The Wizards (33-41) are coming off a nice win over the Spurs and are now heading to Toronto for a battle with the Raptors (36-38). Can they get another big win? Here's everything you need to know.
WHERE: Scotiabank Arena (Toronto, ON)
WHEN: 6:00 p.m. ET
TV: NBCSW
RADIO: The Team 980 & The Wizards App
INJURY REPORT:
WIZARDS:
Bradley Beal (left knee soreness -- out)
Kyle Kuzma (right ankle sprain -- out)
Monte Morris (left groin soreness -- out)
RAPTORS:
Precious Achiuwa (right hamstring tightness -- questionable)
Dalano Banton (left thumb sprain -- out)
Scottie Barnes (left wrist soreness -- questionable)
Otto Porter Jr. (left foot; surgery - second toe dislocation -- out)
Gary Trent Jr. (right elbow stiffness -- questionable)
Joe Wieskamp (right hamstring strain -- out)
CONTROLLING THE TURNOVERS
The Raptors have a unique ability to dominate the turnover battle on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they do a nice job of protecting the rock while they generate scoring opportunities. At 11.9 turnovers per game, they turn the ball over at the lowest rate in the league -- an impressive feat.
Defensively, they use their length and athleticism to wreak havoc, forcing 16.6 turnovers per game -- the second-best mark in the NBA. And once they've forced those turnovers, they're the best team in the league at turning them into points, averaging a whopping 20.9 points off turnovers per game.
It'll be tough to win the turnover battle against a team like the Raptors, and that's okay -- this is what they hang their hat on. The key for the Wizards is to not let the turnover battle get out of hand. Can they limit live-ball turnovers? Can they match up in transition to limit scoring opportunities when they do turn the ball over? If the Wizards can keep the turnover tilt under control, they'll have a good chance to come away with a win in Toronto.
KRISTAPS PORZINGIS' EFFICIENCY
Kristaps Porzingis is having the best offensive season of his career. He's averaging a career-high 23 points per game, but he's also being more efficient than ever, holding a 62.3 true shooting percentage. As good as he's been all season, he's only getting better and better.
Over the last three games, Porzingis has averaged 26 points on .600/.462/.100 shooting splits to go along with six rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.7 blocks. He's getting to his spots, knocking down high-percentage looks, passing out of double teams, and manipulating defenses with his ability to score from all three levels of the floor. Porzingis will once again be pivotal for the Wizards on Sunday evening.
DENI AVDIJA'S GROWTH
Similar to Porzingis, Deni Avdija has been playing incredible basketball over the last three games. He's averaged 17.3 points on an eye-popping 72.4% shooting from the field and 58.3% shooting from deep to go along with 9.7 rebounds and five assists.
"I feel like I'm getting more reps and I'm getting more confidence," said Avdija when asked what the last three games have meant for his individual development. "With those, I'm experiencing having the ball a little more, running pick-and-rolls, playmaking. I feel like the more games I have to rehearse that, the better I'm going to become at that. And the team needs me right now to play-make and really have good decision-making, especially when Kuz and Brad are out."
With Kyle Kuzma and Bradley Beal sidelined due to injuries for Sunday evening's game, the ball will once again be in Avdija's hands more. Keep an eye out for his growth, development, and overall impact on offense as he continues to get more and more opportunities to generate offense in the halfcourt.