Wizards vs. Raptors Game 4 preview: Can the Wizards sweep the North?

Game Info

When and where: The Wizards are going to go for the sweep in the Verizon Center at 6:30 p.m. ET.

TV: You can catch the game on TNT or on CSN, depending on your preference.

Radio: WNEW 99.1 as always with Dave Johnson and Glenn Consor.

Injury Report: Garrett Temple is still the lone player on the Wizards' roster with hamstring troubles. The Raptors have a completely healthy roster heading into the game.

Game Preview

The Wizards are trying to make franchise history as underdogs, once again, with a complete sweep at the Toronto Raptors. We know that no NBA team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a series, but that does not mean the Raptors will give up. Their backs are against the wall and they'll likely come out swinging.

The Wizards will have to endure what will likely be the Raptors' best shot in order to complete the sweep. The Raptors did some good things in game 3 that we'll likely see once again in game 4, but it'll be up to the Wizards to nip their tactics in the bud as they did in game 2 leading to a blowout win. Here are the things we need to keep an eye on.

Can the Wizards win the possession battle in game 4

The Wizards have outrebounded the Raptors in this series 151 to 117 throughout the first three games, but they allowed 22 second chance points from the Raptors in game 3. They also turned the ball over 17 times and that, coupled with 10 offensive rebounds, gave the Raptors 23 more shots than the Wizards in game 3.

It's great that the Wizards were able to withstand losing the possession battle and still win the game, but that isn't traditionally how things work in the NBA. The Raptors bailed the Wizards out with some awful shots and they also allowed seven offensive rebounds themselves, but the Wizards can't allow them to generate extra possessions like they did and win the game.

Can Marcin Gortat continue his brillaince

Gortat finished with 24 points, 13 rebounds and five assists against the Raptors in Game 3. He's been a staple in the pick and roll game for the Wizards and has been able to make plays passing out of the short roll as his original defender is focusing on trapping the ball.

He's being put in a position where he has to make a decision on whether to pass, continue to roll to the rim or post up a smaller man. He's been right on most of his decisions throughout the series, and if he continues to play that way the Wizards will probably be able to get the win. He's also been positioning himself right beside the rim on drives and has been able to catch and finish so many dump off plays from guards. Gortat has been phenomenal throughout the series and if this continues in the playoffs the Wizards will be a force no matter who they play.

Can the Wizards continue to hold DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry in check

DeRoazn has been the Raptors' best player throughout the series, but he hasn't been very efficient and he's had different defenders thrown at him throughout the series including the lengthy Otto Porter. Lowry has been in foul trouble and hasn't really shot the ball well throughout.

DeRozan scored 20 points in the first quarter of game one and made 8-11 shots from the field. Throughout the rest of the game DeMar only made three field goals out of 18 and scored 12 points. Lowry started off 2-3 from the field with six points in the first quarter and finished 5-22 with just 15 points.

They have both been aggressive, but they have also both taken terrible shots throughout the series and the Wizards are making them pay for it. If they can be held in check just once more, the Wizards should be able to get out of the series with a sweep.