The Toronto Raptors suffered a significant setback in their playoff aspirations with a 122-111 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on March 11, 2026. This defeat places the Raptors a half game behind the Miami Heat in the standings, currently sitting in seventh place and at risk of entering the play-in tournament.

The Pelicans capitalized on their rest, having not played for two days prior to the game, and demonstrated their readiness by going on a decisive 22-5 run in the third quarter. At one point, the Raptors trailed by as much as 19 points, showcasing their struggles throughout the match.

Despite the deficit, the Raptors managed to cut the lead to just two points midway through the fourth quarter, igniting hopes of a comeback. However, the Pelicans responded strongly, outscoring the Raptors 27-18 in the final 10 minutes of the game, ultimately sealing their victory.

As of this match, the Raptors hold a record of 36-28, while the Pelicans improve to 21-45. The Raptors’ recent performance has raised concerns, as they have faced several tough losses in the fourth quarter over the past few weeks.

“This game might be the worst loss in that stretch,” commented an unnamed source, reflecting the disappointment within the Raptors’ camp. Another source noted, “Great teams don’t squander opportunities like these,” emphasizing the critical nature of the game.

Looking ahead, the Raptors will return home to face the Phoenix Suns, featuring star player Devin Booker, on March 11, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET. This matchup will be crucial for the Raptors as they seek to regain momentum and solidify their playoff position.

Meanwhile, the Pelicans will aim to extend their three-game home winning streak, demonstrating their potential to disrupt the standings further. The outcome of the Raptors’ next game will be pivotal in determining their trajectory as the season progresses.

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