Game Thread: Toronto Raptors @ Washington Wizards

There are two things to worry about in tonight’s Raptors vs. Wizards game, and believe me: two things only. The Wizards enter tonight’s game at 6-15, which is good for second last place in the East — and third last in the league overall. They are not a good team. This brings us to worry number one: Bradley Beal, the Wizards’ and the league’s leading scorer at 33.3 points per game. Worry number two? That Alex Len, the centre cut by Toronto earlier this season, will go off. Yes, it’s something to keep an eye on.

Now you may be wondering where Russell Westbrook is in this calculation — particularly if you are in fact Russell Westbrook himself (hey Russ!) — but you also know the truth. Westbrook is a now a player who is more likely to play a team out of games than into them. When coupled with the Wizards’ quite poor defense (ranked second last in the league), Russ’ out-of-control play often makes for disaster. I’m just calling them as I see them here. And I don’t want the team to lose focus on Len for a second.

In any case, a game right now against the Wizards could be good for the Raptors. The team is coming off an exciting comeback win in Memphis, Kyle Lowry is no longer on the injury report, and the team continues as of late to win more games than they lose. The Raptors of, say, last season knew how to handle business against weaker teams — and the Wizards do indeed qualify. The signs for tonight continue to be positive. Of course, we must temper these good vibes with the knowledge that now Yuta Watanabe is doubtful with a left ankle sprain. But other than that, it’s full steam ahead.

Here’s the preview for Raptors-Wizards from this morning from Joseph Strauss. Below are your updated game details. Now, let’s watch.

Where to Watch:

TSN4 at 7pm EST

Lineups:

Toronto – Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, Norman Powell, Pascal Siakam, Aron Baynes

Washington – Russell Westbrook, Bradley Beal, Rui Hachimura, Davis Bertans, Alex Len

Injuries:

Toronto – Patrick McCaw (knee – out), OG Anunoby (calf – questionable), Yuta Watanabe (ankle – doubtful)

Washington – Thomas Bryant (ACL – out)