The Raptors host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, October 21, to begin the 2026-27 season, and the loudest news of the last day is the quiet. Raptors Republic reported Monday that Toronto has a clean bill of health, with Nate Bittle, whose right foot problem carried an estimated return date of October 21, resuming on-court work.
Rest, Then Reset
Toronto has had four days off since the October 16 preseason loss in Detroit, 125-129, which closed a back-to-back. That night eight regulars went on the report for rest, Leonard, Barnes, Quickley, Barrett, Poeltl, Shead, Walter and Murray-Boyles, and every one of them was cleared the next day. Bittle, moved into a two-way slot on October 17 as five players were waived, per Blake Murphy, is the only name still carrying a tag. Four rest days is a luxury the Bulls share, so neither side arrives tired.
The Graves Question
The beat has settled on Allen Graves, the 20-year-old first-round forward. The Toronto Star's Libaan Osman wrote that the Raptors will give him plenty of opportunities, and The Globe and Mail reported he is willing to do anything the team asks. Raptors Rapture reported Darko Rajakovic urging patience as Graves adjusts to NBA pace. With Leonard, 35, and Kyle Anderson, 33, ahead of him at forward, a rookie's minutes will be earned, not scheduled.
Chicago Without Claxton
The Bulls went 31-51 last season with a minus-5.3 net rating, and they come to Toronto thin in the middle. Nic Claxton, 11.7 points and 6.9 rebounds a night last season, is out because of a hamstring problem, while Isaac Okoro, Tobe Awaka and Zach Collins are on the report without being ruled out. Josh Giddey, who averaged 17.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and 9.1 assists, remains the engine under Tiago Splitter. Toronto's own number to watch is 30.4, Barnes's three-point percentage last season. Raptors HQ asked this week whether the Raptors have enough shooting to contend, and the opener is the first chance to answer.
When is the Raptors' 2026-27 season opener?
Wednesday, October 21, at home against the Chicago Bulls. Toronto then plays at Washington on October 23.
Is anyone injured for the Raptors heading into the opener?
Raptors Republic reported a clean bill of health. Nate Bittle is the only name on the report, with a right foot issue and an estimated return of October 21.
