Toronto Raptors face challenges as they drop in power rankings after RJ Barrett’s injury
The Toronto Raptors are currently reeling from a tough reality check following two consecutive losses that halted their impressive nine-game winning streak. Once regarded as one of the top contenders in the league, the Raptors have seen their standing in NBA.com’s power rankings slip from No. 9 to No. 11, raising eyebrows and concerns about their recent performance.
Impact of Recent Losses
Despite their earlier success, the Raptors’ back-to-back defeats have underscored vulnerabilities within the team. As noted by an NBA analyst, the Raptors are set to compete in the Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinals for the first time, but the recent losses have cast a shadow over their accomplishment. The analyst reflected, “The Raptors’ weekend back-to-back was the start of their only stretch of five games in seven days, which includes a second game (a chance for revenge) against the Hornets.” They now prepare to take on the Portland Trail Blazers, marking the beginning of a five-game homestand.
Power Rankings and Competition
In the current power rankings, the Raptors find themselves trailing teams such as the Minnesota Timberwolves, Orlando Magic, and Phoenix Suns. This dip in rankings is no coincidence; the Raptors have struggled since star player RJ Barrett was sidelined due to a knee sprain. In the four games without him, the team has averaged a mere 103 points, significantly lower than their season average of 117.6 points.
Struggles Without RJ Barrett
Barrett’s absence has been felt acutely, as he was a pivotal figure in the Raptors’ lineup. The team has also dealt with the absence of center Jakob Poeltl, who missed the game against New York due to back-to-back fatigue. During this stretch, the Raptors’ rebounding capabilities have faltered; they recorded their worst rebounding performance since October, struggling to secure less than 45% of available boards.
The statistics tell a concerning story: while Barrett was on the court, the Raptors showed slight offensive improvement, yet the four games without him have marked their poorest offensive showing, with a dismal 102.7 points scored per 100 possessions. Among the players who have attempted at least 25 shots during this stretch, only Scottie Barnes has managed to maintain an effective field goal percentage above 50%.
Looking Ahead
As the Raptors evaluate their strategy moving forward, Barrett is scheduled for re-evaluation this week, offering a glimmer of hope for his return during the homestand. This week, the Raptors will aim to regain momentum, facing a challenging slate of games against the Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, and Boston Celtics. With their performance in these matchups crucial for restoring confidence and rankings, the Raptors are eager to turn the tide and reclaim their status as a formidable force in the league.
