Ahead of Saturday night's clash with the Toronto Raptors, the Washington Wizards announced Marvin Bagley III would be activated from the injury report after nearly three weeks. A lumbosacral sprain held the Wizards' starting center out of nine consecutive games, dating back to a March 4th contest against the Utah Jazz.
Bagley's return provides a huge boost for a Wizards team looking to string together a pair of wins following their 109-102 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, Bagley's former team. For interim coach Brian Keefe, the return of his 25-year-old center opens up opportunities within the Wizards' playbook. With the addition of Bagley, the Wizards will have the ability to capitalize on these three keys against the Raptors.
1. More pick-and-roll plays
During Bagley's time in the District, the Wizards have found lots of success with Bagley in pick-and-roll plays. Among players with at least one and a half possessions per game as the roll man, Bagley ranks 12th in the NBA in points per possession on pick-and-roll plays as a member of the Wizards.
With Tyus Jones inactive and Jordan Poole listed as questionable, it will be key for the Wizards to lean on Bagley's effectiveness as a scorer in pick-and-roll situations against Toronto. Guards Jared Butler and Johnny Davis will have the chance to show off their playmaking ability with Bagley back in the fold on Saturday.