Raptors schedule release 2025-26: Breaking down 6 key games for Toronto's postseason hopes

Raptors schedule release 2025-26: Breaking down 6 key games for Toronto's postseason hopes originally appeared on The Sporting News

The Raptors enter the 2025-26 season with a fresh look and new expectations.

It's Year 3 under head coach Darko Rajakovic, and all eyes will be on the highly anticipated Toronto debut of 2025 deadline acquisition Brandon Ingram. Fans have been patiently waiting to see how Ingram fits into the Raptors' pre-existing core of Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, and Immanuel Quickley, and with the release of the 2025-26 NBA schedule, they now know when the journey will begin.

Toronto finished last season with a 32-50 record, but it is worth noting that the team went 22-21 over the season's final three months. And while some late-season results should be taken with a grain of salt, there are reasons to be encouraged ahead of 2025-26.

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

In a wide-open Eastern Conference, the Raptors have talent throughout the roster — their presumed starting five will be spelled by a group of young players that includes ninth overall pick Collin Murray-Boyles and a group of sophomores looking to build on their impressive rookie campaigns.

With all of these factors at play, the franchise is eying a return to the postseason for the first time since 2023, while the playoff drought spans back to 2022. Here are six key games for Toronto's journey back to being a postseason contender.

MORE: 15 best games to watch on the 2025-26 NBA schedule

Most important games of the Raptors season

76ers

2024-25 WL: 4-0

No one knows what to make of the Sixers anymore, but they're currently expected to be a team in the bottom half of the Eastern Conference. 

Of course, the Nick Nurse dynamic is at play, but more importantly, games against Philadelphia could be crucial in jostling for playoff positioning. The Raptors pulled off the series sweep of their divisional foe last season, but things could look different against a healthier 76ers team.

Mark the first of four meetings between these teams as an opportunity for a statement.

Heat

2024-25 WL: 1-3

Despite everything thrown its way last season, Miami found a way to make it to the playoffs as the East's eighth seed. This year should bring more stability to the Heat, who add Norman Powell and have a full training camp to incorporate Andrew Wiggins.

Miami isn't expected to be among the class of the East, but it should improve upon its 37-45 mark from last season. Should the Raptors aim to advance to the Play-In Tournament or the playoffs, they'll need to be in the range of 38-42 wins.

Games against the Heat could be crucial for tiebreaker purposes.

Nov. 26 vs. Pacers

2024-25 WL: 2-1

Toronto's first time hosting the defending Eastern Conference champs will be doubly important as it will be an NBA Cup matchup. 

While star guard Tyrese Haliburton won't suit up this season, the Pacers are still the class of the East until they're dethroned. And you can't overlook the connections with Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and Bennedict Mathurin having homecomings in Canada.

Indiana's 2024-25 blueprint of scrappiness is one it will look to replicate this season. Conversely, it's one that Toronto can copy as it looks to win big in the regular season and the Cup.

Celtics

2024-25 WL: 1-3

The will be something of a gap year for the Celtics, as they used the 2025 offseason to shed salary in the wake of the Achilles injury that will likely hold Jayson Tatum out for the entirety of the 2025-26 season.

Boston will have three new members of its starting lineup, and while the team will still be talented, it won't be the juggernaut of years past.

The Raptors could find themselves in a similar tier to the Celtics this year, and each of their four meetings will be crucial. It will also be an opportunity for Chris Boucher to go against his former team.

Bucks

2024-25 WL: 0-3

As long as Giannis Antetokounmpo is on the roster, the Bucks have a chance to do big things. That said, the roster around the two-time MVP isn't very inspiring, and not many know what to expect from Milwaukee.

If the Bucks have a season of ups and downs as expected, the Raptors can take advantage by winning head-to-head battles.

Hornets

2024-25 WL: 1-2

While most of the teams listed here finished above the Raptors, the Hornets are again looking to make a big leap after stumbling in 2024-25.

Charlotte's youth core shined during its run to a Summer League championship in Las Vegas, and the franchise is banking on the health of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. 

When looking at the landscape of Eastern Conference teams, the Hawks are an essential lock to re-enter the playoff picture after missing in 2025. Beyond Atlanta, however, Toronto and Charlotte loom as two options to push a team out of the picture.

To make things happen, you've got to win games like these.