Preseason: Washington Wizards vs Toronto Raptors Preview

Wizards  vs Raptors

When: Sunday, October 12th, at 3 p.m.

Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.

TV: Monumental Sports Network

Radio: N/A

Injury

Wizards: Alex Sarr (GTD/ Calf Sprain), Bilal Coulibaby (Out / Thumb)

Raptors: Jakob Poeltl (Out/Back, Illness), RJ Barrett ( GTD / Rest), Scottie Barnes (GTD/ Knee)

Keep An Eye on: 

Washington's Young Core: The Washington Wizards open preseason play against the Toronto Raptors with all eyes on their young core — the clear focal point for fans and the franchise alike. Second-year standouts Bub Carrington, Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, AJ Johnson, and Cam Whitmore, alongside Tristan Vukcevic and Dillon Jones, are joined by rookies Tre Johnson, Will Riley, and Jamir Watkins in what promises to be an exciting showcase of talent, versatility, and hunger. This group brings athleticism, scoring punch, and competitive fire, but the key storyline is who among them will separate from the pack to help elevate the team and prove they’re foundational pieces for the future. Sunday’s matchup with the Raptors marks the first step in defining the Wizards’ next chapter.

Washington's Vets: Another major storyline entering Washington’s preseason opener is the first look at how veterans Khris Middleton and CJ McCollum blend with the Wizards’ promising young core. With 17 players on the roster having five or fewer years of NBA experience, the leadership and stability that Middleton and McCollum provide are invaluable. Between them, they boast an NBA Championship, three All-Star selections, a Most Improved Player award, and a combined 54,000+ minutes of regular and postseason experience — a wealth of knowledge that can help accelerate the development of Washington’s youth. Both veterans have proven they can still perform at a high level when healthy: McCollum averaged 21.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds last season — highlighted by a 50-point outburst against the Wizards — while Middleton looks to bounce back from an injury-limited year, where he still managed efficient production in limited action. How this roster meshes under the guidance of two seasoned pros could set the tone for Washington’s growth throughout the season.