All eyes are on the Toronto Raptors as the 2026 NBA trade deadline nears. Having sustained a postseason level of play throughout the first half of the 2025-26 regular season, many are wondering if Toronto will move to improve its rotation in hopes of a deep postseason run. If that ultimately proves to be the case, then speculation exists that RJ Barrett will be the player the Raptors move-a possibility that could bring franchise great DeMar DeRozan back to Toronto.
Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett has been ruled out for tonight's showdown against the Philadelphia 76ers with an ankle sprain. He exited the January 9th matchup against the Boston Celtics with this injury, and after being looked at by the team, they have decided to keep him sidelined for tonight. Barrett previously missed 15 consecutive games this season as a result of a right knee sprain, and he just made his comeback from that injury on December 28th against Golden State.
Poeltl was only able to feature for seven minutes in the contest and came away with just two points and two rebounds before leaving the game. The Raptors ended up losing the game 96 to 81. Poeltl will miss his tenth game of the season tomorrow, as he's played and started in all 21 games that he was available for.
Raptors announce that RJ Barrett will return to basketball activities this week after having a PRP injection a week ago. Barrett has been out of the lineup with a knee sprain since Nov. 24th.- Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) December 15, 2025 This probably means he will start practicing once again, and it looks like the return of Toronto's second-highest scorer is just around the corner, which is great for Toronto, as they have really struggled without Barrett to pick up wins.
Quickley's defence continues to show real improvement in transition, where his aggression forced a turnover early. Early in the first quarter, he stood his ground impressively when Jabari Smith Jr. tried to post him up, showcasing added strength and discipline. Offensively, however, it was a rough night - his trademark floater deserted him, missing a few he normally converts with ease. Quickley still hasn't quite found his rhythm on that end of the floor.
"I've never been a horrible defender, so I was kinda confused on that, but I've gotten better and i want to continue to get better and be a two way player, thats kind of my calling card so I want to continue to embrace that"A common theme during media day thus far has been defense, and Toronto's focus on it this season and throughout the summer.
The modern NBA is about spacing. Perhaps once upon a time it was about strength and size and moxie, but the name of the game in this century is spacing. How are you using the vertical space, the horizontal space? How do you open up space on the perimeter for shooters to get open, space in the paint for cutters and drivers to score, space around playmakers for them to dime up teammates in the right spot to score?
