Raptors vs Wizards GAME 1 Preview: Rockin’ Maple Leaf Square

The Toronto Raptors begin the second season this afternoon, tipping off at the Air Canada Centre against Paul Pierce and the Washington Wizards. The visitors enjoy considerably more NBA experience as players than the Raps, but have about the same amount as a team. Toronto is younger and deeper; whether those assets will prove sufficient to bring victory in this series remains to be seen.

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Washington depends on its starters to an alarming degree, but they are a talented group, so the pain is mitigated. Pierce is a nemesis; the man who blocked Kyle Lowry’s final shot in Game 7 last year has been trash-talking about our team. When he shuts up, the old guy can still play. He’s a Wiz at finding open space to shoot his deadly long balls (he led Washington in made 3s with 118), and defends with his head in the game and his feet on the ground. Nene is one-half of a bruising front line. Tyler Hansbrough is listed as starting at power forward, so watch for some serious wrestling matches in the key. Neither player will yield easily. Psycho-T gets called for a lot of dubious fouls (that’s the problem with gaining a bad reputation) and Amir Johnson may be called upon early. I like Amir better for providing help defense on Marcin Gortat, Washington’s other muscular troublemaker. Jonas Valanciunas has received a lot of criticism for his defensive struggles. He can’t afford early fouls against Gortat.

Apr 14, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (4) stretches before the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

I thought Washington’s backcourt would take a bigger step forward this season than it did. John Wall at the point was fine, using his blinding speed to dribble-drive his way past any number of sluggish defenders. Bradley Beal did not impress. His mid-range jumper seemed off, and how can a man with his skills average only 2.6 free throws Per Game [PG]? DeMar DeRozan made 7.2 trips. Beal fired away from beyond the arc at a highly respectable 40.9% rate, so closing out on him will be important.

Washington’s bench is as veteran-laden as they come, and includes Kris Humphries, still an effective rebounder. Rasual Butler will stay on the floor only until his shots stop falling. Kevin Seraphin’s career has never found lift-off, though he can shoot and rebound. Ramon Sessions penetrates and passes nicely for a backup. Otto Porter is still finding his way in the pros, and may not see any time. Coach Randy Wittman isn’t the best at developing youngsters.

Apr 22, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors fans in Maple Leaf Square outside of the Air Canada Centre prior to game two against the Brooklyn Nets during the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

3 KEYS TO VICTORY

Be patient on offense, and take open shots. Gee, thanks, Brian…hold on, there’s a point beyond the obvious. Washington is a top-5 defensive rebounding team, and the Raps are a middlin’ group of offensive rebounders. That’s not a positive indicator for second-chance points.
Run a lot of sets for Lou Williams. The Wiz have no one who can score like him, but more importantly, I don’t see anyone in their second unit who can defend him.
Keep your hands to yourself. Washington averaged 21.4 free throws PG to Toronto’s 24.6. That’s enough margin to bring a series victory, if our guys don’t rack up dumb fouls.

PREDICTION

The playoffs are here, and scores will drop. Our kids know what to expect in the second season. Toronto 94-Washington 90.

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