Two teams opened the 2026-27 season with a roar, but only one will leave Washington on Friday night still unbeaten. As of Wednesday, both the Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards stood at 1-0. Toronto made the louder first splash, rolling past Chicago 135-92. Washington answered with a 128-116 win over Milwaukee. Now the Raptors bring their title chase into a Wizards arena buzzing with hope.

The biggest question is whether Washington can turn its exciting new pieces into a steady force against a deep Toronto group. Anthony Davis started strongly with 34 points and 12 rebounds against Milwaukee. He gives the Wizards a giant target near the basket, where he can score, grab missed shots, and make drivers think twice before attacking. Trae Young is the spark around him. His 13 assists in the opener showed how often he can create open looks for teammates with sharp passes and quick decisions.

Washington’s young big men add another layer. Alex Sarr pulled down nine rebounds in the opener and has the size to help Davis protect the paint. The Wizards also have talented wings in Kyshawn George and Tre Johnson, who can benefit when Young pulls defenders toward him. Rookie AJ Dybantsa is listed out with an expected return date of Friday, so his status will be important to watch. His length, ball handling, and rim attacks could eventually make Washington even harder to guard.

Still, the Wizards face a Raptors team that flew around the floor in its first game. Toronto collected 51 rebounds and 15 steals against Chicago. Those steals show an alert defense that can swipe the ball away and turn stops into fast-break chances. The Raptors also had 31 assists, a sign that the ball kept moving until someone found room.

Scottie Barnes is the connector for that attack. He can bring up the ball like a guard, battle for rebounds like a forward, and set up teammates when defenders collapse around him. Kawhi Leonard gives Toronto a calm closer who can rise for tough midrange shots and guard dangerous scorers. In the opener, Leonard had four steals, while Immanuel Quickley scored 23 points and handed out seven assists. Quickley’s speed could challenge Young and push Washington’s defense backward.

The key battle sits near the rim: Davis and Sarr against Jakob Poeltl, Toronto’s strong screen-setter and finisher. If Washington controls rebounds, Davis can keep the game physical and give Young chances to run the offense. If Toronto forces turnovers and races into open space, Barnes, Quickley, and Leonard can make the Wizards chase all night.

Washington has the home floor and a powerful inside star, but Toronto’s opening performance showed more balance at both ends. The Raptors have more ways to create stops, share the ball, and answer a big Davis night. Prediction: Toronto Raptors win.

Toronto’s Fast Start Meets Washington’s New-Look Core