The Toronto Raptors' position in the NBA's Eastern Conference is turning heads. Holding fourth place with victories in seven of their last eight games, the team finds itself in an unexpectedly strong position by mid-November, a scenario that seemed improbable after recent rebuilding seasons.
A Resurgence Fueled by Tough Tests
This impressive start becomes even more significant considering the strength of their early schedule. The Raptors have faced one of the league's most difficult slates of opponents to open the season. Despite this challenge, their offensive efficiency has been elite, averaging 118.2 points per 100 possessions, a mark that ties them for fifth-best in the entire NBA with the powerhouse Oklahoma City Thunder.
Their recent road trip underscored this growth, as the team secured four wins out of five games away from home, a feat not accomplished in years. The lone loss was a narrow defeat in Philadelphia. Defensively, the team has been solid, ranking 13th in the league with metrics comparable to the 10-4 Los Angeles Lakers.
The Schedule Softens, Opportunity Knocks
The landscape is now shifting dramatically in Toronto's favour. According to analysis from Tankathon, only seven teams in the NBA have an easier remaining schedule. This presents a golden opportunity for the Raptors to climb the standings rapidly.
The favourable stretch begins with a homestand against the struggling 3-8 Charlotte Hornets, followed by a quick rematch in Philadelphia. The Raptors then host the Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets, two teams that entered the week with a combined record of 2-22. A home game against a Cleveland team seeking revenge comes next, followed by matchups against 1-12 Indiana and another game in Charlotte.
If the Raptors can capitalize on this stretch, they have a realistic chance of rising as high as second place in the Eastern Conference by the end of the month, trailing only the surprising Detroit Pistons.
Lineup Questions and Bench Strength
A key storyline will be whether head coach Darko Rajakovic maintains his current starting five or makes a change to address the team's pattern of slow starts. The lineup of Jakob Poeltl, Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley has actually been a net negative when on the court together.
In contrast, the Raptors' bench has been a revelation. Players like Jamal Shead and Sandro Mamukelashvili have provided massive sparks, often changing the game's momentum. The team's most effective three-man combination has been Ingram, Poeltl, and Quickley, while the four Raptors with the best individual net ratings are all reserves.
This creates an interesting strategic decision for Rajakovic. While the starting unit boasts top-tier talent, the bench's cohesion and effectiveness are undeniable. Finding the right rotation balance will be crucial as the Raptors look to stack wins during this critical part of their schedule.
