Record-wise, the Toronto Raptors have done their job since the last Fulcrum, going 3-1 since the calendar flipped to the New Year. That record, however, does not tell the full story. Injuries and inconsistent play have made this an uneasy start to 2026 and have left a bad taste in the mouths of many fans. Let’s discuss.
Injuries piling up
In a one-point win against the Hornets, both Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes suffered injuries. The very next game, RJ Barrett exited in the fourth quarter with an ankle sprain. Jakob Poeltl has yet to appear in 2026 due to a lingering back issue.
The severity of these injuries remains unclear, but if roughly 80 percent of the starting lineup is either unavailable or playing well below full strength, it could quickly spell trouble. This stretch will demand more from the Raptors’ bench, and that is where things get complicated.
Toronto has found success with its second unit this season. The team’s leaders in net-rating include Jamal Shead at +5.5, Gradey Dick at +5.3, and Sandro Mamukelashvili at +5.2. Those numbers are encouraging, but expanded roles bring added pressure. Additionally, young and unproven players behind the usual bench rotation will be asked to take on expanded roles.
When the gap between the fourth-seeded Raptors and the eighth-seeded Magic sits at just two games, there is very little margin for error.
The importance of Immanuel Quickley
Immanuel Quickley currently stands as the only healthy member of Toronto’s starting five. That reality places a significant burden on his shoulders as the rest of the core works its way back.
Throughout his career, Quickley has battled inconsistency, and this season has been no different. One night, he looks like a dynamic ball-handler and knockdown shooter who defenses struggle to contain. The next, questionable decisions and cold shooting stretches creep back into his game.
More will be asked of Immanuel Quickley during this stretch than at any point this season. With the roster thinned by injuries, his strengths and weaknesses are going to be put under a microscope.
His large contract and inconsistent play have made him the first name brought up when discussing potential trades the Raptors could make. This stretch is an opportunity for Quickley to prove himself to the front office and solidify his place within the core long term.
Can he steady the offense, make clean decisions, and show he can help carry this team when other key contributors are out?
Critical games before a grueling road trip
Unfortunately, these injuries have come at the worst possible time.
Toronto recently faced Boston while missing four starters, and will likely remain shorthanded for back-to-back matchups against the 76ers. Those games carry real weight in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, and the Raptors will need to grind out wins under difficult circumstances.
Following those contests, the schedule only gets tougher. Toronto faces Indiana before embarking on a stretch against six straight Western Conference opponents, including a five-game West Coast road trip. Extended road trips out west are challenging even at full strength. Doing so without key contributors raises the degree of difficulty significantly.
If the Raptors hope to avoid an extended losing streak, Quickley and the back end of the rotation will need to rise to the occasion.