Raptors vs. Pacers: Three Key Storylines as Toronto Eyes Stability Ahead of All-Star Break
As the Toronto Raptors gear up for their second-to-last game before the All-Star break, they find themselves in a familiar yet precarious position-fighting to stay relevant in a crowded Eastern Conference playoff race. Sunday's matinee matchup against the Indiana Pacers might not carry the weight of a marquee clash, but for a Raptors team trying to find its footing, it's another must-win on the path to postseason security.
Tip-off is set for 3:00 p.m. EST on Sportsnet, and while the Pacers sit near the bottom of the East, this game is less about who they're playing and more about how the Raptors respond to the pressure of expectations.
Toronto has struggled mightily against elite competition this season, going just 1-9 against the current top four teams in both conferences. That’s not a stat you want hanging over your head as the playoff picture starts to crystallize. But the flip side is this: the Raptors still have time to beat the teams they should beat-and that starts with Indiana.
Let’s break down three key storylines heading into Sunday’s matchup.
1. Jakob Poeltl’s Return Could Anchor the Raptors’ Stretch Run
There’s cautious optimism in Toronto surrounding Jakob Poeltl’s potential return. While he’s listed as questionable and may not see the floor until after the All-Star break, just the possibility of getting their starting center back is a significant boost for a team that’s been scrambling to defend the paint.
Poeltl’s absence has forced the Raptors to get creative-leaning on Scottie Barnes, rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, and Sandro Mamukelashvili to hold down the center spot. That trio has shown flashes, but it’s a taxing role rotation-wise, and it’s clear Toronto is eager to re-establish some size and stability in the middle.
To help shoulder that load, the Raptors made a quiet but potentially impactful move at the trade deadline, acquiring Trayce Jackson-Davis from the Warriors. Jackson-Davis had a promising rookie campaign, averaging 7.9 points and 5.0 rebounds in limited minutes, but fell out of Golden State’s rotation as the season wore on.
Now, he gets a fresh start in Toronto-on a team that needs exactly what he brings: energy, rebounding, and a willingness to do the dirty work inside. If Poeltl can return healthy and Jackson-Davis finds his rhythm, the Raptors’ frontcourt rotation suddenly looks a lot more functional.
2. Pacers Go All-In with Zubac Trade, But Big Questions Remain
The Indiana Pacers made one of the more aggressive moves at the trade deadline, sending out a significant haul-including Canadian guard Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, and multiple picks-to land Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown from the Clippers.
The message from Indiana’s front office is clear: they’re not content with rebuilding, and they’re ready to compete once Tyrese Haliburton returns to full strength.
Zubac is a steady, traditional big man who’s quietly putting up a double-double this season (14.4 points, 11.0 rebounds). But he’s also dealing with an ankle injury and just welcomed a newborn, so his Pacers debut may not come immediately. Still, when healthy, he projects as a major upgrade over Indiana’s current center-by-committee approach.
For the Raptors, the Zubac trade is worth monitoring-not just for Sunday’s game, but as part of the broader Eastern Conference arms race. Every team jockeying for a playoff spot is making moves, and Toronto can’t afford to stand still.
3. Ja’Kobe Walter’s Role is Growing-and So Are the Stakes
With Ochai Agbaji now in Brooklyn, the Raptors’ wing rotation just got a little thinner-but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It opens the door for rookie Ja’Kobe Walter to step into a more defined role, and so far, he’s making the most of it.
Walter logged 30 minutes in a win over the Bulls earlier this week, posting 12 points, five rebounds, and two steals. The Raptors are now 3-1 when he plays at least 30 minutes-a small sample size, but an encouraging one.
Drafted 19th overall in 2024, Walter brings a combination of defensive tenacity and offensive upside that fits well with Toronto’s long-term vision. He’s not being asked to carry the offense, but he is being asked to make winning plays-and he’s delivering.
With RJ Barrett’s future in Toronto potentially up in the air this offseason, Walter’s development over the next few months could play a major role in how the front office shapes the roster moving forward.
The Bottom Line
This Raptors team is still a work in progress, but the pieces are starting to come into focus. Poeltl’s return could stabilize the interior.
Jackson-Davis brings untapped potential. Walter is showing signs of being a legitimate rotation player.
And while the Raptors have struggled against the league’s elite, they’ve still got a shot to solidify their place in the East by taking care of business against teams like the Pacers.
Sunday’s game might not be flashy, but it matters. In a season defined by transition, every win counts-and this one is there for the taking.