WE Preview: Wizards at Raptors - 2/3/12

AT  

Friday, February 3rd, 2012
7:00 PM ET
TV: Comcast SportsNet HD
Steve Buckhantz, Phil Chenier  
Radio: 106.7 The Fan - http://bit.ly/5yZqu8
Dave Johnson, Glenn Consor


Game Preview

The 4-18 Washington Wizards travel north of the border in tonight's matchup to take on the 7-16 Toronto Raptors.  This is a rematch of the game from January 10th in DC where Washington secured it's first victory of the season.  

Toronto has been experimenting with different lineups recently in order to overcome some recent injuries, including going small.  With their recent shuffles, it remains to be seen who exactly will be in the starting lineup.  

Wizards Extreme's matchup to watch this evening will be DeMar DeRozan vs. Nick Young.  DeRozan is still looking to capitalize on his mini break out 2nd half of the season last year, but continues to be very inconsistent.  Five nights ago he scored 27 points and was very aggressive, and then followed that up with totals of 9 and 8 points.  Nick Young is coming off a game against Orlando where he was ineffective in 3 quarters, missing open jumpers and bothered by foul trouble.  He exploded in the 4th quarter for 20 points, showing that he can turn it on at any time and be a dangerous scorer.  Washington will need Young's offense to be on point to have success at Toronto.

John Wall struggled tremendously against Orlando, going 1-12 from the floor to finish with 2 points and ZERO free throws.  He will look to rebound against likely matchups of Jose Calderon and Jerryd Bayless.  

Shelvin Mack came off the bench in relief of Wall in the past game to have his best game as a pro.  He had 12 points, including 2 threes, to go along with 4 assists, 2 rebounds and a steal.  WE will see if he has carved out a larger role moving forward in coach Randy Wittman's rotations.  

Toronto does not have a whole lot of size in the middle, especially with Andrea Bargnani out with an injury.  Both JaVale McGee and Kevin Seraphin (who is also coming off his best game as a pro), will need to be active around the rim early and often.  

This is another winnable game for the Wizards on the road.  Can they put it together and get another victory against the Raptors?


- Trevor Jackson

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Go Wizards!!!!!!