The Toronto Raptors have stumbled out of the gate in the 2024-25 season, posting a disappointing 7-14 record. This start ranks them 27th in the league and 13th in the Eastern Conference, a stark contrast to the playoff ambitions fans held entering the year. Not since the 2012-13 season, when they opened with a 4-19 record, have the Raptors struggled this significantly. Despite the grim numbers, the season is not a lost cause—yet. Turning things around will require addressing pressing concerns with injuries, depth, and on-court execution.
The Toronto Raptors face incredibly long odds to win the NBA championship and Eastern Conference titles in the 2024-25 season. BetRivers has listed the Raptors at staggering +100000 odds to win the NBA Finals, translating to 1000-1. Their odds to win the Eastern Conference are slightly better but still very long at +25000 or 250-1. These astronomical odds reflect the Raptors’ rebuilding phase and struggles in recent seasons. After failing to make the playoffs in three of the last four years, Toronto is focused on developing young talents like Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, and RJ Barrett rather than contending for championships.
With the departure of key players from their 2019 championship roster and a win total projected at just 29.5 for the season, the Raptors are widely expected to be among the weakest teams in the Eastern Conference, making their championship aspirations a distant dream for the foreseeable future.
Injury Woes
Injuries have haunted the Raptors for the second consecutive season, severely hampering their ability to build chemistry and consistency. This narrative is not new; it played a significant role in the team’s disappointing 25-win campaign last year. So far, the 2024-25 season has felt like a frustrating sequel.
The absence of key contributors has been particularly damaging. Scottie Barnes, viewed as a cornerstone of the franchise, has missed extended time after suffering an orbital fracture on October 28 against Denver. His absence—spanning 11 games—exposed the Raptors’ reliance on his two-way play, as the team managed just two wins during that stretch.
Immanuel Quickley, who was expected to address the team’s long-standing need for a reliable point guard, has also been sidelined. After an elbow injury in the season opener and later a partial UCL tear, Quickley is not expected back until mid-December. The void at point guard has forced the Raptors to experiment with Davion Mitchell and occasionally Scottie Barnes in the role, with inconsistent results.
The injuries don’t stop there. Gradey Dick, an emerging playmaker in his second year, has been out with a calf strain, though he’s listed as day-to-day. Meanwhile, Kelly Olynyk, a key piece for center depth, has yet to play this season.
The Scottie Barnes Factor
When healthy, Scottie Barnes is one of the Raptors’ most impactful players, but his extended absence has highlighted the team’s overreliance on him. After a breakout sophomore season, Barnes was expected to elevate Toronto to a higher level. Instead, his injury has left a significant void, forcing the Raptors to scramble for solutions.
Barnes’ return is crucial if the Raptors hope to salvage their season. While RJ Barrett has been a steady presence, playing in 15 of the team’s 18 games, Toronto has struggled to find offensive rhythm and defensive stability without Barnes’ versatility. His ability to defend multiple positions and initiate offense was supposed to be the engine of the Raptors’ system. Until he returns and regains form, Toronto will likely remain in a holding pattern.
Depth Issues: Center and Playmaking
Beyond injuries, the Raptors’ lack of depth has been exposed, particularly at center and point guard. Jakob Poeltl has been excellent as the team’s primary big man, but with no reliable backup, Toronto has leaned heavily on small-ball lineups. Bruno Fernando has struggled to provide consistent minutes, and Olynyk’s absence has only magnified the issue.
Toronto ranks 6th in rebounding, but the lack of rim protection has been costly. The team ranks 23rd in points allowed in the paint, surrendering over 50 per game, and 26th in opponent scoring, allowing 118 points per game. These defensive lapses have been glaring in a league that thrives on drive-and-kick action.
Meanwhile, the point guard position remains a revolving door. Quickley’s absence has left the Raptors searching for stability, with Davion Mitchell showing flashes but struggling to shoulder the full workload. Dick’s eventual return may provide some relief, but until Quickley is back, the Raptors lack a true playmaker to organize their offense.
Final Thoughts
For the Raptors to reverse their fortunes, they must prioritize health and depth. Injuries have been the Achilles’ heel of this roster, and unless the team can implement better load management, recovery regimens, and early intervention strategies, these issues will persist.
General Manager Masai Ujiri may also need to explore trade options or free-agent signings to shore up the roster. A capable backup center to relieve Poeltl and a stopgap point guard to stabilize the offense are critical needs that cannot wait until the offseason.
Despite their struggles, the Raptors still possess a talented core. Barnes’ eventual return and the continued contributions of RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl could help the team find some rhythm. However, the margin for error is shrinking quickly in a competitive Eastern Conference.