Raptors vs. Wizards Game Thread: Pre-game updates, TV info & more

The Raptors continue the closest thing they’ll get to a bye week this season tonight as trudge on in their tour against the Southeast Division. Tonight it’s the Washington Embarrassing Fail Sons who come to town; they’ve been the talk of the NBA this week amid reports of their internal strife — reports about which John Wall is actually laughing and is definitely not mad.

As if the Wizards needed more than their own damn selves stacked against them, the Raptors will have reinforcements tonight. Kawhi Leonard will play as expected following regularly schedule rest against Atlanta on Wednesday, and per Nick Nurse, he’ll be joined on the wings by both OG Anunoby and C.J. Miles after missing three and five games respectively. OG will have his right wrist bandaged.

“He’s been working on his left,” joked Nurse.

For the Wizards, Dwight Howard’s sore ass persists, leaving him sidelined. Coach Scott Brooks says the same starting five that beat the Clippers earlier this week will get the call, meaning Thomas Bryant will open at the five. Toronto will likely counter with Serge Ibaka at centre to start the game (Jonas Valanciunas started opposite Ian Mahinmi in the last match-up on October 20th), but we’ll have to wait to closer to game time to know for sure.

**UPDATE — Valanciunas will start.

The Raptors are healthy 10.5 point favourites per Oddshark, quite unsurprisingly. Sit tight, and enjoy the next step in the Wizards’ self-immolation.

Where to Watch:

TSN — 7:30pm EST

Lineups:

Toronto — Kyle Lowry / Danny Green / Kawhi Leonard / Pascal Siakam / Jonas ValanciunasJ /

Washington — John Wall / The Shooting Guard Who Hates John Wall / The Forward Delon Wright Hates / The Forward John Wall Hates / The Centre Everyone Likes Cause He Isn’t Dwight Howard

Injuries:

Washington — Dwight Howard (out — his ass hurts)

Toronto — Norman Powell (out — shoulder), OG Anunoby (active — wrist), C.J. Miles (active — hip)