2018 NBA Playoffs: Toronto Raptors vs. Washington Wizards preview
Individual matchups
PG: Kyle Lowry vs. John Wall
All-Stars in their own right, Lowry and Wall have very contrasting styles of play. Both can defend at a high level and will probably match up with each other more often than not.
Lowry, the heavier of the two, relies more on his brute strength to punish his opponent on his drives to the basket while possessing a dangerous outside touch that allows him to get hot in a hurry.
Wall, more of a pass-first point guard, is able to use his speed and quickness in the open court to break down the defense and get his teammates open looks. His ability to get others involved makes him somewhat unpredictable, especially if his shaky jumper begins to fall.
Advantage: Wizards
SG: DeMar DeRozan vs. Bradley Beal
DeMar DeRozan is built like a mid-2000s guard, relying heavily on his mid-range game as well as a healthy dose of free throws. Bradley Beal is built for the modern game. With a smooth outside stroke and improved handles, he can fill it up in a hurry.
Neither one is much of a facilitator, except both have become adept at making the right basketball play when necessary.
During the playoffs, Beal could go through his share of cold streaks, making it harder for him to make an impact. While his outside shooting makes him easier to guard, DeRozan’s ability to attack the basket make him a safer pick should he begin to struggle from the elbow.
Advantage: Raptors
SF: OG Anunoby vs. Otto Porter Jr.
At only 20 years of age, Anunoby has given Toronto a huge boost on both ends of the floor, using his length to stifle wings and cut off passing lanes, all while shooting an impressive 37.1 percent from distance. Otto Porter Jr. plays the same role in Washington, just with a higher price tag.
The five-year veteran can switch between both forward spots and not miss a beat, while his 44.1 percent conversion rate from distance make him an ideal candidate next to the more ball-dominant Wall and Beal.
While OG certainly has promise, Porter Jr. has been in tight playoff situations before, allowing him to lean on those experiences in ways Anunoby simply can’t do yet.
Advantage: Wizards
PF: Serge Ibaka vs. Markieff Morris
Since averaging 3.7 blocks per game during the 2011-12 season, Serge Ibaka has lost some of the mojo that made him one of the most feared shot-blockers in the NBA.
Still capable of protecting the rim, Ibaka can slide down to the center position and give the Raptors space all the way out to the 3-point line with a 36 percent conversion rate from beyond the arc.
Markieff Morris doesn’t provide the same defensive abilities as Ibaka, but his physicality will prove useful in the playoffs, and his 36.7 3-point percentage from either the 4 or the 5 gives the Wizards more room to work with.
As both play off their respective All-Star backcourts, Ibaka and Morris are two players capable of swinging a game with their shooting and energy, which makes this matchup just about even.
Advantage: Draw
C: Jonas Valanciunas vs. Marcin Gortat
In just his sixth season, it seems like Jonas Valanciunas has found his niche within the Raptors starting five. A burly 265 pounds, Valanciunas is able to punish just about anybody down low, while his quick feet allow him to face up from the free throw line and operate from there.
One of the best screen-setters in the league, Marcin Gortat is normally an excellent finisher around the rim. Both men have the ability to be a physical presence inside for their respective teams, but with a better low-post game and younger legs, Gortat is going to have trouble keeping Valanciunas away from the basket.
Advantage: Raptors