Toronto Raptors: 5 keys to series vs. Wizards

Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images /
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Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images /

3. Battle of the backcourts

The four best players in this series all come from the backcourt. John Wall and Bradley Beal vs. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan is must-see drama at its finest. Both squads have been led by their two captains for years now.

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The Wizards have their issues, but if there’s any way for the Raptors to be upset it’s John Wall and Bradley Beal having phenomenal performances. Wall has had some time to play his way back into game shape and had performances against Boston and Cleveland with over 20 points and 10 assists since his return. Nothing screams upset potential like a team with nothing to lose starting a “new” season.

A prime-time Wall and Beal (finishing his first season playing 82 games) is a nightmare no matter the circumstances, so the Raps will need to be ready. For the Raptors, in the midst of an MVP season from DeMar DeRozan, the backcourt comes in as potent as it’s ever been.

The key question points to the plan for Kyle Lowry as his minutes were as low as they’ve been since his first year in Toronto. While neither team can probably survive terrible performances from their stars, the Raptors are probably more prepared to stay afloat. One big reason is their league-best bench.