On Friday, April 20, 2018, at 8:00 PM EST, the Toronto Raptors (1) will face the Washington Wizards (8) in game three of the best of seven series in the first round of the NBA playoffs at Capitol One Arena in Washington, DC. The Toronto Raptors currently lead the series 2-0 after two phenomenal games at home.

This is the first time in Raptors' history where the team has been up in a series two wins to nothing. In game three Toronto will go with what has been working well and start four-times all-stars Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, along with rookie OG Anunoby, Jonas Valenciunas, and Serge Ibaka.

After both of Washington’s games have been off to a bad start they might be looking to change their starting lineup. It will almost definitely consist of John Wall and Bradley Beal, Marcin Gortat, and Otto Porter Jr., while Markieff Morris might not start. No matter what their starting lineup is, if they want to try and make a comeback they’d have to pull it together and figure something out.

Previous games

In game one, Toronto came out clutch in the fourth quarter pulling ahead of the Wizards to win the game. The best players for the Raptors in that game were Delon Wright, CJ Miles, and Serge Ibaka. In game two the game got off to a Great start for the Raptors as they accumulated points in the first quarter and kept the lead at around 20 points until the third.

In the third quarter, Washington shortened the lead by playing better defense, bringing the lead down to around eight. In the fourth quarter, the Raptors shut them down after a CJ Miles three point shot gave them energy. All players on the Raptors active in game two played. DeMar DeRozan was the star of the night for the Raptors scoring 37 points, and a Jonas Valenciunas recording a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds in 23 minutes.

Injuries

There is no one out for the game on Friday’s for either the Wizards or the Raptors, but Fred VanVleet played very few minutes after missing game one with a bruised right shoulder. Dwayne Casey rested him becaus ethe Raptors were playing well without him and he did not want to risk VanVleet getting hurt again.

Player remarks

According to The Score, when Jonas Valenciunas was asked about the bond and communication between the players on and off the court, he mentioned that “Kyle, DeMar and I have been here for six/seven years...Knowing each other’s games is our advantage.” JV thinks that since all the playroom know each others’ playing styles so well it is easier for them to communicate and function properly as a team.

John Wall believes that the Wizards can come back and pull off some wins according to the Wizards Instagram page. He said that “We know our crowd will come out and be amazing for us and as a team, we need to come out with more energy and a sense of focus.” Maybe they could come back, after all its not called home court advantage for no reason.

It is also very important for the NBA to win this game, as no team has ever come back from a 3-0 lead. If the Raptors win this game the Wizards will find themselves in a very sticky situation.

Toronto Raptors vs Washington Wizards game 3 broadcast

The 8:00pm EST game will be broadcast on ESPN and TSN.
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