The Toronto Raptors are turning heads again, and the NBA has taken notice in a big way.
The Raptors have been flexed onto ESPN's national broadcast for their January 30th matchup against the Orlando Magic at Scotiabank Arena.
According to TSN's Josh Lewenberg, this marks a big moment for the franchise since the last time ESPN flexed a Raptors game it was to remove them from the network back on January 8, 2024, when Toronto was set to face the New York Knicks.
A Turnaround Worth Watching
Toronto entered the 2025-26 season with just two scheduled U.S. national TV games, which tied them for the fewest in the league.
After missing the playoffs for three straight years, the lack of spotlight was no surprise.
But this team has played its way back into the conversation and now sits at 27-19, good for fourth place in the Eastern Conference.
The Raptors have been one of the better stories in the NBA this season, and the flex scheduling shows that people outside of Canada want to see what they're building.
Head coach Darko Rajakovic has helped turn the team into one of the top defensive units in the league, ranking sixth in defensive rating while playing competitive basketball night in and night out.
Star Power Rising
Scottie Barnes has been the engine driving this team forward all season long, putting up strong numbers across the board and making a case for All-Star consideration.
The 24-year-old has been especially good in January, averaging over 22 points per game and recently dropped 40 points against the Sacramento Kings while shooting over 80 percent from the field.
He became the first player in NBA history to record 40-plus points, 10-plus assists, and at least five three-pointers while shooting that efficiently.
The supporting cast has stepped up as well, with Immanuel Quickley and second-year guard Jamal Shead emerging as a key playmaker in the backcourt.
Brandon Ingram has given Toronto a legitimate second scoring option, and RJ Barrett has helped the team go 15-3 in his last 18 games played.
What It Means Going Forward
Getting flexed onto national television is about more than just one game.
It shows that the NBA believes the Raptors are worth watching and that their product is compelling enough to draw a national audience.
For a team that was written off before the season started, this is a nice reward for their effort and results.
Toronto still has a tough road ahead, including a matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday and a game against the New York Knicks next week.
But for now, the Raptors can enjoy the fact that they've earned their way back into the spotlight after years of being overlooked.