The Toronto Raptors will close their 2026 preseason Friday night against the Detroit Pistons in Detroit as the team completes its final tune-up before the regular season.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern at Little Caesars Arena.
The game is listed as Toronto’s fifth and final preseason contest on the NBA schedule.
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Toronto Raptors: Raptors enter final preseason test
The matchup gives head coach Darko Rajaković one more opportunity to evaluate lineups, rotations and depth before Toronto’s regular-season opener.
The Raptors began preseason play on October 3 against the Miami Heat in Québec City before travelling to Vancouver to face the Los Angeles Clippers and meeting the New York Knicks twice.
The NBA Canada Games stop in Québec City marked the league’s first preseason game in the city, while the Vancouver matchup continued Toronto’s role in the league’s Canadian exhibition series.
Kawhi Leonard’s return adds attention
Much of the attention around the Raptors this month has centred on Kawhi Leonard, who returned to the Toronto lineup during the preseason after previously leaving the organization following the team’s 2019 championship season.
Leonard’s return against New York gave Toronto fans an early look at how he may fit alongside Scottie Barnes and the rest of the current roster.
The Raptors have also used the preseason to give young players, including Collin Murray-Boyles, opportunities in expanded roles.
Toronto’s exhibition schedule has included a particularly unusual stretch, with games against the Knicks in Toronto and New York on consecutive dates before Friday’s meeting with Detroit.
What Friday’s game can show
Preseason results do not count toward the regular-season standings, but the final exhibition is important for players competing for rotation minutes and roster spots.
Toronto’s coaching staff will have to balance evaluating its depth with managing workloads before the regular season begins.
The Raptors’ schedule places the team on the road in Detroit immediately after the New York game.
The Pistons also enter the contest as part of their preseason preparations, making Friday’s matchup a final competitive test for both Eastern Conference teams.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Toronto Raptors at Detroit Pistons |
| Date | Friday, October 16, 2026 |
| Time | 7 p.m. Eastern |
| Venue | Little Caesars Arena, Detroit |
| Game type | NBA preseason |
Regular season begins next week
Toronto is scheduled to open its regular season on Wednesday, October 21, against the Chicago Bulls at Scotiabank Arena.
The Raptors will then visit the Washington Wizards and Minnesota Timberwolves before returning home to face the Orlando Magic on October 28.
Friday’s game therefore represents the final chance for Toronto to test its group in an exhibition setting before the results begin to count.
The organization’s immediate focus will shift from experimentation to preparation for the regular season, with player health, defensive cohesion and the integration of its key veterans among the main storylines to watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Raptors play the Pistons?
The Toronto Raptors play the Detroit Pistons on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 7 p.m. Eastern.
Where is the Raptors-Pistons preseason game being played?
The game is scheduled for Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
Is the Raptors-Pistons game part of the regular season?
No. It is Toronto’s final preseason game and will not affect the NBA regular-season standings.
When is the Raptors’ regular-season opener?
Toronto is scheduled to open the regular season against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, October 21, at Scotiabank Arena.
Why is Kawhi Leonard important to the Raptors this preseason?
Leonard’s return gives Toronto another experienced veteran alongside Scottie Barnes and provides the team with an important storyline as it evaluates its lineups before opening night.
Fact-Checked: Key schedule details and preseason information were checked against official NBA and Toronto Raptors pages.
Disclaimer: Preseason lineups, player availability and broadcast details may change before tipoff.