After going through a transition period over the past few years, the Raptors are finally starting to look like a team with a clear direction. So let’s break down the biggest offseason moves and explore how the roster is shaping up this season.
The front office has made bold moves to reset the roster, doubling down on youth development while also acquiring proven talent to stabilize the lineup. This season might not be about contending for a title just yet but it is undeniably about setting the tone for the next era of Raptors basketball.
A rebuilt team
This offseason was pivotal for the Raptors. Jakob Poeltl signed a four-year $104 million contract extension to remain the team’s interior anchor. He’s coming off his best statistical season yet. His presence in the paint (on both ends) gives Toronto something to build around.
The biggest move was trading Brandon Ingram and signing him to a three-year, $120 million extension back in February. Ingram brings proven shot creation and veteran leadership to a team still finding its identity. He will pair with Scottie Barnes who is expected to make an All-Star leap this year. RJ Barrett continues to grow as a shooter and slasher while guard Immanuel Quickley offers a secondary playmaker and floor spacer. Add in 2024 first-round pick Ja’Kobe Walter and 2025 draft pick Noa Essengue and Toronto suddenly has a mix of veterans and young prospects.
The Eastern Conference
The Eastern Conference remains top-heavy, with Boston, Milwaukee and Philadelphia leading the pack. New York, Cleveland, Indiana and Orlando are also in the mix. That means Toronto will need to fight for every win to stay competitive. They will likely hover around the play-in tournament picture, somewhere in the 8-10 seed range if things go well.
A realistic target would be mid-30s in wins with low-40s possible if health and chemistry break in their favour. More than the record, fans should watch how competitive the Raptors are in close games and whether their young stars are progressing into leaders.
Betting and predictions
Oddsmakers are cautiously optimistic about Toronto. Some bookmakers currently list the Raptors at 175/1 to win the NBA Championship for the 2025/26 season. This positions Toronto as a long-shot contender, reflecting both the team’s youth and potential upside if its core players take a step forward.
For their first game on October 23, the Raptors face the Atlanta Hawks. The betting lines currently on Oddspedia show:
- Atlanta Hawks -5.5 | Raptors +5.5
- Moneyline: Atlanta 6/7 | Toronto 2/1
- Total points: Over/Under 237 (O 237: 19/20 | U 237: 7/8)
Oddspedia is a very useful platform for basketball fans, offering an overview of betting platforms and odds. It also features a list of sportsbook bonuses, ranking the best bookmakers that provide welcome offers in Canada. This makes it a useful resource for anyone looking to follow the Raptors and other NBA betting opportunities.
Style, identity and growth
Head coach Darko Rajaković now has versatile pieces to play the up-tempo, switchable style he wants. With Poeltl protecting the rim, the Raptors can gamble more defensively, using their length to disrupt passing lanes. Barnes, Ingram and Barrett form a long, athletic wing trio that should thrive in transition and help cover multiple positions defensively.
Consistency will be extremely important offensively. Toronto struggled in half-court sets and three-point shooting last season. If Barnes can become a reliable first option and Ingram stays healthy, the Raptors’ offence could take a leap. Their spacing should improve with Quickley’s shooting and Barrett’s continued progress but they will need bench players to provide scoring to avoid stagnation when the starters sit.
Bench depth and development
The bench remains an area to watch. Young players like Walter and Essengue will be asked to play long and meaningful minutes. And the Raptors’ development staff will need to get them ready quickly. Toronto may endure growing pains but those minutes will help accelerate growth. Veteran depth is thin. This means injuries to starters could expose roster weaknesses, but also provide an opportunity for the young players to take significant steps forward.
Key matchups and storylines
There are a number of games on the schedule that will be important for Toronto’s growth. Divisional matchups against the Knicks and Nets will matter for tiebreakers and confidence. Clashes with Boston, Milwaukee and Philadelphia will test how far Toronto still has to go. A strong showing against these teams, even if close losses, would show progress.
The 2025/26 Raptors are still a work in progress, but this is the most optimistic the franchise has been since its last playoff run. With Barnes poised for a breakout, Ingram ready to lead and a cast of developing players eager to prove themselves, this season should be full of growth.
