The Toronto Raptors look to keep it rolling when they take on the Washington Wizards.
The Raptors will have a great chance to extend their winning-streak to five games when they take on a Wizards team that has lost 14 games in a row and are currently dead last in the NBA.
The Raptors have completely transformed their defense over their last 7 games. They are ranked number one in the NBA in defense during that stretch. An incredible turnaround for a team that was seemingly setting franchise records for all the wrong reasons in December. Credit is due to Davion Mitchell who has done a great job replacing the injured Immanuel Quickley in the starting lineup. Mitchell certainly isn’t as good on offense as Quickley, but the big difference is Mitchell’s strong defensive play. Mitchell’s ability to stay with opposing guards and apply high on ball pressure has created a ripple effect for the team’s overall improved defensive play. Also, Scottie Barnes’ impact on the defensive end has been big too. He has been a big help around the rim and is always wreaking havoc with his quick defensive instincts.
The offense has looked good for the Raptors too, thanks to their ball movement. Not only is Barnes playing well on defense, but he is slicing defenses with his playmaking and creating good looks for himself and teammates. Toronto’s sharing the ball at a high level which is creating good looks all around. Also, the Raptors bench continues to deliver. Chris Boucher has been a huge spark for the Raptors second unit and he continues to make the most out of his minutes.
Quickley remains out for the Raptors with a hip injury, while Kelly Olynyk is questionable with his calf. Gradey Dick has also been listed as questionable with an illness.
For the Wizards their rookie Alexander Sarr (ankle) is questionable, while Malcolm Brogdon (foot) and Marvin Bagley II (knee) are out.
Toronto Raptors (14-32) vs. Washington Wizards (6-39)
7:00 p.m. EST, Monday, January 29, 2025
Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
TV: Sportsnet
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Davion Mitchell
SG: Gradey Dick
SF: RJ Barrett
PF: Scottie Barnes
C: Jakob Poeltl
Key Reserves: Chris Boucher, Bruce Brown, Jamal Shead
Projected Wizards Starting Lineup:
PG: Jordan Poole
SG: Bilal Coulibaly
SF: Kyshawn George
PF: Kyle Kuzma
C: Alexandre Sarr
Key Reserves: Carlton Carrington, Jonas Valanciunas, Richaun Holmes
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