Toronto Raptors: 5 games to look forward to during 2021-22 season
![TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 05: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles against Raul Neto #19 of the Washington Wizards in the second half at Amalie Arena on April 05, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 05: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles against Raul Neto #19 of the Washington Wizards in the second half at Amalie Arena on April 05, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/65df45e555b2fc13f42031e1dbdba69fff908a4d1fd761e94aeb2d31b7cda95a.jpg)
2. Toronto Raptors vs Washington Wizards (October 20)
The last time that the Raptors played in Toronto was on Feb. 28, 2020. Almost two years later, they should be back in Toronto on Oct. 20 against the Wizards. Washington has a new defensive-minded head coach in Wes Unseld Jr. after teams like the Raptors tore up Scott Brooks’ defensive lineups.
With Washington able to put up a solid resistance thanks to the likes of Bradley Beal and Spencer Dinwiddie, you couldn’t ask for a better team to set the tone against, as both squads will be looking to put on offensive clinics.
October 20. Tentatively the return to basketball at Scotiabank Arena.
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) August 20, 2021
Look at last season’s opener, Toronto lost to the New Orleans Pelicans. 71 games later, they had a losing record for the first time since the 2012-13 season. Let’s cross our fingers and hope we can avoid a repeat of last year.
“So what?” I hear some of you say. “There are teams who lose their season opener, and they still make it in the playoffs.” That’s true, but starting their return to Canada off with a win against a team they had success against in 2020-21 could help them pile up a few wins to get a leg up on their Atlantic competition.