GT #27: Champs (19-8) vs. Chumps (8-18) - 12/20/19 7:30PM EST

[queridiculo]

Even with a full deck, this matchup setup like lambs to the slaughter for the Wizards.

Then this happened:

Raptors' Pascal Siakam, Marc Gasol and Norman Powell ruled out indefinitely, shaking up Toronto depth chart
The Raptors have sustained multiple injuries so far, but these are the biggest yet
Marc Gasol, Pascal Siakam and Norman Powell have all been ruled out indefinitely, the team announced Thursday. Gasol is dealing with a left hamstring injury. Siakam suffered a groin injury on Tuesday. Powell has a subluxation of his left shoulder. All three are vital to Toronto's success this season.

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/raptors-pascal-siakam-marc-gasol-and-norman-powell-ruled-out-indefinitely-shaking-up-toronto-depth-chart/

With three key Raptors missing the game the question is, whose turn is it to have a breakout performance to defeat the dreadful Wizards?

[BearlyBallin]

I know it’s more often then not, someone like Chris Boucher blows up against us, when an opponent loses a star player. (at least it feels this way) But wouldn’t it be great if someone on the Wizards could step up and take advantage of an opportunity. (I’m talking to you birthday boy).

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What’s that old saying, “Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero.”

[TheBabyMaker]

Its AP time. oh and Bertans. Do we merge Duclers thread?

[nate33]

From Ducler:

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[nate33]

Well coached teams own us. This game was over before it started.

[nate33]

When we fall behind, as we always do, please try to remember that our starting lineup includes Isaac Bonga, Ian Mahinmi, and Isaiah Thomas. Think about that for a minute.

[TheBabyMaker]

Watch these fools rack up 110 but give up 130.

[Meliorus]

When we fall behind, as we always do, please try to remember that our starting lineup includes Isaac Bonga, Ian Mahinmi, and Isaiah Thomas. Think about that for a minute.

How did Brooks talk himself into Bonga being someone to start

[Meliorus]

Bonga cannot do a point blank reverse layup.

[youngWizzy]

Troy Brown really struggles to dribble with his left hand

[BearlyBallin]

Dang another injury?

Schofield going into the locker room

[Meliorus]

Bonga the square peg being forced into a round hole (the NBA). Guy is not a NBA player

[youngWizzy]

Bonga just does nothing right and everything wrong

[nate33]

The Wizards are still hanging around. Toronto can't seem to put them away. If the Wizards can just get hot from 3-point range, they can make a game of this.

[youngWizzy]

Matthews is really active

[youngWizzy]

Beal is a lot better once he gets his slashing game going. He really doesn't need to setting for threes early in the game but instead; attack the hoop. The shots will fall later.

[nate33]

Matthews is really active

Yeah, there's a lot to like about the way he plays. He has high energy, he has quick feet on D, and he can shoot. He needs to get stronger to handle guys when they back him down, but if he'll get there. I think he'll eventually get an NBA contract at some point.

[nate33]

Toronto's injuries in the front court have allowed us to play small without getting destroyed.

They have one legit big in Ibaka, who has crushed us. But beyond that, it's smallball versus smallball.

[youngWizzy]

Matthews is playing well but I notice he's having trouble switching on the pick and rolls. He tends to hedge out too far and not recover onto his man

[nate33]

Matthews is playing well but I notice he's having trouble switching on the pick and rolls. He tends to hedge out too far and not recover onto his man

Yup. I saw him do the same thing. It's like he wasn't sure if he was supposed to hedge or switch on that play.