Raptors vs. Wizards: Alas, the preseason ends

Get pumped, people. Our long march to meaningful basketball is just about over, as the Raptors close their preseason schedule tonight in Washington.

Some folks out there may be intrigued by this matchup, as Washington sits among a handful of teams vying for a “rivalry” with the Raptors. Maybe it’s the fact that both teams have an All-Star backcourt, or that Wizards sweep back in the Victorian Era. Whatever the reason, there will be some who find it special when the Wizards and Raptors meet.

But don’t be fooled! Tonight is not a night to look forward to. The damn game isn’t even on television. You have to find it on League Pass or some other mischievous way. Though it’s the end of preseason, this is still preseason -- rivalry or not.

Updates for those who refuse to miss Raptors games on principle: Jared Sullinger will sit with a lingering foot injury, one that could have him miss regular season games. That’s bad news.

More bad news: future “6IX Man II” Terrence Ross will be out again tonight with a knee ailment. Earlier in the day, it was reported that Ross would play tonight, but he was eventually ruled out. If this game meant something, he could probably go and shoot some threes. UPDATE: ROSS IS IN.

Oh yeah, and Cory Joseph is out. He has the flu, poor guy.

Otherwise, Dwane Casey looks to be treating this game as a tune-up opportunity. The starters are otherwise intact and they’ll probably get some quality minutes with nearly a week until regular season basketball.

For now, get into Mitch Robson’s game preview and join the good folks in the comments. Hopefully you all find a way to watch.