Toronto Raptors vs Washington Wizards

The Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards will meet on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The preseason matchup is set to tip off at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time and will be broadcast locally as part of the NBA’s ongoing exhibition schedule. Both teams are using this game as a tune-up opportunity before the regular season begins, giving coaches a chance to test lineups and evaluate new talent in live action.

The Wizards enter the contest with a few injuries that could impact their rotation. Bilal Coulibaly remains sidelined with a thumb injury, while Alex Sarr and AJ Johnson are considered day-to-day with minor leg issues. On the Raptors’ side, Brandon Ingram will not play as he continues his recovery process, and both Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl are managing knee and back soreness. Collin Murray-Boyles is also nursing a rib problem. These absences mean both teams will rely more heavily on their bench units, with the Raptors expected to give additional minutes to Gradey Dick, Ja’Kobe Walter, and other young players, while Washington will feature Tre Johnson, Bub Carrington, and Kyshawn George.

From a tactical standpoint, both coaching staffs will be focused on player development and lineup experimentation rather than strict in-game strategies. For Washington, head coach Brian Keefe will be evaluating how his young backcourt manages tempo and shot selection while monitoring defensive rotations and rebounding under pressure. Toronto’s staff is expected to emphasize ball movement, defensive spacing, and team chemistry, especially given the number of absentees. Toronto Raptors will also look to identify which bench players can step into larger roles once the regular season starts.

The press coverage leading up to this game has centered on development and evaluation rather than results. Reporters in both markets have noted that the game will provide insight into each team’s depth and the progress of their younger players. For Toronto, the focus is on maintaining defensive consistency and offensive flow without several of their key starters. For Washington, attention has turned to how well the team’s young core can execute in front of their home crowd and whether they can build early chemistry under Keefe’s guidance.

In pregame studio discussions, analysts have emphasized that this matchup is more about growth than competition. The conversations have revolved around which players might earn their way into permanent rotation spots and how both teams adapt when top players are missing. Some analysts have highlighted the Wizards’ need for improved transition defense and offensive rhythm, while others have pointed to Toronto’s ongoing search for reliable bench production. The overall tone suggests that this game will be a useful benchmark for both franchises, offering early clues about roster depth, tactical balance, and the potential direction of each team heading into the 2025–26 NBA season.