The Toronto Raptors returned from the 2026 NBA All-Star break with a statement victory on Thursday night, defeating the Chicago Bulls 110-101 at the United Center. The win improves Toronto’s record to 32-23, solidifying their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race as the league enters the final stretch of the 2025-26 regular season.
The victory was headlined by Brandon Ingram, who led the way with 31 points. Ingram, alongside franchise cornerstone Scottie Barnes, represented the Raptors at the recent All-Star Game, marking a significant era of talent for the team. Despite a shaky offensive performance from beyond the arc (7-of-23), Toronto utilised 35 assists and forced 17 turnovers to dismantle a struggling Bulls squad.
Recent Roster Movements
The Raptors’ front office has been active following the trade deadline. Most notably, the team waived veteran guard Chris Paul, who was briefly acquired in a three-team swap involving Ochai Agbaji and the Brooklyn Nets. Following his release, the 12-time All-Star announced his retirement from the NBA after 21 seasons. This move has opened a roster spot, leading to speculation regarding the conversion of A.J. Lawson’s contract or the further development of rookies Chucky Hepburn and Alijah Martin, who are currently on two-way deals.
Franchise Legacy and Valuation
Founded in 1995 as an expansion franchise, the Raptors remain Canada’s sole NBA team. Their historical pinnacle occurred in 2019 when they defeated the Golden State Warriors to claim their first NBA Championship. As of February 2026, the franchise’s growth is reflected in its financial standing, with CNBC ranking the Toronto Raptors at No. 13 on the official NBA Team Valuations list.
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Record (2025-26) | 32-23 |
| NBA Championships | 1 (2019) |
| All-Stars (Current Season) | Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram |
| Head Coach | Darko Rajaković |
Looking Ahead
With only 26 games remaining in the schedule, the health of the roster remains a primary focus. Centre Jakob Poeltl continues to be a vital interior presence, though analysts have noted his recent seasons have been shortened by injury. The team is currently “almost fully healthy,” with only Sandro Mamukelashvili listed as questionable due to a rib injury. As the NBA considers stricter rules to prevent “tanking,” the Raptors appear committed to a competitive push for a top-six seed in the Eastern Conference.