"The Raptors are built on length and athleticism. Teams like that usually have a defense-first mentality. However, through five games, Toronto has allowed the second-most points per game and holds the league-worst opponent field-goal percentage at 53.5%. Even when they get an initial stop, they often don't finish the possession; they rank third-worst in defensive rebounds per game. Coach Darko Rajakovic has a complex defensive system."
"Through his first three preseason games, the Raptors' franchise player averaged six points on 20% shooting. Many fans were concerned; however, five games into the season he's averaging 22.2 points on 53.8% shooting from the floor. He's been aggressive as a scorer and has made the right passes when initiating the offense. If he keeps this up, he'll be in line for a second All-Star selection."
"Jakob Poeltl hasn't had the start he wanted this season after signing a four-year, $104 million extension in the offseason. He's dealt with a broken nose and back issues and is taking time off to recover from those injuries. Toronto faces a lot of challenging bigs this upcoming week: the Cavaliers (Evan Mobley), the Grizzlies (Jaren Jackson Jr.), and the Bucks (Giannis Antetokounmpo/Myles Turner)."
The Toronto Raptors opened the season 1-4 after expectations that the team would end a three-year playoff drought. The team is allowing the second-most points per game and a league-worst opponent field-goal percentage of 53.5 percent. The Raptors rank third-worst in defensive rebounds per game and often fail to finish defensive possessions. Coach Darko Rajakovic runs a complex defensive system that demands precise positional execution. Scottie Barnes has rebounded from a poor preseason, averaging 22.2 points on 53.8 percent shooting while initiating the offense effectively. Jakob Poeltl has missed time with a broken nose and back issues; his health is crucial against upcoming skilled bigs.
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