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.

In the game within the game, Scottie Barnes and Zion Williamson would often get matched up against each other Monday night as the host Raptors were looking to keep the good times rolling. The mano a mano matchup was both compelling and competitive.

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.

Toronto reportedly is interested in Brandon Ingram but his New Orleans Pelicans teammate might be an even more juicy target.

The Raptors spent many years certain of victory night in and night out. For the first time in years, that certainty returned.

Before this recent six-in-seven run of wins, and during a period when an injured Barnes missed 35 of 88 games, Toronto's record was 4-31.

Jakob Poeltl had 21 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks as the Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting New Orleans Pelicans 113-104 on Monday night to stretch their winning streak to four games.

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,

New Orleans arrives without Dejounte Murray and Herb Jones, and that leaves the visitors vulnerable on the perimeter. They gave up 123 points to the Hornets at the weekend, on the heels of getting torched for 139 points by the Grizzlies on Friday — so Barnes should have ample chances to flash his playmaking skills.

New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson is enduring another injury-filled season. The two-time all-star has played in just ten games this season after dealing

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

TORONTO (AP) — Jakob Poeltl had 21 points and 14 rebounds, Scottie Barnes had 21 points ... included a home victory over the Pelicans. Zion Williamson scored 31 points and CJ McCollum had ...