(Photo: AP/Nick Wass)
Regular Season Game 51
Raptors (34-15) at Wizards (28-22)
February 1, 2018 at 7:00 PM Capital One Arena | Washington, D.C.
TV: NBCSW Radio: 1500 AM
Odds: TOR -4
What to Watch:
Ball Movement
Obviously John Wall needing knee surgery to clean out a swollen left knee and being sidelined for 6-to-8 weeks is not ideal, but it does seem to be opening up the offense a bit more with one less player needing to shoot the ball 15 to 20 times a game. Tomas Satoransky is the definition of a pass first point guard and since he has entered a starting role, Washington has assisted on 81 percent and their made field goals over the past two games.
Key Matchup:
Bradley Beal vs. DeMar DeRozan
Both shooting guards are in the conversation for best shooting guard in the Eastern Conference. Beal was named to his first All-Star for averaging 23.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game this season. DeRozan was again named a starter for the All-Star game for averaging 24.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. DeRozan had been shooting a career-high 37.8 percent from beyond the arc through the first 40 games of the season, but has dropped back down to reality over the last nine games where he shot just 5-of-31 (16.1 percent).
X-Factor:
The Bench
Despite his 14-assist performance against Atlanta, Tim Frazier has not been a great backup point guard this season. He is certainly capable of filling in while John Wall is on the mend of the next 6-to-8 weeks, but the second unit may regress during that time with Tomas Satoransky asked to start. Against Oklahoma City, the bench scored just 23 points on 7-of-27 (25.9 percent) shooting from the field with four turnovers and were a -56 in 71 minutes. Both Frazier and Jodie Meeks are going to have to start making shots.
Fun Factor:
Reminiscing About The Pettiness
In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round, Beal was able to foul out Kyle Lowry. The aftermath was too hilarious for words.
Prediction:
It would just fit Washington's DNA this season to upset another elite team in the NBA with their backs against the wall without Wall.