The Raptors have started the year in much the same way as last season. After 14 games, they are 8-6 (as they were last year) and a top team offensively (3rd in ORTG this season, 6th last year at this point). Valanciunas and Carroll have both missed a few games, just like last season.
One big difference though, is the defence. Last season the Raptors were ranked middle of the pack in DRTG at this point in the season (13th, 100.2 DRTG). This season, 22nd, with a 106.1 DRTG. Last season they eventually worked their way up to 11th, but they’ll need more than a 2 spot jump from where they stand now to have a passable defence come the playoffs.