The Toronto Raptors have lost 10 games in a row only seven times in franchise history. They haven’t done so since a 10-game losing streak back in 2006. But as they prepare to face the Washington Wizards on Saturday night, they face the prospect of their first double-digit losing streak in 18 years.
However, if the Raptors are going to break their losing streak against any team, it’s the likeliest to be the Wizards. Entering Saturday, the Wizards are tied for the worst record in the NBA with the Detroit Pistons. Not only that, they are shorthanded as they prepare to welcome the Raptors to Washington D.C.
The Wizards have already lost Isaiah Livers and first-round draft pik Bilal Coulibaly for the season. And on Saturday, they are without Tyus Jones (back), Landry Shamet (calf) and Eugene Omoruyi (ankle). Jordan Poole (hip) is questionable. Poole is the Wizards second-leading scorer behind Kyle Kuzma.
But against the Raptors, it’s hard for anyone to complain about injuries. Toronto has been absolutely battered by the injury bug this season and are as shorthanded as a team can possibly be at this stage of the season. Scottie Barnes (hand), Jakob Poeltl (hand), Chris Boucher (knee), RJ Barrett (personal), Immanuel Quickley (personal) and D.J. Carton (ankle) are all out. Gary Trent Jr. is probable with a back injury.
With all of those players out — mostly significant rotation pieces — it leaves plenty on 2023 first-round draft pick Gradey Dick. He led the team in scoring in their most recent loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, but has struggled with inconsistency as he faces the growing pains of being an NBA rookie.
Trent Jr., who has taken on a role as his mentor, is back in the lineup and should provide some relief, but Dick, Ochai Agbaji and other young Raptors are going to have to carry a heavy load if they want to get themselves away from a 10-game losing streak.
Toronto Raptors (23-47) vs. Washington Wizards (12-58)
8:00 p.m. EST, Saturday, March 23, 2024
Capital One Arena, Washington D.C.
TV: Sportsnet
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Gary Trent Jr.
SG: Gradey Dick
SF: Ochai Agbaji
PF: Bruce Brown Jr.
C: Kelly Olynyk
Key Reserves: Jontay Porter, Jordan Nwora, Jahmi’us Ramsey
Projected Wizards Starting Lineup:
PG: Jordan Poole
SG: Deni Avdija
SF: Corey Kispert
PF: Kyle Kuzma
C: Richaun Holmes
Key Reserves: Jared Butler, Johnny Davis, Anthony Gill
Have you subscribed to the Raptors Nation YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
