NBA Notes: Raptors, RJ Barrett, Pacers, Quenton Jackson, Bucks

Raptors

Toronto had San Antonio on the ropes. Then the fourth quarter arrived.

Seventeen points. Lead gone. Game gone.

As Eric Koreen of The Athletic noted, the Raptors are now 4-15 against the league’s top 10 teams. Perhaps because the half-court offense continues to stall when things tighten.

RJ Barrett isn’t the only culprit, but he hasn’t lifted it lately either — 14.8 points on 40 percent shooting since returning from an ankle sprain.

Barrett makes $29.6 million next season in the final year of his deal. If Toronto decides to reshuffle, that contract could be the cleanest lever to pull.

Rival teams reportedly weren’t eager for the long-term money tied to Immanuel Quickley or Jakob Poeltl. Brandon Ingram is pricier and carries a player option down the line.

Something has to give. The offense isn’t.

Pacers

Indiana has one roster spot open. Tony East of Forbes points to two-way guard Quenton Jackson as the obvious candidate to fill it.

Jackson’s two-way deal expires at season’s end and he’s no longer eligible for another one next year. If the Pacers want him long term, they’ll need to act.

Indiana has enough breathing room under the tax to convert him now, and March 4 is the two-way deadline.

Bucks

Milwaukee looked cooked on February 1. Now? Not so much.

Eight wins in 10 games. Back in the play-in picture. And Giannis Antetokounmpo is nearing a return.

Eric Nehm of The Athletic captured what Bobby Portis said out loud. Basically, the trade deadline cloud is gone. The noise faded. Guys are playing free.

Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins have fueled it, combining for more than 43 points per game during the surge. Porter is shooting over 53 percent. Rollins is near 50 percent from three.

Sometimes clarity changes everything.