On Saturday April 14, 2018 at 5:30pm EST, The Toronto Raptors (1) will face the Washington wizards (8) in the first game of the best of seven series of the first round in the NBA playoffs. The last time the Raptors played the Wizards in the playoffs was in the 2014-2015 season, where Toronto got swept in 4 games. The Raptors' starting lineup consists of DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry, OG Anunoby, Serge Ibaka, and Jonas Valenciunas. They have to go up against the Wizards' starting lineup of Bradley Beal, Marcin Gortat, Markieff Morris, Otto Porter Jr., and either John Wall or Tomas Satoransky.

Both teams will put up a good fight, but only the best team will move on to play the winner of the Cavaliers/Pacers series.

Streaks

The Toronto Raptors are coming off of a record-breaking season, recording 59 wins -- 2 more than their last franchise record of 57. All of the Raptors feel ready for the playoffs and feel like they have a good chance of winning it all. The Washington Wizards lost their last game, coming into the playoffs with 43 wins.

Injuries

3 players total are questionable for Game 1 -- two from the Wizards and one from the Raptors. Toronto Raptor Fred Vanvleet is day-to-day with a bruised right shoulder. He injured it on Wednesday’s regular season finale against the Heat. If he is unable to play in the game, Delon Wright is likely to see extended minutes, as well as Norman Powell.

Mike Scott is doubtful for Saturday’s game as he is still going through the league's concussion protocol. He was placed there after taking a shot to the head on Wednesday against the Magic. If he does not play, Jason Smith will likely play longer off the bench. Otto Porter Jr. is also questionable for the first playoff game due to a sore leg.

If he were to play he probably would not be 100 percent, but good enough to play.

Player remarks

DeMar DeRozan, the star player for the Raptors, mentioned that “our swag is at an all-time high.” He is ready for the playoffs and any challenges that arise throughout. All of the Raptors are grateful for Toronto fans and believe that the fans are part of the Raptors' overall success.

In other news, the Philadelphia 76ers are currently on a 16-game winning streak going into the playoffs, so they will certainly be another team to watch in the Eastern Conference as the 2018 NBA Playoffs progress.

Toronto Raptors vs. Washington Wizards Game 1 broadcast

The 5:30 p.m. EST start will be broadcasted on Sportsnet and ESPN.
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