Washington Wizards: Wizards take on the Kings of the North
The Washington Wizards head up North to take on the Toronto Raptors Friday night. Can they start another win streak?
The Washington Wizards will look to build off their 24-point comeback victory against the Los Angeles Clippers. The last time the Toronto Raptors and the Wizards met was in the postseason last year where Toronto eliminated them in six games.
The Raptors (15-4) are at the top of the Eastern Conference, while the Wizards (6-11) are sitting 2.5 games back from the 8th spot. Washington will seek to get their revenge from the painful ending to last season, but with the addition of Kawhi Leonard, the Raptors look like legit contenders to win the East.
Here are the game details below.
Game Info
Game: Washington Wizards vs. Toronto Raptors
When: Friday, November 23
Where: Scotiabank Arena
TV: NBC Sports Washington, Fubo TV
Tip-Off Time: 7:30 pm Eastern Time
Injury Report
Wizards: Dwight Howard (Gluteal Soreness-Questionable)
Raptors: OG Anunoby (Wrist-Questionable), C.J. Miles (Abductor Strain-Questionable), Normal Powell (Left Shoulder-Out)
Projected Starting Lineup
Wizards: G-John Wall, G-Bradley Beal, F- Kelly Oubre Jr., F-Otto Porter, C-Thomas Bryant
Raptors: G-Kyle Lowry, G-Danny Green, F-Kawhi Leonard, F-Pascal Siakam, C-Jonas Valanciunas
Prediction
The Wizards allowed 73 first half points to the Clippers, which can’t happen against Toronto. They were a bit lucky to overcome their deficit to Los Angeles, but they won’t be able to do this against the Kings of the North.
Scott Brooks finally realized he needed to make some changes to the lineup. Bring Keef off the bench was a wise decision. It gives the team depth on the interior and it allows Morris to be more offensively inclined. Oubre has earned the right to start with the energy and defensive mentality he brings to the table.
Another great move, starting Thomas Bryant. He outplayed Ian Mahinmi and Jason Smith in one game. Bryant only received about 20 minutes of playing time, but showed so much more efficiency than these two individuals.
This will be a tough matchup for the Wizards. Toronto has shown that they are a complete team and that Leonard is back to MVP level status.
Rumors continue to surround Washington and they silenced those just a little after the comeback win against L.A. The team has yet to put two halves together on defense, which is why they won’t end up winning this game. Until the Wizards can not allow their opponent to be up by double-digits heading into halftime, they will continue to struggle.
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Comebacks are nice and it should be something to build off, but it Toronto is too good this year. The Wizards will show some improvement, but lose by ten or more.
Final Score- TOR-125, WSH-114
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