Raptors Season Opener: 5 Fast Facts Before Tip-Off

A new Toronto Raptors season is here, and the possibilities feel boundless. For the first time in five years, the Raptors look poised to make a significant impact in what appears to be a weaker Eastern Conference. As we gear up for tonight’s Raptors season opener against the Atlanta Hawks—a matchup sure to test this new-look squad—here are five fast facts you need to know before tip-off.

Fact #1: Tonight’s Tip-Off

The Raptors kick off their 2025–26 season tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET, live on Sportsnet. This game offers the first real glimpse of the revamped lineup featuring Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley. Expectations are quietly rising. Whether watching from home or at Scotiabank Arena, all eyes will be on how this group sets the tone for a season defined by depth, energy, and a fresh identity.

Fact #2: Brandon Ingram’s Pelicans Debut

Sometimes, looking back helps us anticipate what’s ahead. As Raptors fans eagerly await Brandon Ingram’s Toronto debut, it’s worth revisiting his first game with the Pelicans. Fittingly, Ingram’s Pelicans debut came against the defending champion Raptors on October 22, 2019, in a thrilling season opener.

Toronto edged out a 130–122 overtime victory, but Ingram made a strong impression with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and a block, shooting 8-for-19 from the field and 3-for-6 from beyond the arc. He showed a mix of confidence, aggression, and poise that signaled the rise of an All-Star. Raptors fans can expect that same assertive, polished version of Ingram tonight — only this time, he’ll be wearing red and black.

Fact #3: Raptors’ Record in Season Openers

Despite the franchise’s many roster changes over the years, one thing has remained consistent — the Raptors tend to start their seasons on solid footing. Toronto holds an 18–12 all-time record in season openers, including 15–9 at home, a mark that reflects how much they thrive in front of the Scotiabank Arena crowd. The franchise’s first-ever game back in 1995 ended in victory, and since then, Toronto has often made opening night a celebration of renewal and momentum. From Vince Carter’s high-flying debuts to Kyle Lowry’s early-season leadership, the Raptors have built a quiet tradition of showing up when the lights come on.

Recent history has been more mixed. Their most recent season-opening win came in 2023, a gritty 97–94 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, powered by Scottie Barnes’ two-way dominance. Last season’s blowout loss to Cleveland, however, was a reminder that early optimism doesn’t always translate into early execution. Tonight’s clash with the Hawks presents a clean slate — and a chance to reestablish that winning DNA right from Game 1.

Fact #4: Scottie Barnes on Opening Night

When it comes to season openers, Scottie Barnes has quietly built a reputation for setting the tone. Across his first four career openers, Barnes has averaged 13.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, along with strong defensive numbers — 1.5 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. His all-around production mirrors the same balanced approach that’s made him the Raptors’ new franchise cornerstone: a player who can score, facilitate, defend, and lead by example.

His best opener came last season against Minnesota, when he delivered 17 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 blocks in a gritty Toronto win. It was a snapshot of the version of Barnes fans hope to see consistently this year — assertive, athletic, and unshakably composed. Heading into tonight’s matchup, the expectation isn’t just for Scottie to fill the stat sheet, but to define the team’s identity as they embark on a season full of opportunity.

Fact #5: The Jakob Poeltl Effect

If you’re wondering how much Jakob Poeltl truly matters to this team, here’s your answer — the Raptors are 6–39 without him in the lineup over the past two seasons. That’s not a coincidence. Poeltl’s presence anchors the defense, stabilizes the glass, and provides the kind of pick-and-roll reliability that’s often missing when he’s out. His screens create space for Barnes and Quickley to operate, and his rim protection completely alters how opponents attack the paint.

With Poeltl healthy and ready to go for tonight’s opener, it’s a subtle but significant boost for a team that struggled to find structure without him. The Raptors’ best basketball in recent memory has come when their big man is patrolling the middle — and if they plan on surprising people this year, it’ll start with Poeltl setting the tone inside.

Closing Thoughts

A new season means new storylines, but the mission remains the same — rediscover what makes Toronto basketball special. Between the addition of Ingram, the continued rise of Barnes, and the steady presence of Poeltl, Barrett and Quickley, this team finally feels balanced again. Opening night won’t define their season, but it can reveal something even more important: identity. And for a franchise searching for its next era of belief, that’s the most exciting place to begin.