Who's Playing
Matchup: Toronto Raptors vs. Washington Wizards
Records: Raptors (15-4); Wizards (6-11)
Where to Watch
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: TSN 1/2
Radio: Sportsnet 590 The FAN
Location: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Game Preview
The Toronto Raptors are back at home on Friday with a matchup against the Washington Wizards.
The Raptors are coming off of a four-game road trip that included a tough overtime loss to the Boston Celtics and victories over the Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks.
Kawhi Leonard was Toronto's leading scorer on the road trip with an average of 24.5 points per game, but he was limited to just two games due to rest. Fred VanVleet stepped up in his absence against the Bulls with a season-high 18 points and Jonas Valanciunas led the way against the Hawks with 24 points and 13 rebounds.
Kyle Lowry also played well for the Raptors in Atlanta. After shooting 9-for-32 from the field in the first three games of the road trip, Lowry scored 21 points on 7-for-12 shooting on Tuesday.
The four-time All-Star recorded his first triple-double of the season (13th of his career) in that game, dishing out 17 assists and grabbing 12 rebounds to go along with his 21 points.
Each of them — Leonard included — are expected to play on Friday. The Raptors will be without Norman Powell (left shoulder subluxation), and C.J. Miles (right adductor strain) and OG Anunoby (right wrist sprain) are both questionable.
With a win against the Wizards, the Raptors will set a franchise record for most victories in the first 20 games of the regular season.
The Wizards are coming off of an impressive win themselves, storming back from 24 points down against the LA Clippers on Tuesday to come up with a 125-118 win.
John Wall and Bradley Beal carried Washington in that game with a combined 57 points, 15 assists and seven rebounds. The Wizards got a scoring punch off the bench from Jeff Green to the tune of 20 points in 26 minutes of action.
The Wizards have struggled so far this season — they currently rank 19 in offensive rating, 28th in defensive rating and 25th in net rating — but they've come up with a couple of impressive victories against the Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers, and they played the Raptors close in their first of four matchups this season.
Washington will, however, be without Dwight Howard, who will miss his second straight game with gluteal soreness. Thomas Bryant is expected to start in his place.
Last Time They Played
Date: Oct. 20, 2018
Score: Raptors 117, Wizards 113
Wizards: Bradley Beal — 32 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds
Raptors: Kyle Lowry — 28 points, 12 assists, 3 rebounds