Wizards Vs Raptors : Game 2 pregame

The Wizards are going to face the Toronto Raptors tonight. The first game was tough, but when the smoke cleared Washington emerged as the victor. Once again, they will face a very good team in a hostile environment , "behind enemy lines" as some say. One has to wonder what can the Wizards do to assure that they don't come out on the losing end this time around. As we go through certain things, maybe we can get that question answered.

Who's Hot

Paul Pierce

In game 1, the presence of the truth was vital, not only for his play on the court, but also, for his leadership, poise and attitude off of it. He was quoted as saying the Raptors just didn't have "it" and he played as if he wanted to prove that. Scoring 20 points total in the game, hitting big shots when they needed and being versatile enough to play the PF spot.

Who's Not

Bradley Beal

16 points, 6 assist, 9 rebounds, 1 steal in game 1. That's a pretty good stat line, shows very good versatility......But damn man! My guy Beal went 6-23 from the field and 1-7 from the 3pt line, that has got to improve! He was our X-factor before Game 1 and will still continue to play a vital role going forward. He will have to improve his shooting if they are going to win this time around, I do like his aggressiveness, along with the long ball, he was also going to rack, but he's got to be successful when doing so.

X-Factor

Marcin Gortat and NeNe Hilario

It was so tough to choose, I couldn't go with just one. Game 2's X -factor is both NeNe and Marcin Gortat. Here's why I believe so. In game one, NeNe recorded a double-double, 12 points, 13 rebounds, His aggressiveness on both ends will be key once again.

For Marcin, He didn't have that overall stat line, with him only recording 8 points and 8 rebounds in comparison, but his involvement in screen and roles on the offensive end is very important for the offense, in the regular season, Gortat was none existent in most of the games, to the point where the Raptors didn't have to account for him as much because he wasn't involved, making it easier to guard everyone else on the floor.

Key Match up to Watch

John Wall Vs Kyle Lowry

This is a repeat of some sorts in terms on game one's pick in this area, but during the season, these two teams generally go, as their floor leaders went, and game 1 was no different. John Wall, didn't shoot the ball very well going 5-18 from the field, he needs to improve upon that similar to Beal, but his 10 points and 8 assist, are still better than Lowy's 7 points and 4 assist...If Lowry repeats that performance, they may not be able to keep the Wizards from the winners circle