Ten games into the 2025-26 Raptors season, Toronto currently stands at 5-5, which of course means they’re at a .500 record. They've gone 2-2 at home and 3-3 on the road, with their first win — the dominant season opener against Atlanta — setting the tone for what many thought could be a strong campaign through this initial season stretch. As we saw, Toronto struggled to maintain their momentum, suffering four consecutive losses afterward and turning that promising glimmer of hope for Raptors Nation back into mediocrity. But the boys fight hard, and an early skid once again showed it wasn’t worth overreacting. Toronto responded with four straight wins, and that is where our story brings us now.
One week and some change into November, and the Raptors face a very interesting stretch of their next ten games. At the time of writing, Toronto is gearing up to face the Brooklyn Nets later tonight. While there’s a chance they might be without depth pieces Sandro Mamukelashvili and Ochai Agbaji, an easy victory for the Raptors seems within reach — especially considering the Nets’ abysmal 1-9 record and their tanking trajectory.
And that sentiment reins true when you assess the other adversaries coming in Toronto's way during these next ten games, as the list includes the Nets again on November 23, Charlotte Hornets (twice), Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers (twice), Cleveland Cavaliers (twice), and Philadelphia 76ers.
Raptors must maximize their next 10 games ahead
Basketball math isn't that simple as to assume that the better team on paper always wins. Toronto certainly holds an edge in many aspects, but ultimately, it’s on the Raptors to live up to those expectations. I’d say Toronto is favored to win many of these matchups — if we’re talking betting odds — and from the fans' and pundits' perspectives, they'd likely agree.
The Hornets are 3-7, the Pacers are struggling at 1-9, and the Wizards sit at 1-10 making them dead last in the East. So it’s easy to conclude that Toronto should be able to outmatch them and then some.
Though, if any team on this schedule poses a bit of concern, it's probably the Sixers. The Raptors just lost to them on November 8, but despite the defeat, Toronto kept the game within reach — unfortunately, it just wasn't enough to secure the win. Cleveland could be a tough opponent during this stretch and give them a hard time, but as we've already seen, Toronto has the Cavs' number this year. However, that NBA Cup group play win should also be considered in the context of Cleveland's injury-riddled squad on that night, and perhaps Toronto got a bit of a favorable nudge.
The Raptors cannot be satisfied with just rocking the teeter-totter between wins and losses. There is no room for satisfaction in just being in the middle or barely squeezing by. Look at Detroit as a perfect example — see the momentum they've built for themselves as the first seed and their dominant seven-game winning streak.
Toronto is talented and the chemistry is finally coming together. Some of their early issues, like Immanuel Quickley's struggles, are also turning around. However, they will need to hope that their core pieces stay healthy throughout this stretch, or the consequences could be dire.