Raptors' top-six defense visits Wizards' league-worst unit Friday

The Toronto Raptors (46-36 last season) bring a top-six defense to the Washington Wizards (17-65), who had the league's worst, on Friday, October 23, with tip-off at 7:00 PM ET.

All figures are from last season, with this season's rosters. Washington allowed 120.3 points per 100 possessions, last in the league, and opponents posted a 56.3 effective field goal percentage, 27th. Toronto's offense ranked 15th at 113.9, so the Raptors do not need to be elite to score.

The Wizards also rebounded worst in the league, grabbing 70.2% of available defensive boards. Toronto ranked 16th on the offensive glass at 25.5%, which still means second chances against a team that rarely ends a possession.

Washington's offense, 29th at 108.8, faces a Toronto defense that forced turnovers on 13.5% of possessions, fifth in the league. The Wizards gave the ball away on 13.2% of theirs, 26th.

Kawhi Leonard averaged 27.9 points on 50.5% shooting in 65 games last season and added 1.9 steals a game. Scottie Barnes grabbed 7.5 rebounds and blocked 1.5 shots a game.

For Washington, Anthony Davis averaged 20.4 points and 11.1 rebounds in 20 games. Alexandre Sarr blocked two shots a game in 48 appearances.

The Wizards are missing three forwards. AJ Dybantsa is out, with a return expected Saturday, October 24. Jamir Watkins is out until Friday, April 2, and Tristan Vukcevic until Monday, November 2. Center Felix Okpara is questionable.

Toronto has guard Malachi Smith out, plus center Nate Bittle, who is expected back Wednesday, October 28.

Both teams have won this season. Toronto beat Chicago 135-92 at home, and Washington beat Milwaukee 128-116 at home.

Sportsbooks' prices give Toronto a 69% chance to win, and Keel's projection, built from the players available, also has the Raptors at 69%.