Things change quickly in the NBA.
Just over a week ago, the Toronto Raptors started their five-game road trip by conceding 25 points and 13 rebounds to DeAndre Ayton in a 110-93 defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers. It was Toronto’s fourth loss in six games and considering the franchise’s history with west coast trips, concerns about a potential downward spiral were easy to justify.
But somewhere along the journey – or at least during this leg of the race – something clicked for the Raptors. They’re now
winners of their last four games, including a resounding signature victory over the reigning champions.
Despite the Raptors’ recent success, it’s important to note that their final two games in January may be a more accurate (and realistic) litmus test for what could await them in April.
It begins with a matchup against the New York Knicks on Wednesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Sportsnet.
Here are three additional storylines to watch for.
A quick turn of events
Immanuel Quickley’s value to the Raptors is worth the tricky discussion it often evolves into. His $32.5 million annual salary places him in the top 50 for highest-paid players in 2026. Quickley’s pay ranks him near game-changing guards like Jalen Brunson ($34.9 million), Kyrie Irving ($36.5 million) and Tyrese Maxey ($37.9 million).
Unfortunately for Quickley, his inconsistent play, especially in a league that demands a cheat-code level of quality from the lead guard on a contender, drew criticism online.
But the 26-year-old has recently found his rhythm again and it couldn’t have come at a better time with his former team coming into town. Quickley missed the NBA Cup matchup against the Knicks back in December and the Raptors sorely missed his shooting ability. Toronto finished 11-for-38 (28.9 per cent) in that matchup.
During the Raptors’ four-game win streak, Quickley is averaging 25.3 points, 6.8 assists and 2.0 steals. He’s also shooting 61.1 per cent from the field and a blistering 61.5 per cent from three.
Respect Scottie Barnes
The Raptors have a top-five defence without a centre, prototypical three-and-d wing, or a perimeter guard. That’s why Scottie Barnes needs to be more seriously considered as the Defensive Player of the Year. Forget the fact that he leads the league in what Yahoo fantasy basketball players covet as stocks (steals and blocks), or that he blocked the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chet Holmgren’s “unblockable” pull-up jumper with the game on the line.
Barnes’ defensive acumen is best appreciated on film. Opposing offences perform nightly mental gymnastics to avoid Barnes, while the Raptors do everything they can to keep him in the play.
With Jakob Poeltl out (back) and Collin Murray-Boyles listed as questionable (thumb), expect Barnes to take on his usual heavy workload as Toronto’s defensive mastermind. As long as he can stay out of foul trouble – a tough ask when defending Karl Anthony-Towns in the post or walling off Brunson’s dribble penetration – the Raptors have a chance to get their first win over the Knicks in quite some time.
A big-apple sized kryptonite
When NBA fans look back on the 2025-26 season, it won’t be a surprise for some to conclude that the Knicks coasted through the regular-season due to a combination of boredom and self-preservation.
They look like the classic example of a team that understands that the most important possessions happen during the playoffs. But even as the Knicks sleepwalk through the marathon, they are still 28-18 and good enough to be the fourth seed in the wide-open Eastern Conference.
After dropping nine of 11 games, the Knicks are currently on a three-game winning streak. Like most teams, the Knicks are just better when they’re healthier. During their slump, New York missed key depth pieces like Josh Hart and Landry Shamet. Foundational pieces like Anthony-Towns and Brunson also missed games.
It also helps that the Knicks love seeing the Raptors on their schedule. New York has won their last ten games against Toronto.
