The Washington Wizards are coming off an impressive win over Philadelphia, but it's unknown if they can carry the momentum up north for tonight's showdown against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre.
The Wizards are responsible for knocking the Sixers from their Atlantic Division perch with Friday's 97-76 triumph thanks to a career high-tying 20 points from Cartier Martin. Jordan Crawford and Kevin Seraphin scored 17 and 14 points, respectively, for the Wizards, who ended a five-game slide and won for just the third time in their last 13 tries.
"I played within myself," Martin said. "They have trust in me, believe in me and I was able to make my shots."
Nene had 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists in the win, as Washington made 48.3 percent of its shots and had a 52-38 advantage on the boards. Nene left the game in the fourth quarter with a left fascia injury and is questionable for Sunday's game. Crawford is averaging 17.5 ppg in 18 games since the All-Star break, while John Wall has averages of 16.9 points, 7.9 assists and 4.2 rebounds in that time. Wall is also 10 points shy of 2,000.
Seraphin is averaging 10.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in his last nine games. Washington, which halted a four-game home losing streak, is just 5-20 away from D.C. this season. It will play four of the next six games on the road and is holding opponents to 89.3 points per game on .421 shooting.
The Wizards have not allowed an opponent to score 100 points or more in their last eight games. The last time they held nine straight opposing teams under the century mark was Nov. 30-Dec. 17, 2002.
Toronto has lost six of eight games and will resume a five-game homestand tonight versus the Wizards.
The Raptors are 1-2 on the residency and fell to 9-17 up north following Friday's 113-101 setback to the Miami Heat. Chris Bosh scored 30 points against his former team and had some kinds words for Toronto postgame.
"Toronto will always be special to me. I played like a hundred zillion games in here," said Bosh. "I know every nook and cranny. I will always remember how special Friday night games are in this building."
DeMar DeRozan led the Dinos with 28 points, Andrea Bargnani scored 27 and Jose Calderon handed out 16 assists for Toronto, which will close out the homestand Tuesday versus Charlotte. Calderon is averaging 10.0 points and 11.4 assists over the last five games, handing out 10-plus assists in each contest -- one shy of his career high.
Bargnani posted 15.3 ppg last month, while DeRozan is averaging 19.0 ppg at home this season.
Toronto has lost two of three matchups with Washington this season, but has won four straight and eight of 11 meetings as the host.
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