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3 Things to watch in Wizards preseason home opener vs. Raptors

Another Wizards game from players with a lot to prove.

By John Canady

Oct 9, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly (0) shoots the ball as New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) defends during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Oct 9, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly (0) shoots the ball as New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) defends during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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The Washington Wizards are set to square off against the Toronto Raptors on Friday night for a rematch of Sunday’s loss.

Washington enters this matchup 0-2 after a rough start to the preseason, but with the Wizards set to play in front of their fans for the first time this year, it may be the boost the young team needed.

Nonetheless, with another chance to see the Wizards suit up, here’s what we’re looking for.

Can Kyshawn George build off his impressive game against the Knicks?

Kyshawn George was one of the few bright spots for the Wizards in their last preseason game against the New York Knicks. The Miami product finished with 14 points on an efficient shooting night.

With the Wizards already plagued with early-season injuries, a sign of promise from their rookie class would be a warm sight. If George can continue to build off his strong game, his opportunity to earn more minutes and a larger role will only increase.

Bilal Coulibaly’s shot making

Over the offseason, many hoped Bilal Coulibaly would come back to the Wizards with an improved game on offense. The lengthy guard has the tools to be a dominant two-way star in this league, but he needs the time to develop.

On offense, a step in the right direction would be a great sign to a Wizards front office who put their chips in on the French product. After a horrid one-for-nine shooting night on Wednesday, it will be important to see how Coulibaly can bounce back.

The 20-year-old’s jump shot looks pure at times, and at others, it seems like he may be lacking confidence in himself. If the former lottery pick can start to knock down his shots, he’ll take pressure away from nearly every other aspect of his game.

Will Jordan Poole clean up his mistakes?

Jordan Poole showed promise in his first preseason game against the Raptors nearly a week ago. But on Wednesday, the guard seemed to revert to his old ways with an inefficient and turnover-happy night. 

The Wizards need to see Poole find some sort of consistency and pride in his role as the team’s primary ball handler. He has the talent, but can’t seem to put it all together on a nightly basis. And if Brian Keefe and Washington hope Poole can get them to the level they want to be at, the Michigan product has a lot to improve on in little time.

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