The Toronto Raptors are 2-1 to start the 2026-27 NBA season and will look to get back in the win column against the Orlando Magic on October 28. This comes after a 117-94 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 25, which snapped a two-game winning streak that began with a franchise-record 43-point victory.
The Raptors opened their campaign with a statement, demolishing the Chicago Bulls 135-92 on October 21. That 43-point win is the largest season-opening victory in team history. Toronto never trailed, dropping 43 points in the first quarter alone and leading by as many as 48. Kawhi Leonard's return to the lineup saw him score 23 points. He was joined by Immanuel Quickley and Scottie Barnes, who also had 23 points each, while RJ Barrett chipped in 20. It was a dominant all-around performance that set a high bar.
That momentum hit a roadblock against the Timberwolves. The Raptors fell 117-94 on the road on October 25, a result that brought their early record to 2 wins and 1 loss. The loss highlighted areas for improvement after the explosive opener. While the specific stat lines from that game aren't detailed in our source, the scoreline indicates Toronto's offense wasn't as fluid against a tough Western Conference opponent. The team's recent form is now LWW, with the most recent result being that defeat.
Leonard's return to the court is the storyline shaping this Raptors season. His 23-point outing in the opener, even while not at his absolute peak, provided immediate offensive punch and gravity. His ability to draw defensive attention opens up opportunities for players like Quickley, Barnes, and Barrett. If Leonard can stay healthy and ramp up his production, Toronto's ceiling rises considerably. His veteran presence and playoff experience are assets a young core can build around during a long season.
The immediate focus is a quick turnaround at home. The Raptors host the Orlando Magic on October 28, a key early Eastern Conference matchup. It's a prime opportunity to correct course after the Minnesota loss and protect their home floor. A win would move them to 3-1 and provide positive momentum heading into a longer stretch of the schedule. Fans can track the team's upcoming games on our schedule page. How the team responds to its first adversity will tell us a lot about its character this year.
