The 2025-26 NBA season presents an interesting chapter for the Toronto Raptors. After years of roster changes and rebuilding, the team now faces an opportunity to show progress and prove it belongs in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. The schedule features several high-profile rivalries that carry added weight, not only in the standings but in shaping the Raptors’ identity moving forward.
Oddsmakers currently list Toronto as a long shot, with FanDuel Sportsbook placing them at +12000 odds to win the NBA championship. That figure underscores the challenge ahead and illustrates the room for growth. With a new blend of star power and emerging players, matchups with conference rivals will determine whether those odds shift as the season develops.
Raptors fans can follow along through reliable online resources such as NBA News and Player Trends, which provide deeper looks at the narratives shaping these matchups.
Celtics Showdowns
The Boston Celtics continue to set the standard in the Eastern Conference, reaching the 2025 NBA Finals after winning 64 games last season. They were dominant against Toronto, carrying a six-game winning streak, including a 111-101 win in February. However, the Raptors delivered a reminder of their potential with a 110-97 victory in January, one of the few blemishes on Boston’s record during the second half of the season.
Toronto meets Boston twice this year in December, with games on the 7th and 20th. These contests arrive early in the season, when roster chemistry will still develop. The importance of these clashes extends beyond wins and losses. They will show whether Scottie Barnes, coming off his best year statistically with 21.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game, can compete consistently with the league’s elite. They will also test Brandon Ingram, whose arrival gives Toronto a dependable scoring option but whose ability to fit seamlessly into the Raptors’ system remains a central question.
Knicks Rivalry Rekindled
Toronto’s rivalry with the New York Knicks has deep roots, shaped by geographic proximity and contrasting basketball cultures. Their first meeting this season is at Madison Square Garden on November 30, followed by a home game in Toronto on January 28. Both come at pivotal times, serving as swing points in playoff positioning.
The Knicks surged back to relevance last season, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since the 1990s and winning 52 games. Their defensive efficiency ranked in the league’s top five, a factor that will challenge Toronto’s offense. For the Raptors, competing with New York means proving they belong among the East’s middle tier while showing they can handle postseason-level intensity.
Madison Square Garden brings an atmosphere that only a few arenas can match, while Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena provides one of the league’s loudest home courts. These environments add layers to a rivalry that has regained significance after years of inconsistency for both franchises.
Cavaliers as an Early Test
The Cleveland Cavaliers open the season as one of Toronto’s first true challenges. The October 31 game promises to test the Raptors immediately, with Cleveland retaining its young core headlined by Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley. The Cavs finished last season with 50 wins and advanced to the second round of the playoffs, establishing themselves as a legitimate contender.
The Raptors will see them twice before December ends and could also cross paths in the NBA Cup group stage. These encounters matter because they set an early standard. Victories would show progress against a well-balanced roster, while losses would point to the required improvements. Cleveland’s strong defense will provide a difficult but useful measuring stick for new players integrating into Toronto’s system.
The Return of Pascal Siakam
One of the season’s most anticipated moments comes on November 15, when Pascal Siakam returns to Toronto with the Indiana Pacers. A two-time All-Star and one of the central figures in the Raptors’ 2019 championship, Siakam remains connected to Toronto even as he thrives in a new setting. His departure signaled a new chapter for both organizations, and his return is emotional and competitive.
The Pacers, built around Tyrese Haliburton and anchored by Siakam’s experience, reached the NBA Finals last season. Their 57-win campaign confirmed them as an elite contender, and Siakam’s presence contributed greatly to that progression. Toronto will face Indiana again on February 8, in a matchup likely to carry playoff implications.
These games remind the Raptors of past success while pushing the team to measure itself against a proven model. Ingram’s shot creation, Barnes’ all-around growth, and the development of Toronto’s younger players such as Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji will be examined closely. Fans will weigh these performances against the standard set by Siakam’s time in Toronto.
Growth Under Rajakovic
Head coach Darko Rajakovic enters his third year with an evolving roster and increased expectations. He has emphasized defense and ball movement, but execution in late-game moments remains a hurdle. The Raptors lost 15 games by six points or fewer last season, highlighting a need for improved decision-making under pressure.
Rajakovic now works with a roster that has more top-end talent. Ingram’s ability to create shots adds versatility, while Barnes continues developing into a two-way presence. Barnes’ defensive improvements, alongside Jakob Poeltl’s rim protection, will determine how sturdy the Raptors can be against teams like Boston and Milwaukee. The growth of younger guards will also influence whether Toronto can maintain depth across an 82-game season.
Toronto won 40 games last year, finishing 10th in the Eastern Conference yet falling short in the Play-In Tournament. The goal now is to surpass the 45-win mark, which historically positions a team within the playoff bracket. If Barnes continues his statistical climb and Ingram adjusts well, that target is attainable.
Looking Ahead
The 2025-26 season holds many storylines for Toronto, centered on rivalries that bring challenges and opportunities. The Celtics, Knicks, Cavaliers, and Pacers each present different tests, from star-driven lineups to emotional reunions. These contests will shape perceptions of the Raptors around the league and within their fan base.
While oddsmakers place Toronto as an underdog in the championship race, results across these rivalries will determine how quickly those odds evolve. For the Raptors, each matchup is about winning games and affirming progress, establishing chemistry, and building toward a return to playoff relevance. The months ahead will reveal whether Toronto has taken the necessary steps forward or needs more development. In either case, this season’s rivalries will define the conversation surrounding the franchise and set a path for the years to come.
