The Toronto Raptors have held steady at No. 12 in the latest NBA power rankings despite a mixed recent stretch, buoyed by a strong defensive showing and key wins against Eastern Conference contenders. With a 3-1 record on their current homestand, the team eyes a fourth victory against the Atlanta Hawks. Injuries have tested their depth, but players like Scottie Barnes have stepped up significantly.
The Toronto Raptors' recent performance has kept them anchored at No. 12 in NBA.com's Week 12 power rankings, as detailed by analyst John Schuhmann. Over the last 15 days, the Raptors suffered losses to the Nets, Wizards, and a shorthanded Nuggets squad. However, they boast a perfect 4-0 record against the top 10 teams in the Eastern Conference, highlighted by a dramatic comeback win against the Magic in a rest-disadvantage game last Monday.
A major factor in their stability is a top-five defensive ranking. The Raptors have benefited from opponents shooting just 34.9% from three-point range, the third-lowest in the league, while forcing turnovers at a high rate. They've reduced the percentage of opponents' shots in the paint from 49% last season (11th highest) to 46% this year (sixth lowest), and lead the NBA in limiting transition possessions at 16.2%.
Injuries have challenged the roster, with center Jakob Poeltl missing all but seven minutes over the last nine games. The team has adapted by rotating players alongside their four healthy starters. Against Denver, Ochai Agbaji started, allowing Scottie Barnes to guard bigs like Jonas Valančiūnas. Later, Collin Murray-Boyles took over, shifting Barnes to Jamal Murray. Barnes' current averages—18 points, eight rebounds, five assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks—position him as potentially the third player in NBA history, alongside Kevin Garnett and Giannis Antetokounmpo, to achieve such stats over multiple seasons.
The Raptors went 0-2 against the Celtics at home this season and have lost their last seven games in Boston, where they trail by two games (three in the loss column) for third place in the East. They face the Hawks on Monday at Scotiabank Arena, aiming to extend their homestand success.