10 observations after Raptors' first 10 games

The Toronto Raptors are 10 games into the 2025-26 season and the team is right at .500 with a 5-5 record.

Here are 10 observations from the team's first 10 games of the season, which could foreshadow what's to come for the team.

Offense ranks top 10 in NBA

The offense has been quietly among the best in the NBA, ranking 10th in offensive rating over the first few weeks of the season.

The offense is improved compared to last year, which is a positive sign of growth for the Raptors.

Defense has been up and down

The defense has been a mixed bag, placing in 14th place in the NBA. In the first five games of the season, the Raptors allowed 118 points or more in each game, going 1-4.

In the last five games, the story has been different. Apart from their most recent loss against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Raptors have only allowed 104 points or fewer.

The Raptors need that trend to continue, especially during the latter half of the team's road trip.

Winning games big

The Raptors have won each of their five games by at least 11 points, proving that they can pour it on in winning efforts.

Losing games big, as well

The Raptors have not been in many close games this season. Their loss against the Milwaukee Bucks on Oct. 24 was the only time any game had been decided by six points or fewer.

It will be interesting to see how the Raptors respond in crunch time later in the season.

Scottie Barnes is improving

Barnes is averaging just under 20 points per game with seven rebounds and just under five assists. Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic thinks he is just reaching the iceberg of his potential.

“He’s been doing it for a long time, so there’s not much new there on the defensive end,” Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković said via The Athletic insider Eric Koreen.

“He’s just getting even more experienced. He’s getting to know the league and tendencies of the players even better. Scottie is a big part of our scouting preparation.”