The Toronto Raptors’ 2024-25 campaign marked modest improvement but fell far short of postseason aspirations. Finishing the season with a 30-52 record—good for 11th in the Eastern Conference—the Raptors managed to slightly better their previous year’s performance, but never truly threatened to break into the playoff picture. Injuries played a significant role in derailing momentum, with key players frequently sidelined and the team struggling to find consistency. As a result, the season was widely viewed as a transitional period for the franchise, with the front office and coaching staff laying the groundwork for the future rather than chasing immediate success.
As the dust settles on another disappointing year, attention now turns to what lies ahead for the Raptors. According to Wildz Sports, the Raptors are listed at +15000 to win the 2026 NBA Championship—far behind the favorites such as the Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers. This positioning underlines the reality that, for now, Toronto is viewed as a team in the rebuilding phase rather than a legitimate contender. However, the offseason has already brought some cause for optimism, with the team making a splash in the NBA draft and banking on the return of key players.
A New Face in the Fold: Drafting Collin Murray-Boyles
The Raptors made a clear statement about their future direction with the selection of Collin Murray-Boyles, a versatile forward from South Carolina, with the No. 9 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Murray-Boyles, just 20 years old, arrives in Toronto after a standout sophomore season, averaging 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while shooting an impressive 58.6% from the field. His rebounding ranked among the top 50 nationally, and his 7-foot-1 wingspan gives him the defensive versatility that the Raptors have prioritized in recent drafts.
Murray-Boyles’ ability to guard multiple positions and his high basketball IQ make him a natural fit alongside Scottie Barnes, creating a potentially formidable defensive tandem on the wing. However, questions remain about his offensive fit, particularly his outside shooting—he shot just 3-for-39 from three-point range in two college seasons and 69.5% from the free-throw line. If Murray-Boyles could develop into a passable perimeter threat, he could become a cornerstone of Toronto’s rebuild. For now, his arrival signals the Raptors’ commitment to building a long, athletic, and defensively versatile roster.
Path to the Play-In: Realistic Expectations for 2025-26
With championship odds as distant as they are, it’s clear that expectations for the Raptors remain tempered. The team is not considered a threat to challenge the league’s elite, but there is cautious optimism that a play-in tournament appearance could be within reach. The Eastern Conference remains competitive, but Toronto’s young core—led by Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and now Collin Murray-Boyles—has the talent to make a push if things break right.
Last season, Barnes led the team in assists (5.8 per game) and steals (1.4 per game), averaging 19.3 points and 7.7 rebounds in 65 games. Barrett, meanwhile, was the team’s leading scorer with 21.1 points per game, and Jakob Poeltl anchored the paint with 9.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per contest. If these players can stay healthy and continue to develop, and if Murray-Boyles can make an immediate impact, the Raptors could find themselves in the mix for a play-in spot.
Brandon Ingram’s Anticipated Return
One of the biggest wildcards for the 2025-26 season is the status of Brandon Ingram. Acquired at the trade deadline, Ingram was sidelined for the remainder of the season with a significant left ankle sprain, preventing him from making his Raptors debut. Despite this setback, the team showed its faith in the 27-year-old forward by signing him to a two-year, $78 million contract extension. Ingram’s return to health is critical to Toronto’s hopes for improvement.
Recent reports suggest that Ingram is nearing a return to full-contact practice, which would be a significant step forward in his recovery. When healthy, Ingram is a proven scorer and playmaker, capable of elevating the Raptors’ offense and providing much-needed spacing. His presence on the court would add a new dimension to the team’s attack and give a psychological boost to a young roster needing veteran leadership.
Darko Rajaković’s Make-or-Break Season
Head coach Darko Rajaković is entering his third season at the helm, and many around the league believe this could be a pivotal year for his tenure. While the Raptors have shown incremental progress under his leadership, the pressure is mounting for the team to take a more significant step forward. Most NBA coaches are given three years to implement their vision, and Rajakovi? is no exception.
Rajaković has earned praise for his player development and defensive schemes, but the time has come for results. A play-in appearance would be a tangible sign of progress and could solidify his position with the franchise. Conversely, another season of mediocrity could put his job security in jeopardy. Adding Murray-Boyles and the anticipated return of Ingram give Rajaković More tools to work with, but it will be up to him to maximize the roster’s potential.
A Buzzing Atmosphere and National Momentum
Beyond the on-court product, there is a palpable excitement surrounding the Raptors and Canadian basketball. The sport’s popularity continues to surge in Canada, with more international attention on the Raptors than ever. The team’s 2019 championship run remains a touchstone for fans, and there is hope that the current rebuild will eventually yield similar success.
The arrival of promising young talent, combined with the potential return of Ingram and the steady growth of Scottie Barnes, has created a sense of anticipation for the 2025-26 season. While the odds may not favor the Raptors for a championship, the team’s trajectory suggests that brighter days could be ahead. For now, fans can look forward to a season of growth, development, and the possibility of a return to postseason basketball—even if it’s just through the play-in tournament.
Looking Ahead: What Success Looks Like for the Raptors
Success for the Raptors in the 2025-26 season will be measured in progress rather than titles. With championship odds as distant as they are, expectations are appropriately modest. However, a play-in appearance would represent a significant step forward and could serve as a springboard for future success. The development of Scottie Barnes into a bona fide star, Collin Murray-Boyles’s integration, and Brandon Ingram’s return are all key storylines to watch.
Ultimately, the Raptors are a team in transition, with a clear vision and a growing foundation. The 2025-26 season may not be the year they return to the NBA’s elite, but it could be the year they lay the groundwork for a brighter future. With a young, athletic roster and a coach looking to prove himself, the Raptors are poised to capture the imagination of their fans once again—even if the oddsmakers aren’t yet believers.
