The Toronto Raptors are under significant pressure this NBA season, ranked fourth on a prominent list of franchises facing high expectations. This comes after a massive 148-98 preseason victory over the New York Knicks on October 13, 2026. The team's bold offseason moves, headlined by the return of superstar Kawhi Leonard, have created a win-now mandate that leaves little room for error.
Multiple factors converge to create a high-stakes environment for the Raptors. Head coach Darko Rajaković enters his fourth season needing to prove his system can deliver consistent playoff success. The front office, led by executive vice president Bobby Webster, made a definitive all-in move by trading for Kawhi Leonard.
That trade sent multiple draft picks along with players Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick to the Los Angeles Clippers. Toronto then doubled down, signing Leonard to a two-year, $115 million contract extension. At age 35, Leonard is expected to be the offensive pillar, but his injury history adds another layer of risk. He missed 17 games last season despite averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.
The Raptors' preseason offered a mixed bag of results, ending with a dominant performance. They suffered a 105-129 loss to the Miami Heat on October 3. They bounced back with a 114-106 win over the LA Clippers on October 10. The preseason finale was a statement, a 148-98 demolition of the New York Knicks on October 13.
The real test begins immediately. Scottie Barnes, the young cornerstone of the core, had a rough preseason but is coming off a strong year where he put up 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. His support for Leonard is non-negotiable.
The pressure shifts from the practice court to the regular season instantly. The Raptors open their campaign on the road against the same New York Knicks team they just routed, on October 15, 2026. It's a chance to build momentum but also a sign that preseason results mean little.
Leonard is slated to make his official return debut in that game. All eyes will be on his fitness and chemistry with Barnes and the roster. The team's entire strategy is built on maximizing the window while Leonard performs at an elite level. Their early-season schedule will be telling.
Webster and Rajaković have tied their futures to this core. The Raptors finished fifth in the East last season, making the playoffs for the first time since 2022 before a first-round exit to Cleveland. That progress is now the baseline. Anything less than a deeper playoff run will be viewed as a failure given the assets surrendered. The 148-98 scoreline was fun, but the real numbers that matter are wins and losses from Tuesday onward.
