Toronto Raptors season preview: Opening schedule, win projection and everything to know for 2026-27

The 2026-27 NBA season has arrived, and the Toronto Raptors are the subject of a team preview. Last season, the Raptors finished with a 46-36 record, securing the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference. They suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 first-round loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs. In the offseason, the team made significant moves, drafting Allen Graves (No. 19) and Jaden Bradley (No. 50), re-signing Chucky Hepburn, Alijah Martin, and Kyle Anderson, while also trading away Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and Sandro Mamukelashvili.

Kawhi Leonard, who returns to the Raptors, is expected to be a significant boost to the team's half-court offense. His expertise in running isolation plays and pick-and-roll situations will be highly valuable. However, the Raptors still need to improve their center position, as Jakob Poeltl has been a weak link. The team's turnover rate in 3-point attempts and accuracy in 3-point shooting was also a concern last season, necessitating a stronger center to help stretch the floor.

The Raptors have fewer draft assets after acquiring Kawhi Leonard, but securing an upgrade in center would be beneficial for maximizing the potential of Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles. For fantasy basketball enthusiasts, Collin Murray-Boyles is projected to have a significant sophomore season, with backup options available in Jamal Shead.

The team's preseason power ranking is No. 10, with a win projection of 46.5. In a best-case scenario, the Raptors could secure the third seed, while a worst-case scenario could see them in the play-in tournament.