Locked On Raptors - Daily Podcast On The Toronto Raptors

Zulfi Sheikh and Duane Notice recap the Toronto Raptors' 112-102 win over the Washington Wizards on Friday. Another game and another defense-first performance to improve the Raps to 2-0 this season. Every player did their part on defense, but it was Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett who took care of business to help the team's up-and-down offense.

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Immanuel Quickley's was the stand out performer for the Toronto Raptors in their home opener rout of the Chicago Bulls -- is it a sign of things to come? In Episode 2212, Sean Woodley and Joe Wolfond talk about Quickley's tidy 23-4-7 season opener and get into what the Raptors did to weaponize their starting point guard. Next, they talk about how Collin Murray-Boyles looks like he could be the bridge between Quickley and Scottie Barnes' games. Lastly, they chat about some other player combinations they've got their eyes on as the Raptors take on the Wizards and Wolves...

The Toronto Raptors demolished the Chicago Bulls in their season opener by a final score of 135-92 as their defense offered a glimpse of just how terrifying it could be this season. In Episode 2211, Sean Woodley goes solo to run through his big takeaways from a home opener win in Kawhi Leonard's regular season debut. Off the top, the Raptors defense here, and it's even more beautiful than anyone could have imagined in its first taste of real games -- even if the Bulls weren't exactly game competition. Next, Sean gets into how the offense, while effective overall, left...

Zulfi Sheikh and Duane Notice recap the Toronto Raptors' season-opening 135-92 win vs. the Chicago Bulls. Kawhi Leonard made his much-anticipated return, the rest of the starters STEPPED up and the defense looked SPECIAL. Game 1 is in the books!

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The Toronto Raptors begin a new season, and it's time to ring in the new year with some of our boldest predictions ahead of the 2026-27 season! In Episode 2210, Sean Woodley and Joseph Casciaro (theScore) lay out four bold predictions apiece about how this season will play out for the Toronto Raptors. Where could the Raptors finish on the offensive and defensive end of the floor? Could Scottie Barnes find his way into some major award conversations? Kawhi Leonard, too? Is Collin Murray-Boyles primed to be the best reserve in the NBA? Just how elite could the ferocious Raptors...

The season is here which means it's time for the best episode of the year -- the 10th Annual Toronto Raptors Over/Unders & Props Contest where we predict every angle of the Toronto Raptors 2026-27 season! In Episode 2209, Sean Woodley, Vivek Jacob and Sahal Abdi make their picks on over/unders and props covering Scottie Barnes' combined points, rebounds and assists, Kawhi Leonard's points per game, Immanuel Quickley's total three-point output, RJ Barrett's rim percentage, Jakob Poeltl's nightly minutes, Collin Murray-Boyles' stocks, Ja'Kobe Walter and Jamal Shead's total minutes, Jamison Battle and Allen Graves' three-point shooting and Scottie Barnes...

The Toronto Raptors are finished with their preseason schedule and we've got some takeaways from the exhibition season as the real thing get started on Wednesday. In Episode 2208, Sean Woodley and Zulfi Sheikh run through their biggest takeaways from the last couple weeks of fake hoops, including Sean's increased bullishness on the team after seeing the parts come together, and Zulfi's belief that whatever level of excitement you have about Scottie Barnes: it's not high enough. Next, Sean talks about why this will be the year Raptors fans make their peace with the OG Anunoby trade, with both Immanuel...

Just how good could the Toronto Raptors offense be this season with Kawhi Leonard in the fold? Very! In Episode 2207, Sean Woodley is joined by Joe Wolfond to talk about the Toronto Raptors offense, how it'll look this season, and how good it can be. Off the top, they chat a little about Scottie Barnes' mid-range magic and Immanuel Quickley's encouraging preseason on the heels of Thursday's game against the New York Knicks. Then, they pivot to talking about what changes we can expect to see in the Raptors' core offensive principles this season compared to last. Next, Sean...

Are the Toronto Raptors more likely to finish as the East's one-seed or the East's eight-seed? In Episode 2206, Sean Woodley and Trill Bro Dude (You Know Ball) link up to play a few rounds of What's More Likely?! Off the top, they discuss whether it's more likely that the Raptors finish 1st or 8th in then Eastern Conference standings come season's end, and the paths the team would take to get to either landing spot. Next, they talk about whether Raptors forward Allen Graves or Sixers guard Labaron Philon is more likely to make a surprise First Team All-Rookie...

The Toronto Raptors hammered the New York Knicks reserves 148-98 and Kawhi Leonard looked awesome in his preseason debut. In Episode 2205, Sean Woodley goes solo to talk about Kawhi's impressive debut, his takeaways on the rest of the projected rotation guys' outings, and much more. Off the top, Sean gets into Kawhi's 21-points on 6/12 shooting and why the amount of time he spent away from the ball on his way to his customary lethally efficient and prolific production is extremely encouraging both for the health of the Raptors' offense and the Raptors' efforts to keep Kawhi fresh throughout the...

Kawhi Leonard is set to make his preseason debut for the Toronto Raptors against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night. In Episode 2204, Sean Woodley and Vivek Jacob talk about what they're most eager to see from Kawhi when he hits the floor, how the offense has fared without him so far, and other things they're hoping to see from the remainder of the preseason slate. Next, they talk about some of their bigger takeaways from the preseason so far, with Jakob Poeltl looking limber right at the top of the list. Lastly, they run through The Good (Ja'Kobe...

The Toronto Raptors absolutely have the juice to earn the top seed in the Eastern Conference this season. In Episode 2203, Sean Woodley fields mailbag questions about the Raptors from you, the listeners! Off the top, Sean is asked to wax poetic about his hottest preseason take about the Raptors, which is probably that Toronto absolutely has a path to being the one seed in the loaded Eastern Conference this season. Next, Sean talks about the basketball things he's thankful for, including Kawhi Leonard joining the Raptors with contractual runway, Scottie Barnes interior passes, Terrence Ross' dunk on Kenneth Faried...

Is this something of a make or break season for Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley? In Episode 2202, Sean Woodley and Es Baraheni continue the Best Case / Worst Case series with a look at Immanuel Quickley, who is often maligned yet still quite helpful, and should be in a very good context within which he can thrive as Kawhi Leonard joins the team. Off the top, Sean and Es talk about the most likely outcome for IQ this season, which probably involves him looking like a slightly more potent version of the player he was last season, especially if his...

The Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic have similar wing-focused roster builds, but are they headed in different directions? In Episode 2201, Sean Woodley is joined by Philip Rossman-Reich (Locked On Magic) to continue our tour around the loaded Eastern Conference and discuss the Magic, who might have more riding on this coming season than any team in the East. Off the top, Sean grills Philip about the crossroads Orlando finds itself facing, whether Sean Sweeney will have the juice to reinvigorate a team that disappointed greatly last year, and whether there's any hope of the Franz Wagner / Paolo Banchero duo...

Is Toronto Raptors star Scottie Barnes a lock to make an All-NBA team this coming season? In Episode 2200, Sean Woodley and Vivek Jacob continue the Best Case / Worst Case series with a look at Scottie Barnes and his best, worst and most likely outcomes for the 2026-27 season. Off the top, they try to envision the absolute ceiling for Scottie this season. Could he flirt with a First-Team All-NBA spots and be on the fringes of the MVP conversation? Is he going to make First-Team All-Defense? Next, they talk about the things that could happen to bring about the...

The Toronto Raptors lost their preseason opener 129-105 to the Miami Heat on Saturday night, and it doesn't matter at all. In Episode 2199, Sean Woodley goes solo to talk through some of his takeaways from the Raptors' return to the court in Quebec City, with some thoughts primarily on what the Raptors offense is going to look like on nights where Kawhi Leonard doesn't play. Does the bully ball version of Scottie Barnes get unleashed in those games, similarly to how it was on Saturday? Plus, Sean rattles through some quick impressions of how RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Jakob...

Are the Toronto Raptors with Kawhi Leonard or the Miami Heat with Giannis Antetokounmpo the bigger threat to the Miami Heat? In Episode 2198, Sean Woodley and Wes Goldberg (Locked On Heat) link up to size up where the Raptors and Heat sit in relation to one another, and the rest of the Eastern Conference. Off the top, Sean and Wes talk about Sean's skepticism in the Heat's roster, and whether it's fair or unfounded. Next, Wes asks Sean about the level of expectation for the Raptors this season, their best lineup and more. Lastly, they chat about which team...

Toronto Raptors backup point guard Jamal Shead has signed a 3-year / $24 million contract to stay with the team through the end of the 2029-30 season. In Episode 2197, Sean Woodley goes solo to react to the contract and detail why it's a win for the Raptors, Shead and Raptors fans. Plus, Sean examines the path to this becoming a massive surplus value deal for the Raptors if Shead can make some incremental improvements as an offensive player. Lastly, Sean talks about the glowing reports about how Jakob Poeltl looked at the Raptors' open practice at Laval University last night, and...

If the Toronto Raptors are going to play Collin Murray-Boyles next to Jakob Poeltl more this season, it shouldn't come at expense of CMB getting plenty of run as a small ball five. In Episode 2196, Sean Woodley goes solo to talk about some of the biggest preseason storylines he's keeping an eye on for the Raptors in the coming weeks. Off the top, Sean talks about Darko Rajokovic hinting at CMB playing more of the four this season than he did as a rookie, and why that's a perfectly fine idea as long as it doesn't preclude CMB from...

Amid all the excitement coming out of Toronto Raptors Media Day, let's take a second to appreciate Brandon Ingram, whose partial Achilles tear revealed on Monday sheds new light on the Kawhi Leonard trade. In Episode 2195, Sean Woodley goes solo off the top to talk about the news of Ingram not being healthy enough to start the season after a partial Achilles tear was revealed when he got heel surgery in May. Sean gets into why the injury colours the Kawhi trade in retrospect, as well as the struggles Ingram had in the postseason. Ultimately, it's even more proof...

The Toronto Raptors held their annual Media Day on Monday as Kawhi Leonard was formerly re-introduced and the Locked On Raptors crew got to talk to some of the guys! In Episode 2194, Sean Woodley and Vivek Jacob share their biggest takeaways from the press conference portion of the day, including Kawhi Leonard truly being as Fun a Guy as ever, RJ Barrett's extension situation looming over the team, and MUSCLE WATCH for Collin Murray-Boyles and Ja'Kobe Walter. Then, Sean and Vivek sit down with Collin Murray-Boyles to discuss his offseason workout regimen, what he envisions his role looking like...

Just how good can the Toronto Raptors defense be with the addition of Kawhi Leonard? In Episode 2193, Sean Woodley and Joe Wolfond talk about their expectations for what should be a monstrous Toronto Raptors defense in 2026-27, how much the addition of Kawhi Leonard stands to help out a defense that was already top-five quality last season, and whether the addition of Leonard will incite any changes in how the Raptors typically play defense. Plus, they discuss where arguably the Raptors' weakest defender, RJ Barrett, might slot into a defense that has a whole lot of help behind him...

Kawhi Leonard is officially a Toronto Raptor once again which means we have to talk about load management, baby! In Episode 2192, Sean Woodley is joined by Katie Heindl to first get her thoughts on Kawhi's official return to Toronto, his contract extension, and the refreshing vibe surrounding his second union with the franchise. Next, they take a listener question about load management and how the Raptors' plan to keep Kawhi healthy might take shape in light of the league's updated rules surrounding resting players. Lastly, Sean and Katie field questions about Allen Graves' chances of making an All-Rookie team...

Kawhi Leonard has extended with the Raptors for 2 years and $115 million with a player option on the second year, officially ushering in a three year contention window for the Raptors. In Episode 2191, Sean Woodley goes solo to talk about the extension, the window it opens and the level of urgency the front office now needs to have, and why the player option amplifies some of the back end risk involved with Kawhi Leonard and his health -- although it's risk everyone seems to have been happy to take on anyway. Plus, Sean gets into how the player option could...

Is it possible to be too high on Collin Murray-Boyles going into his second season with the Toronto Raptors? In Episode 2190, Sean Woodley is joined by Vivek Jacob to talk about the Toronto Raptors' second-year forward and his best, worst and mostly likely potential outcomes for this season. Off the top, they get into their intense bullishness on CMB going into his second season and why the best case scenario puts him firmly in the conversation to win Sixth Man of the Year. Next, Sean and Vivek talk about whether it's possible to be too high on CMB, the...

The Toronto Raptors are being a little extra with their celebration of Kyle Lowry's retirement, and that's exactly what they should be doing! In Episode 2189, Sean Woodley goes solo to talk about the Raptors' elaborate weekend of Kyle Lowry-themed events and why in spite of them kind of acting like they haven't been there before with the celebration of a franchise great, they're doing exactly what they should be as a franchise that... hasn't really been there before. Plus, Sean runs through the Best Case / Worst Case outcomes for Ja'Kobe Walter as he enters his third season. Is there...

The Toronto Raptors are flush with an embarrassment of potential lineup options and playing styles with Kawhi Leonard in the fold. In Episode 2188, Sean Woodley is joined by Matt Moore (Locked On NBA, Hardwood Paroxysm) to talk about why Matt loves the Toronto Raptors so much! Off the top, they talk about Matt's transformation from Raptors skeptic into one of the team's biggest champions in national media, and the ways in which the upgrade from Brandon Ingram to Kawhi Leonard will manifest itself on the floor for the Raptors. Next, they talk about the preponderance of lineup options Darko...

Are the Detroit Pistons primed to fall back to the pack in the Eastern Conference and get surpassed by the Toronto Raptors? In Episode 2187, Sean Woodley continues his tour around the loaded Eastern Conference with Ku Khahil (Locked On Pistons). They chat about the Pistons somewhat underwhelming offseason, the vibe within the Pistons fan base and the logic behind replacing Tobias Harris with John Collins in Detroit's starting five. Next, they talk about the looming extension for Ausar Thompson, and the ongoing Jalen Duren restricted free agency saga and how they might factor into the on-court product in Detroit...

Is the Toronto Raptors closing lineup primed to be one of the best five man units in the NBA? In Episode 2186, Sean Woodley answers mailbag questions from you, the listeners about mostly Kawhi Leonard. Off the top, Sean digs into how he envisions the five man unit of Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Kawhi Leonard, Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles will perform this season, gauges what Darko Rajakovic biggest sources of stress and relief will be as Kawhi joins the team, discusses what the next moves for the Raptors are now that the Leonard deal is officials, theorizes what might...

After 76 long days, Kawhi Leonard is officially a member of the Toronto Raptors once again after Monday night's trade call with the Los Angeles Clippers. In Episode 2185, Sean Woodley and Vivek Jacob react to the end of this long summer of Kawhi limbo, discuss the Raptors joining the league's contender class, and dig into the intensely bizarre narrative turns of Kawhi's career. Next, they chat about whether the Raptors' should extend Kawhi for his full 2-year / $124 million max or play a little hardball, and whether it really matters one way or another. Lastly, they talk about what Kawhi stands...

Are the Toronto Raptors one step closer to completing the Kawhi Leonard trade after Steve Ballmer accepted the NBA's punishments handed down on his team? In Episode 2184, Sean Woodley goes solo to talk about the latest on the Kawhi front in the wake of Steve Ballmer standing down on fighting the NBA's decision in the Kawhi Leonard cap circumvention case and whether it portends the official completion of the Kawhi trade some time soon. Next, Sean continues his Best Case / Worst Case series with a look at Jamal Shead, who can earn himself a whole lotta money next summer...

What are the best, worst and mostly likely outcomes for Jakob Poeltl in the 2026-27 Toronto Raptors season? In Episode 2183, Sean Woodley is joined by Joe Wolfond to talk about the much maligned Raptors starting center and the ways in which this coming season could go. Off the top, they talk about what the best-case outcome looks like for Poeltl. Can he regain some mobility with a healthier back? Can he play himself out being a totally unmovable anchor on the salary cap sheet? And do the Raptors even need THAT much from him? Next, they go grim. What...

What's the latest on Kawhi Leonard and the status of Raptors broadcaster Jack Armstrong; and can the Toronto Raptors dethrone the New York Knicks? In Episode 2182, Sean Woodley goes solo off the top to run through the latest reporting on what's going on with the Kawhi trade and the Clippers' role in holding it up and scolds Rogers and MLSE for reportedly dragging their feet on bringing Jack Armstrong back for Raptors broadcasts this season. Then, Sean chats with Gavin Schall of Locked On Knicks about whether the Knicks can recapture the magic of last season, thy the departure...

Kawhi Leonard comes with a wide range of possible outcomes for his first season back with the Toronto Raptors; which version will the Raps get? In Episode 2181, Sean Woodley and Vivek Jacob talk about the best, worst and most likely case outcomes for the returning superstar. Off the top, they chat about when they expect the deal with the Clippers to become official and whether there's any possibility that it could still fall apart even with Kawhi getting a mere slap on the wrist for his role in the Clippers cap circumvention scheme. If and when he does join...

Will Kawhi Leonard's involvement in the LA Clippers cap circumvention scheme follow him to his second stint with the Toronto Raptors? In Episode 2180, Sean Woodley and Katie Heindl talk about their takeaways from the NBA's ruling now that they've had a couple days to sit with it all, whether they think it's fair for Raptors fans to hold any ill will toward Kawhi for his involvement in the scheme, and why it's misguided to resent Kawhi for walking with a relatively light punishment when you consider the scope of the story and the severity of the penalties levied against...

The NBA revealed its findings in the Kawhi Leonard cap circumvention investigation and have absolutely hammered the Clippers while clearing the way for Kawhi Leonard to become a Toronto Raptor officially. In Episode 2179, Sean Woodley reacts to the NBA stripping the Clippers of five draft picks while suspending Steve Ballmer and members of the team's front office for orchestrating a cap circumvention scheme involving Kawhi Leonard, while Leonard will receive a $700,000 fine but not suspending nor a voiding of his contract. Sean talks about why this is a perfect outcome for those hoping for Kawhi to officially become a...

The Boston Celtics traded Jaylen Brown this summer, but they're still gonna be annoyingly good, aren't they? In Episode 2178, Sean Woodley chats with John Karalis (Locked On Celtics) about the Celtics' eventful offseason and whether there's any hope that their run as an Eastern Conference contender comes crashing to an end this season. Off the top, they chat about why Boston is so predictably going to be a regular season wins machine again even after trading Jaylen Brown to their closest rival for a pittance, and whether their playoff ceiling is worthy of skepticism. Next, they chat about the...

Are the Toronto Raptors or the Philadelphia 76ers the more sure thing in the loaded Eastern Conference this season? In Episode 2177, Sean Woodley and Trill Bro Dude (You Know Ball) chat about the Sixers' crazy offseason and where they sit in the superior conference. Off the top, they chat about how hard Trill is rooting for the Kawhi Leonard trade to fall through as a fan of one of the many teams vying for contender status in the East, and get into just how good the Sixers can be with LeBron James and Jaylen Brown in tow. Next, Sean...

Is "Playoff Scottie Barnes" the version of Scottie the Toronto Raptors can expect to see going forward. In Episode 2176, Sean Woodley is joined by Katie Heindl to answer a bunch of mailbag questions from you, the listeners! Off the top, they chat about whether the version of Scottie Barnes we saw in the postseason is the level of player that Raptors fans should expect to see going forward full-time. Next, they chat about the leaked Kyle Lowry commemorative logo and why it's cool and good that the Raptors are innovating in the creative logo space as well as the...

What would constitute a successful three-year window for the Toronto Raptors with Kawhi Leonard on the team? In Episode 2174, Sean Woodley and Vivek Jacob play a game of Would You Rather and hit on some conundrums related to the Raptors' competitive window with Kawhi, RJ Barrett's looming potential extension and the Raptors' starting center spot. Would you rather the Raptors make one finals run (and lose) in the next three seasons with Kawhi and miss the playoffs the other years OR make the playoffs in all three years but max out at one ECF finals appearance? Would you rather...