into Tuesday.
RJ Barrett has been very efficient, but there are lingering questions about his long-time future with the Raptors.
Gradey Dick played very well in the season opener only to have his game take a dip.
His game Friday night in Atlanta did inspire hope.
Jamison Battle and his awkward release can be a weapon, but best the Raptors use him in spurts.
The biggest disappointment has been Ja’Kobe Walter, who has yet to be a presence.
Similar to Dick, Walter has been lost in the roster shuffle.
Dick can shoot and when he’s on his presence does spread the floor.
The Raptors need to find a way to get Walter more involved.
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