The Raptors have been putting the league on notice with their substantial improvement from last year, and these two may just have the biggest impact on the jump.
The Toronto Raptors achieved a 107-100 win Sunday night against the Utah Jazz in Scotiabank Arena. After back-to-back losses to the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic, the bounce-back win marked the 30th for Toronto this season, which matches its previous win total for the entire 2025 season (via Underdog).
RJ Barrett led the way for the Raptors against Utah, adding 21 points, six rebounds, and four assists on 50% shooting. Being in trade talks for over a month now, this was a great game to build confidence for the former No. 3 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, who has widely been linked to a potential trade for Domantas Sabonis before the trade deadline on Thursday at 3:00 PM EST.
Toronto Raptors guard/forward RJ Barrett (9) | © Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Toronto has found itself tied for the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, but this is not by mistake. After missing the playoffs for three straight seasons, the team up North has been led by Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, both of whom were widely expected to be playing in Los Angeles representing the Raptors in the 2026 All-Star Game. During a first-quarter timeout, the arena announcer exclaimed that Barnes had been selected to his second career All-Star Game, but Ingram had not.
Ingram has been viewed as a snub by many around the NBA; his impact alongside Barnes has been noticed by their peers, as shown by the newest cover of SLAM magazine.
Joining the list of legendary Raptors’ players and teams to be featured on the cover of SLAM magazine are Barnes and Ingram. The star forward duo is a matchup nightmare for any opposing defense, and the publishers at SLAM have taken notice.
Formally known as “The Basketball Bible,” SLAM is abundantly popular for its publication of basketball across all levels, along with relevant fashion and digital media. Staying up to date with the NBA, SLAM has regularly posted the league’s biggest stars since its introduction in 1994, and the two Raptors stars join the list of the NBA’s best (via Slam).
Both players have been represented on the cover before. Barnes made his first appearance by himself after winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2021. Ingram appeared in the magazine in 2023 with former teammates Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum as members of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) | © Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Although the increased recognition surely feels great for the two stars, it’s safe to assume they have more to do. Not only do they want to take Toronto to the playoffs and win a first-round series, but it wouldn’t be surprising to say they have more to show as individuals as well.
Barnes, who’s the team’s all-around leader and a contender for Defensive Player of the Year, had a case to be an All-Star starter this year, but was selected as a reserve instead. For Ingram, not making the All-Star Game after leading a top-four team in scoring should leave an extra chip on his shoulder. Time will tell if the two turn it up even more to end the regular season.