Published for Raptors fans — October 2026
By Toxlay Sports Editorial Team · Last updated October 19, 2026
The Club
The Toronto Raptors are Canada’s team — and proof that a championship can live north of the border. Founded in 1995 and based in Toronto, the Raptors play at Scotiabank Arena in red and black, and they own one of the most magical title runs in NBA history: the 2019 championship, sealed by Kawhi Leonard’s bouncing Game 7 buzzer-beater against Philadelphia and capped with a Finals MVP. “We The North” isn’t a slogan anymore — it’s a banner, a parade of two million people, and an identity.
Last Season (2025-26): The 16-Win Leap
Toronto’s rise was one of the league’s best stories: from 30 wins in 2024-25 to 46-36, third in the Atlantic and fifth in the East — the franchise’s most wins since 2019-20. The defense was the engine: 5th in defensive rating (113.0). In the playoffs, the Raptors pushed the favored Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games in the first round before falling one win short of the conference semifinals. The foundation was real — and then the summer got wild.
Best Players Right Now (2026-27 Roster)
Kawhi Leonard, 35, Small Forward — He’s home. Acquired from the Clippers in a blockbuster and signed to a two-year, $115M extension, the 2019 Finals MVP is coming off the best regular season of his career: 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.9 steals in 65 games.
Scottie Barnes, 25, Forward (#4) — The heartbeat of the young core. Career year: 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, second All-Star nod in three years, first All-Defensive Second Team honor, and 5th in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
RJ Barrett, 26, Wing — The hometown scorer (he’s from Mississauga) who fills it up in bunches; a perfect complement next to Kawhi and Barnes.
Immanuel Quickley, 27, Point Guard — The floor general and spark plug — and he “can’t wait” to share the backcourt with Leonard.
Jakob Poeltl, 31, Center — The steady Austrian anchor inside; if he shakes the injury bug, the defense stays elite.
Collin Murray-Boyles, 24, Forward — Building on an impressive rookie year; a candidate to crash the All-Defensive conversation.
Jamal Shead, 24, Guard — A pitbull off the bench who changes games with pressure defense.
Ja’Kobe Walter, 22, Guard — Young wing with two-way upside.
Kyle Anderson, 33, Forward — Veteran “Slo Mo” smarts on a one-year deal.
Trayce Jackson-Davis, 26, Forward/Center — Energy and finishing around the rim.
Allen Graves, Rookie, Forward — The 2026 No. 19 pick out of Santa Clara; a 6’9″ versatile forward who fits the Raptors’ big-wing identity.
Head coach: Darko Rajaković — He has “proven he can coach,” lifting Toronto’s defense into the league’s top five, and he’s “super excited” to have Kawhi back home.
Star Spotlight: Stories You Should Know
The Shot. May 12, 2019 — Game 7 vs. Philadelphia, ball bouncing four times on the rim before dropping at the buzzer. Kawhi Leonard’s shot is the most famous moment in franchise history and the springboard to Toronto’s first championship and his Finals MVP. He left that summer, spent years with the Clippers, and told Toronto this fall he’s “not championship chasing” — he came back because his son was born here and kept asking when they’d return. Now he says this is Barnes’ team and he’ll do “whatever it takes to help.”
Scottie Barnes’ ascent is real. The 2021 No. 4 pick just authored the best season of his career — All-Star, All-Defensive Second Team, 5th in DPOY voting — and oddsmakers are watching for an All-NBA leap. If Barnes’ rise continues and Kawhi stays healthy, Toronto’s wing duo is as good as any in the East.
Lowry’s night is coming. On January 10, when Philadelphia visits Scotiabank Arena, the Raptors will retire Kyle Lowry’s No. 7 jersey — honoring the point guard who ran the 2019 title team and became the franchise’s greatest leader. Circle it; bring tissues.
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This Season (2026-27): Back in the Hunt
The bar is higher — GM Bobby Webster said so himself. Vegas set the win total at 46.5 with Finals odds at +2200, and the formula is clear: the 5th-ranked defense from last year, plus a 3-and-D superstar who fits perfectly, plus a young core headlined by an All-Star and two former Knicks. The East got tougher, and Leonard’s health is the swing factor at 35 — but a team with this much depth, grit, and a champion’s edge should be playing meaningful basketball deep into spring.
Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Games to Watch
Wondering when the Raptors play the big ones? Here are the early-season dates to circle — grab your Raptors tickets early for these:
- October 21 — vs. Chicago Bulls (home opener): The 2026-27 season tips off at Scotiabank Arena against Norman Powell’s Bulls. New era, full house.
- November 2 — at LA Clippers: Kawhi walks back into Intuit Dome to face his old team. Expect a tribute video — and a statement game.
- November 11 — vs. Boston Celtics: Atlantic Division war at home. Defense vs. pedigree, always heated.
- November 15 & 17 — vs. New York Knicks: The reigning NBA champions visit Toronto for back-to-back home games. The loudest nights of the fall.
- January 10 — vs. Philadelphia 76ers: Kyle Lowry’s No. 7 jersey retirement ceremony — plus your first home look at LeBron in a Sixers uniform (you’ll see him in Philadelphia on Nov. 12 first).
Biggest Rivalries — The Wars
1. Brooklyn Nets — the division grudge. Atlantic Division rivals who meet again April 7 in Toronto’s home finale. Short trip, loud buildings, real dislike.
2. Philadelphia 76ers — THE shot. Kawhi’s 2019 Game 7 buzzer-beater over the Sixers is the rivalry’s defining moment — and now LeBron James wears a Sixers jersey. Nov. 12 in Philly, Jan. 10 in Toronto (Lowry’s night).
3. Boston Celtics — the Atlantic crown. Every season runs through Boston in this division. Nov. 11 at Scotiabank is the first test.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers — the fresh wound. The Cavs ended Toronto’s season in seven games last spring. The rematch comes Jan. 5 in Cleveland and Jan. 29 in Toronto during Rivals Week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Kawhi Leonard really return to the Raptors?
Yes — Toronto acquired him from the Clippers in a blockbuster and signed him to a two-year, $115M extension. The 2019 Finals MVP is home, saying this is Scottie Barnes' team and he'll do "whatever it takes to help."
When the Raptors play the Bulls in 2026-27?
October 21 at Scotiabank Arena — the home opener against Norman Powell's Bulls.
Who are the best Raptors players right now?
Kawhi Leonard, Scottie Barnes (All-Star, All-Defensive Second Team) and hometown scorer RJ Barrett.
When is Kyle Lowry's jersey retirement?
January 10 against the 76ers — the Raptors will retire his No. 7 jersey at Scotiabank Arena, honoring the greatest leader in franchise history.
Show Your Colors
We The North — at Scotiabank Arena or watching from home, true fans wear it. Gear up with quality fan sportswear — jerseys, tees and athletic wear built for real supporters:
Shop Fan Sportswear at Toxlay Sports →
Sources & official links: Toronto Raptors official site · Toronto Raptors tickets
We The North — the king is home, and the hunt is on.
