While the Toronto Raptors losing so many games has been good for their lottery odds and keeping their top-six protected first round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, setting the franchise record for consecutive losses would not have been an enjoyable moment. Luckily, Toronto does no have to worry about that, as they stunned the Milwaukee Bucks and now have a chance for two straight wins as they face the Washington Wizards.
When the Raptors began their losing streak that ultimately ended at 15 games, Sunday’s game against the Wizards was seen as likely one of their only opportunities to get a win in the rest of their schedule. The Wizards still have the second-worst record in the NBA despite winning four of their last 10.
The Raptors’ massive win over the Bucks alleviates that pressure in Sunday’s game, which is good because the team remains shorthanded with long-term injuries. Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, Chris Boucher and D.J. Carton are out, while Gary Trent Jr. — the leading scorer from the win over the Bucks — and Bruce Brown Jr. are questionable.
If those two play, the Raptors should have a reasonable chance to get a win over the Wizards. Washington is very shorthanded as well, with Bilal Coulibaly, Marvin Bagley III, Landry Shamet, Tyus Jones and Richaun Holmes all out. The Wizards’ best player, Kyle Kuzma, is considered questionable.
Because of the lengthy losing streak, the Raptors are not in danger of losing their place in the standings — the sixth-worst record — even with the potential of back-to-back wins. They have two games on the Memphis Grizzlies in the loss column, and with only five games remaining for Toronto and four for Memphis, it is very unlikely they catch up.
The Raptors can try to play their best basketball moving forward and see if they can learn anything about their team before heading into the offseason.
Washington Wizards (15-63) vs. Toronto Raptors (24-53)
6:00 p.m. EST, Sunday, April 7, 2024
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
TV: Sportsnet
Projected Wizards Starting Lineup:
PG: Jordan Poole
SG: Corey Kispert
SF: Deni Avdija
PF: Kyle Kuzma
C: Tristan Vukcevic
Key Reserves: Anthony Gill, Jared Butler, Eugene Omoruyi
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Immanuel Quickley
SG: Gary Trent Jr.
SF: RJ Barrett
PF: Ochai Agbaji
C: Kelly Olynyk
Key Reserves: Bruce Brown Jr., Gradey Dick, Javon Freeman-Liberty
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