Raptors Vs. Wizards: Friday January 3rd/7PM

[Raptorsnz]

Going to be interesting how they respond to the love and hype.

Do they rest on their laurels or do they keep striving to get better?

This is the ultimate test as it is a ho-hum game sandwiched between the top 2 teams in teh east: INdiana and Miami.

I think one good thing about Casey is he doesn't sound like he ever lets these guys get complacent. In every interview he always says about how there were still lots of mistakes in wins, and players like Lowry and DeRozan don't seem content with just a couple of good victories, they want high playoff seedings.

[psrs1]

The last thing the Raptors need to do is walk into the Verizon Center with overconfidence. Can't take the Wizards lightly.

Pre-game mental preperation is probably a bigger factor than any on-court individual matchup.

Wizards usually play well at home. It will be a tough game.

[psrs1]

Going to be interesting how they respond to the love and hype.

Do they rest on their laurels or do they keep striving to get better?

This is the ultimate test as it is a ho-hum game sandwiched between the top 2 teams in teh east: INdiana and Miami.

This is potentially a more dangerous game than the next two games because we all know what's coming. This game not so much.

[Mack North]

This game should not be taken lightly by the Raptors. Could be a first round opponent here.. Many have considered the Raptors a shoe-in for the 2nd round, but I'm sure the Wizards are thinking the same thing looking at the current standings.

(Not directed at you, mars)
I don't see how Raptors can be considered a shoe-in for anything. It's 30 games in and they're 15-15. Let's make it to the playoff stretch before anything. It's a long season and they've been very fortunate in a certain area where many other teams haven't. (Knock on wood right now if you said the "i" word.)

Should be a good match up of up-and-coming Eastern teams though. I look forward to it.

[Rapstor4Life]

No Beal should be an easier W, then again we lost to Brooklyn without key players and lost to Charlotte twice once without Big Al. Thats the past terrible team however. Im hoping for a big game from JV DeMar and Ross.

[KazanTheMan]

Knicks beat Spurs tonight. And Nets beat OKC. Both away. Maybe we're not the only ones who can beat good teams

[iblastoff]

wizards records is similar to ours and even their road wins are almost on par. main difference is their schedule so far has been easy peasy being 4th in playing the most teams under .500.

[JawsGT]

This is a very key game. Reading the thread it's almost funny, many of us clearly are still on the fence with this team and are expecting it to regress at some point. Raptors fans, we have been exposed to this type of stuff for so long that it's almost impossible to turn us into believers. I admit, I'm in the same boat. I think this game tonight could help me believe that much more if we win. Beating the top teams is unexpected either way, but games like this we NEED to win. Go Raps!!

[Superjudge]

a few things here....

first, don't be surprised to see the very top teams losing games around the Holidays. Its not too hard to see how. they are well in first, have no real pressure, and are not quite as focused. It might be only marginally less focused than the lower teams, but sometimes thats enough for an upset.

As for Toronto. They aren't winning with skill, they are winning with hard work and solid team work. I think the reason you ARE seeing the success is that they DO understand that they are not in a position to look at any team in the NBA and think "easy win". Against Washington, it will be no different, they will play hard, move the ball, and if al goes well, hit their shots.

Beal being out is wonderful as he really spreads it for them, but, it also means Wall might look to pick up the slack....this might be good or bad. Good if he pulls an old time Lowry and freezes out his mates taking 30 shots, bad if he manages to take 20 high percentage ones while also getting his mates into it, which is what an elite PG can do.

Success against these guys comes down to the PG position, we've seen it in the past with JC, and KL, where they really take it at wall.... no reason to stop doing that today.


I see a win.

And to be honest, I'm not so sure they arent gonna be tooth and nail for a win against Miami too.

[Superjudge]

this

[rocwell]

this

Dude looks slim

[Mediumcore]

This could be a tricky game for the Rap's. One of those games where they are riding the high of the win agains Indy and over look Washington. Casey better keep the boys sharp.

[isaacthompson]

ummmm

@WolstatSun: Asked if it's easier to get up for "sexy" teams like Miami, DeRozan replied: "A woman is a woman."

[JawsGT]

ummmm

@WolstatSun: Asked if it's easier to get up for "sexy" teams like Miami, DeRozan replied: "A woman is a woman."

LOL, DD don't need Viagra to help with the uglies!

[Balls of Steel]

ummmm

@WolstatSun: Asked if it's easier to get up for "sexy" teams like Miami, DeRozan replied: "A woman is a woman."

Touché.