Scottie Barnes has been playing the best defense of his career. The 23-year-old has helped the Toronto Raptors turn their season around as the team has won 5 games in a row and 7 of their last 8.

Toronto hosts Chicago looking to prolong its five-game win streak. The teams match up Friday for the first time this season.

Scottie Barnes has always been able to do special things on the defensive end of the basketball court. Before he was zipping no-look passes across the floor, mastering the mid-range or posting triple-doubles,

Jakob Poeltl had 21 points and 14 rebounds, Scottie Barnes had 21 points and 11 boards, and the Toronto Raptors beat the New Orleans Pelicans 113-104 on Monday night for their first four-game winning streak in almost two years.

It’s all worth keeping in mind, given that the Raptors are thought to be looking for a “significant piece” to pair with Scottie Barnes, per one front office source with another team. Whether

Toronto has now won five straight games. After the game, they had a short, two-word message on X. "Anotha' one," the Raptors shared. Three of the Raptors' last five games -- all being wins -- have come on the road. They are truly finding their stride to a certain extent, and it'll be interesting to see the club's trade deadline approach.

In some ways, comparing Scottie Barnes and Zion Williamson is like a basketball philosophy test. As the two squared off Monday, Barnes showed why the Raptors feel their star is only getting better.

The Eastern Conference player of the week averaged 22 points, 9.7 rebounds and six assists in three victories.

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes earned league honors for the Player of the Week in the Eastern Conference

Whether it was his one on one matchup with Zion Williamson or simply deciding to take over a game when a game was there for the taking, credit Scottie Barnes for taking his game to another level. Toronto’s recent run of success hasn’t entirely been a result of Barnes’ improved play,

The Raptors are experiencing a fair share of struggles this NBA season, but star player Scottie Barnes' performances have encouraged fans.