The Toronto Raptors’ betting odds to win games have shortened significantly this season, largely due to the emergence of their trio of Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, and RJ Barrett.
Toronto’s defence has also played a pivotal role in improving its basketball odds of coming away with wins as it looks to return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2022-23 campaign.
With that said, let’s take a look at the Raptors’ defensive rating and ranking.
Raptors Team Defensive Efficiency: How Good Is Toronto’s Defense?
Toronto is ranked among the best defensive teams this season but has had to overcome some challenges on that end of the floor.
The Raptors have had to play a lot of small ball this season because Jakob Poeltl missed significant time this season due to lingering back issues.
Toronto tends to apply heavy ball pressure, switches, and double teams, which can cause significant disruption in half-court defensive schemes, but it can also leave 3-point shooters wide open, create open driving lanes, or create easy opportunities for players to finish at the rim.
The Raptors are among the league leaders in deflections per game, which helps their athletic wings tack on easy points on the board in transition.
Collin Murray-Boyles has emerged as a defensive threat for Toronto, given his ability to scramble and switch off his man, keep a strong base when his opponent has an advantage, and play up against shiftier guards.
Toronto’s defensive blueprint is there, but if the Raptors can land a difference-making rim protector this offseason, this defence could go from good to great next season.
What Is the Toronto Raptors Defense Ranked?
The Toronto Raptors’ defence ranks ninth in the league.
Who Is the Best Defender on the Raptors?
Barnes is the best defender on the Raptors.
His ability to handle big men down low and clamp down against guards and wings on the perimeter has made him one of the best defenders in the league, firmly placing him in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation.
Barnes’s length and versatility have helped the Raptors overcome the absence of a big man on defence, given his knack for blowing up drives, jumping the passing lanes, absorbing body contact, and forcing his opponents into difficult shot attempts.
The Florida State product’s defensive instincts and natural tools have certainly helped the Raptors make do without a traditional big man. If he had just a little more help on the backside, Toronto’s perimeter defence would be even scarier.
Still, any defensive shortcomings the Raptors may have should not fall on Barnes’ shoulders.
Who Has the Best NBA Defensive Rating?
The Oklahoma City Thunder have the best NBA defensive rating.
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