Brandon Ingram of the Toronto Raptors celebrates his game-winning shot with Scottie Barnes and Ja'Kobe Walter against the Indiana Pacers.
Brandon Ingram of the Toronto Raptors celebrates his game-winning shot with Scottie Barnes and Ja'Kobe Walter against the Indiana Pacers.
In all three games leading up to the end of 2025, the Raptors fell behind by double figures after the opening quarter.
They’ve been good at times and beaten teams the Raptors should have beaten moments when the Raptors have lacked competitive fight and defensive engagement, games when the Raptors lost to bad teams.
In other words, it’s been a mixed bag.
And yet, the Raptors posted 20 wins as the NBA’s mid-way point awaits and as the league’s trade deadline looms.
As long as Ingram and Barnes avoid an injury, the Raptors figure to be in the mix for at least a top-six spot, the cut-off point to avoid the play-in tournament.
What’s clear is the Raptors must somehow provide both Ingram and Barnes with help.
Too much is being asked of each and eventually something must give.
Perhaps a healthy Poeltl and a fully available Barrett will take the mounting pressure off Ingram and Barnes.
Quickley has shown flashes, but he has to be better.
The team’s bench is young and generally inexperienced, which explains the wild swings in performance.
The Raptors can continue to forge this path of allowing their young pieces to develop, while hoping Ingram and Barnes continue to elevate their game.
Or they can take a swing with the goal of acquiring a player to better take advantage of Ingram’s and Barnes’ presence.
When Ingram had an off night in Miami, Barnes stepped up.
Twice in the past three games Barnes recorded triple-doubles, a first for a Raptors player, for what it’s worth.
His overall game is not in question, though his jumper remains very much in question.
There’s nothing to question about Ingram’s offensive versatility.
When the ball is in his hands, Ingram makes things happen, either for himself or his teammates.
He’s the best option in the half court and the only option unless a mismatch gets created, which allows Barnes to dominate in the post.
In their 106-103 loss to Denver, the Raptors heaved 45 attempts from beyond the three-point arc.
Toronto got lucky when two free throws were missed by the Nuggets that would have sealed the win.
Ingram’s potential game-tying attempt was originally ruled a basket, only to be negated following a video review that showed the ball was still on his fingers when time expired.
As a new year rings in, the Raptors are in a good place, at least in terms of the standings.
For the Raptors to maintain their standing, they have to add a piece to play alongside Ingram and Barnes.
Eventually, inconsistency in performance and inconsistency in engagement will catch up to the Raptors.
Orlando, Philly, Miami and Cleveland are likely to get better and active in the trade market.
Toronto needs to be just as aggressive or risk dropping in the standings.