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.

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 ...

The Raptors have reeled off four wins in a row and have posted victories in six of their past seven games in what has inarguably been the best stretch of basketball played under second-year head coach Darko Rajakovic. A winnable game in Washington awaits Wednesday night followed by another winnable game Friday when Chicago comes to town.

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

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.