If you haven't checked the box score lately, the Toronto Raptors look a lot different than that championship squad from a few years back. Honestly, it’s a whole new world at Scotiabank Arena. People keep talking about "rebuilding," but if you look at the starting lineup Toronto Raptors fans are seeing in early 2026, it feels more like a retooling on steroids. We aren't just waiting for picks to develop anymore. This team is sitting at 25-17, fourth in the East, and playing a brand of basketball that’s actually... fun?
But here is the thing: the lineup is a bit of a moving target right now. Injuries have hit the locker room like a ton of bricks. You’ve got Jakob Poeltl out with a nagging back issue, and RJ Barrett recently sidelined with an ankle sprain. This has forced Head Coach Darko Rajakovic to get creative, and the results have been kind of wild.
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The Current Core: Who is Actually Starting?
When everyone is healthy—which feels like a rare luxury lately—the lineup is built around a "Big Three" that the front office clearly spent a lot of capital to assemble.
Basically, the "standard" five looks like this:
- Immanuel Quickley (Point Guard)
- RJ Barrett (Shooting Guard/Wing)
- Brandon Ingram (Small Forward)
- Scottie Barnes (Power Forward)
- Jakob Poeltl (Center)
But let’s be real, that lineup hasn't been on the floor together as much as Darko would like. With Barrett and Poeltl recently missing time, we've seen a massive influx of youth. In the January 16th game against the Clippers, for instance, the Raptors rolled out a group featuring Jamal Shead at the point and the rookie sensation Collin Murray-Boyles at the five.
It’s a "next man up" vibe, but with actual talent.
Why the Brandon Ingram Addition Changed Everything
For a while, the Raptors were the "team of 6'9 wings who couldn't shoot." That’s dead. Bringing in Brandon Ingram (averaging 21.9 points this season) gave Scottie Barnes the breathing room he desperately needed.
Ingram is that pure bucket-getter. When the shot clock is winding down and the offense stalls, you just give him the ball and get out of the way. He’s taking the pressure off Immanuel Quickley, who is still figuring out the balance between being a facilitator and a primary scorer.
Some critics said Ingram wouldn't fit Darko’s "0.5-second offense"—where you have to make a decision in half a second—but he’s actually adapted well. He isn't just an isolation player anymore; he’s moving the ball.
Scottie Barnes: The Actual Point Guard?
If you watch a Raptors game in 2026, don't get hung up on the positions listed on the TV graphic. Scottie Barnes is the engine. He’s averaging nearly a triple-double lately, including a monster 26-point, 13-assist performance against Indiana just a few days ago.
Is he a Power Forward? Sure, on defense. But on offense, he’s basically a 6'7 Magic Johnson.
The chemistry between Barnes and the "New York duo" of Quickley and Barrett is the foundation of this whole era. RJ Barrett has been surprisingly efficient since coming home to Toronto, and that "Who Cares" mentality he and Quickley brought from the Knicks has toughened up a roster that used to be a bit too "nice."
The Center Spot: The Collin Murray-Boyles Factor
Jakob Poeltl is a solid vet, but his back issues have opened a door for Collin Murray-Boyles. And man, has he kicked it down.
The kid is a defensive dynamo. He’s already averaging 2.5 offensive rebounds per game and gives the Raptors a vertical spacing element they haven't had since... well, maybe Serge Ibaka? He’s raw, but the pairing of Murray-Boyles and Barnes in the frontcourt is a nightmare for opposing offenses because of their length and switchability.
What People Get Wrong About This Lineup
Most national media outlets still talk about the Raptors like they are a "lottery team in disguise." That’s just not true.
They aren't "tanking" for a high pick. Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster are clearly aggressive. There were even rumors about them chasing Anthony Davis or Ja Morant before the 2026 trade deadline. While the Davis deal seemingly died because of his hand injury, the message is clear: the Raptors think their window is opening now.
The "Darko System" Nuance
People think Darko Rajakovic is just a "vibes" coach because he’s nice in interviews. Wrong. The 2025-26 Raptors have actually developed a top-tier defense. They are disciplined. They don't gamble as much as they did under Nick Nurse, which is why their record has stayed above .500 despite the injuries.
Actionable Insights for Raptors Fans
If you're following the starting lineup Toronto Raptors rotations, keep an eye on these specific things over the next few weeks:
- The Rotation Shuffle: Watch how Jamal Shead and Gradey Dick's minutes fluctuate once Immanuel Quickley is fully back from his back issues. Shead has earned a permanent spot in the rotation with his grit.
- Trade Deadline (Feb 5): Don't be surprised if the Raptors move a veteran like Garrett Temple or even look to upgrade the backup center spot if Poeltl’s back doesn't improve.
- Scottie’s Usage: When Ingram is off the floor, Scottie’s usage rate skyrockets. If you’re into fantasy ball or betting, that’s your window.
- Free Throw Consistency: RJ Barrett has improved, but the team still struggles at the stripe in crunch time. It’s their Achilles' heel.
The Raptors are no longer just "the team in Canada." They're a deep, versatile squad that’s one healthy stretch away from being a serious threat in the playoffs. Keep your eyes on the injury report—because when this "Big Three" of Barnes, Ingram, and Quickley actually plays together, they’re one of the toughest outs in the league.
Next Steps:
Monitor the official NBA injury report two hours before tip-off for the most accurate daily starting five, as Darko Rajakovic has been making "game-time" decisions frequently this month. Check the Raptors' official team site for updates on Jakob Poeltl’s return timeline, as his presence in the middle is the key to their defensive ceiling in the postseason.