The Toronto Raptors have shifted focus as they prepare for the future, emphasizing player development in their final games of the season. Coach Darko Rajakovic is keen on expanding players' skill sets, utilizing young talents like Ja'Kobe Walter at point guard, despite his primary position being a wing. This experimentation aims to foster comfort and versatility among the team’s younger members.

The Raptors recently concluded their home games with a decisive 126-96 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, resting several veterans to grant more playing time to rookies such as Jonathan Mogbo, who recorded a triple-double. With the team’s sights set on the draft lottery, Rajakovic believes these developmental opportunities will be crucial for confidence heading into the summer.

Scottie Barnes has high hopes for the Toronto Raptors' young talent, expressing optimism about their contributions despite a challenging season. Players like Jamal Shead, Ja'Kobe Walter, Jonathan Mogbo, and Jamison Battle are highlighted for their emerging skills on both ends of the court. Shead’s assists and defensive prowess, Walter’s improved scoring and defense, Mogbo's rebounding, and Battle’s shooting ability exemplify the promising future for Toronto. While the Raptors have experienced regression this season, Barnes is excited about the growth of these players.

With 62 games played, Barnes averages 18.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists, slightly down from last year. He envisions a brighter future, emphasizing the positive team chemistry and shared interests off the court. Teammate RJ Barrett echoed this sentiment, asserting that they have taken steps forward, building towards a better next season. Head coach Darko Rajakovic appreciates the focus and energy of his young roster as they prepare for a crucial offseason.

In a closely contested matchup, the Toronto Raptors fell to the Detroit Pistons 117-105, despite a standout performance from rookie Ja’Kobe Walter, who scored 22 points. Walter, returning from a quad injury, highlighted his defensive growth, stating, "For myself? Or for the team?" His focus on defense is showing dividends, as he averaged 13.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists over his last seven games. Head coach Darko Rajakovic noted Walter's commitment to building muscle, which has boosted his confidence on both ends of the court.

Walter's approach symbolizes the Raptors’ philosophy of physicality and defense. The young player remains optimistic about the team's growth and has embraced the challenges of his rookie season, stating, "I'm really just enjoying the journey." The game also saw Jamal Shead surpass a Raptors rookie assists record, further showcasing the team's evolving talent.

Tim Hardaway Jr. showcased his scoring prowess with 23 points as the Detroit Pistons secured a playoff berth, defeating the Toronto Raptors 117-105. The Pistons controlled the game early, leading by as much as 22 points, thanks in part to Jalen Duren's double-double of 21 points and 18 rebounds. Malik Beasley also contributed significantly with 21 points. For the Raptors, rookie Ja'Kobe Walter led the team with 22 points despite the team's struggles, including the absence of Scottie Barnes.

The Pistons effectively fended off a late surge from Toronto, who managed to close the gap to six points in the fourth quarter through strong bench contributions. Key moments included a decisive 11-0 run in the third quarter that put Detroit firmly in control.

Tim Hardaway Jr. led the Detroit Pistons with 23 points in a decisive 117-105 victory over the Toronto Raptors, securing a playoff spot. Detroit maintained a significant lead, with Jalen Duren contributing a double-double of 21 points and 18 rebounds. Malik Beasley added 21 points, providing depth to Detroit’s offense.

For the Raptors, Ja'Kobe Walter topped the scoring with 22 points, while Jakob Poeltl recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Despite their efforts, Toronto's season is effectively concluded, as the team has been eliminated from playoff contention. The bench players performed admirably with Immanuel Quickley nearing a triple-double with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. Coach Darko Rajakovic kept the starting lineup limited as they prepared for the final stretch of the season.