
(Toronto Raptors)
The Washington Wizards deliver the Toronto Raptors their first loss of the 2015 NBA playoffs. A surprising outcome considering the Raptors owned the regular season matchup 3-0, unfortunately, their regular season success hasn’t paid dividends thus far in the postseason. With a 1-0 deficit, can the Raptors turn their luck around with a win at home, or will the Wizards close out this series swiftly? Team S.U. predicts the outcome.
Steve Turner (NBA Writer): The Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors matchup is going to be the most interesting series in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Both teams had a great season and they’re ready to take that level of play into the postseason. I’m really exciting for the point guard matchup in this series. John Wall and Kyle Lowry have established themselves as top tier point guards this season.
It’s going to be really interesting seeing these two guys go head-to-head. Another matchup that’s going to be great is the shooting guards. Bradley Beal and DeMar DeRozan are both great shooters and just all around monsters offensively. I would love to see this series go to game 7. With that being said, I’m going to have to take the Raptors in 7. Regardless of who wins though, basketball fans are in for a treat with this one.
Jeb Taylor (NBA Contributor): The Wizards started this season hot, but have truly plummeted after the all-star break. John Wall will have to play spectacularly to compete with Toronto’s deep team. They distribute the scoring and have a stout backcourt with Lowry and Derozan. It seems like Toronto is forgotten by the league and its followers. Toronto takes the series way easier than they should be able to — 4-1 Raptors.
Jr. Williams (NBA Editor): Both the Wizards and Raptors were an up-and-down team during the regular season, and while the Raptors completely owned the Wizards during that time, the postseason seems to favor a healthy Wizards team. The combination of John Wall and Bradley Beal will keep the Toronto Guards busy, while Paul Pierce and Nene are heavily favored over Toronto’s DeMar Derozan and Jonas Valančiūnas.
This Wizards team has the youth to match wits with the Raptors, however, their veteran experience gives them even more of an edge. The Raptors may steal a few games but the Wizards appear to have mitigated their regular season woes.
Prediction: Wizards (4-2)

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