Toronto opened 2026-27 by beating Chicago 135-92, and now heads to Washington with a 1-0 record and a roster still sorting out its minutes. Here are five numbers that explain where this team stands, and what each one does not yet settle.
A Plus-2.9 Baseline
Last season Toronto finished 46-36 with an offensive rating of 115.0 and a defensive mark of 112.1, a net of 2.9. That profile says the defense carried a middling offense, and the Globe and Mail framed this camp around competition on that end. It does not prove the same balance holds now, with Leonard back at age 35 after averaging 27.9 points last season. Washington is the opposite case: 17-65 a year ago, allowing 121.5 points per 100 possessions, a net of minus 11.8. The Wizards are also 1-0, though, and last year's numbers describe a different roster.
Three Guards, Heavier Loads
Ja'Kobe Walter is averaging 33.7 minutes over his last five games, up from 21.5 for the season. RJ Barrett is up 10 minutes per game and Jamal Shead up 11 over the last three, both with a teammate unavailable. Rookie big man Nate Bittle is listed out with a right foot issue, with an estimated return of October 28. Those jumps show where Darko Rajakovic turns when the rotation thins. They do not prove permanent roles; Walter's surge is the one worth tracking once everyone is available.
Living Just Above the Line
Toronto's payroll is $201.2M against a luxury tax line of $200.4M. Leonard at $50.3M, Scottie Barnes at $41.8M, Immanuel Quickley at $32.5M and Barrett at $29.6M make up the core of that bill, and Jakob Poeltl's $19.5M carries a player option. Sportsnet's Blake Murphy broke down the roster at only 14 players and weighed the tax against the apron. Sitting that close to the line shapes every small decision this winter. It does not mean a trade is coming, and Barrett's extension talks have produced no reported progress since late September.
Are the Raptors over the luxury tax in 2026-27?
Yes, narrowly. Toronto's payroll is $201.2M against a tax line of $200.4M, with Kawhi Leonard's $50.3M the largest contract.
Is AJ Dybantsa playing against the Raptors?
No. Sportsnet reported the Wizards' No. 1 pick is out against Toronto with a left ankle issue, and Tristan Vukcevic and Jamir Watkins are also listed out.
