The Toronto Raptors have the best defense in the NBA over the last 7 games, led by Scottie Barnes' All-Defense level play -- but can it sustain? In Episode 1796, Sean Woodley is joined by Es Baraheni (The Athletic NBA Daily) to talk about the Raptors' newfound defensive structure, the impact of Davion Mitchell, Jakob Poeltl and Scottie Barnes and how sustainable this run might be, especially once Immanuel Quickley eventually supplants Mitchell in the starting five. Can Barnes and Poeltl do enough to keep the defense stout when that happens? Next, they chat about Scottie Barnes' leap on defense, his case to make an All-Defense team, the ideal scheme for his talents and the skillsets that could make sense next to him on the defensive end as the team looks to add more talent. Lastly, they chat about the Marc Stein reporting loosely tying the Raptors to Pelicans wing Brandon Ingram, why it doesn't really pass the smell test, and their hopes and dreams ahead of next week's trade deadline.

Discord: https://discord.gg/WKeT2dE9

Newsletter: https://newsletters.lockedonpodcasts.com/nba/raptors

Turbo Tax
Ready for stress-free taxes and the most money back, guaranteed? Head over to TurboTax.com today and get matched with your Expert. Only available with TurboTax Live Full Service. Real-time updates only in the iOS mobile app. See guarantee details at TurboTax.com/guarantees.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
Super Bowl 59 is here, And there’s no better way to make every play more exciting than with FanDuel Sportsbook. New customers can bet just FIVE DOLLARS, and if you win, you’ll score TWO HUNDRED BUCKS in Bonus Bets. Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of Super Bowl Fifty-Nine.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Show Theme Music: Keep Fallin' / The Passion HiFi on SoundCloud