The Toronto Raptors are back home after losing against the Chicago Bulls last time out. They will take on the Washington Wizards tonight – a team they are not particularly fond of after the playoff sweep. In the first game of the season against the Wiz, Cory Joseph nailed a huge buzzer beater.
The Wizards have not been great this season, and sit at 14-15. Bradley Beal will not be helping the Wiz tonight as he’s out with a injury. Meanwhile, the Raptors are close to full strength at this point, with Jonas Valanciunas and DeMarre Carroll likely both returning to the starting lineup. It should be a good one, let’s get to the…
Cage’s Keys to the Game
Limit penetration
No Beal helps, but the electric John Wall and co have made life difficult for the Raptors. The quickness of a guy like Wall poses serious issues for Kyle Lowry. They will have to limit penetration, because the more a team penetrates, the less defensive stability you get.
Mental toughness
The Wall-Lowry battle is likely one of the best in the East. Neither team likes each other. There is always something to prove in games like this, but it will be important for the Raps to play level headed. Just play smart, calm basketball on both ends. There is no need to prove anything.
Return of the bench
I am in a Star Wars mood right now, so that’s what we’re going with. A huge part of the Raptors’ recent success has been due to the play of the bench. Guys like Terrence Ross and Patrick Patterson have been instrumental to the team’s success, but in Monday’s loss everyone aside from JV was terrible. They need to be better.
X-Factor: Jonas Valanciunas
The battle between JV and Marcin Gortat has always been a good one. Often, it’s been pretty even. With JV likely making his first start tonight, it will be interesting to see how he integrates into the starting unit, and ultimately matches up with Gortat, who has been playing well.
