Who's Playing
Matchup: Toronto Raptors vs. Washington Wizards
Records: Raptors (26-14), Wizards (13-27)
Where to Watch
Date: Jan. 17, 2020
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
TV: TSN 1/4 (Canada), NBCS Washington or NBA League Pass (USA)
Location: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Game Preview
The Raptors finally got a chance to see both Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol in the lineup at the same time again. The two hadn't played together since Gasol went down with an injury in mid-December.
Ibaka held down the fort without Gasol, playing some of the best basketball of his career. Raptors' head coach Nick Nurse wanted to give Ibaka the start against his former team the OKC Thunder on Wednesday, giving the centre duo their second-ever start together.
Starting alongside Gasol didn't slow Ibaka down one bit chipping in 15 points, six rebounds in the Raptors chaotic win.
Gasol to his credit looked good in his return to the lineup as well, finishing with 15 points, five rebounds and six assists. His presence on both ends of the floor was a welcome sight to Raptor fans as they were reminded why Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster went out and got him near the trade deadline about a year ago.
Toronto is nearly back to full strength after being decimated by the injury bug. Fred VanVleet is expected to make his return to the lineup this weekend, either Friday against the Wizards or Saturday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Washington, on the other hand, have lost their last two games. Team leader and potential All-Star Bradley Beal questioned the team's culture this week. How the Wizards respond to the criticism will be telling on Friday at Scotiabank?
Injury Report
Raptors
Dewan Hernandez (ankle) - Out
Fred VanVleet (hamstring) - Day-to-day
Wizards
Garrison Mathews (ankle) — day-to-day
Rui Hachimura (Groin) — day-to-day
Mortiz Wagner (ankle) — Out
C.J. Miles (Wrist) day-to-day
John Wall (Achilles) — Season
Game Notes
- The Wizards have lost six straight against Toronto, tied for their second-longest losing streak against the Raptors (Longest: 8 games - 11/7/14- 11/2/16).
- Washington’s 4-19 (.174) record against Toronto since the 2013-14 season is the lowest winning percentage against any team in the Eastern Conference.
- Bradley Beal has totaled 16 20+ point games against Toronto since the 2010-11 season, trailing only LeBron James and James Harden for the most 20+ point games.
- Beal has also scored 20+ points in the past 11 consecutive games (since the 2013-14 season), the most by an Eastern Conference player.
- Bradley Beal joins Giannis Antetokounmpo as the only players this season to pots 35+ points, five-plus rebounds and five or more assists against the Raptors this season.
Last Time They Played
Date: Dec. 20, 2019
Score: Raptors 122, Wizards 118
Raptors: Kyle Lowry — 26 points, nine assists
Wizards: Bradley Beal — 37 points, six assists
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