Sir Charles in Charge
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2018 NBA Playoffs Roundtable: Embiid vs. Whiteside; Raptors vs. history

By Michael Saenz

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 06: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after a play against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on March 6, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 06: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after a play against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on March 6, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Raptors are 1-12 all-time in Game 1’s; will they lose Game 1 vs. Washington?

Flynn: The Toronto Raptors will be 2-12 all-time after their new Game 1 against Washington. Whether it’s the MVP-like season that DeRozan is having, or the incredible depth the Raptors possess, there are a lot more qualities to like about the Raptors than the Wizards right now.

Plus, The John Wall drama, Bradley Beal subtweets, and the Marcin Gortat interviews, may give us a very awkward playoff series for the Wiz.

Patel: As much as I want to say yes, the answer is no. The Raptors are all-time underperformers in both Game 1’s and in recent playoffs – but they have run into a team that is more consistently inconsistent than even themselves. The Wizards were a preseason pick by many to be a top 4 seed in the East, and while injuries have hurt them, they have self-imploded more than anything else.

Too many isolations plays, not enough movement, and constant bickering has brought the team down. With that being said, the Wizards always play up to the competition and they do possess two of the three best players in the series in Wall and Beal. They play better when they are backed into a corner, so I fully expect them to lose Game 1 but this series is going 7. The Wizards, top to bottom, are a more talented team than the more balanced Raptors, and in the playoffs, talent usually puts you over the top.

Osborne: No, this is the year they finally look like a true contender. The Wizards will be tough out but the Raptors are a significantly better team and should show it. If Toronto wants to be viewed as a real threat to LeBron and the Cavs it starts with a statement victory in Game 1 vs the Wizards.

Early: Nope. Favored by 8 going in, this is not your granddaddy’€™s dinosaurs. The Wiz are worse than last year, Wall may not be quite right, the team seemed to like not playing with him. And the bench unit for Raps’ GM, Masai Ujiri, are young, versatile and all offer fun combos of skills. I think they got a steal in the draft with O.G. Anunoby, and I know they robbed the Knicks in the Bargnani trade, which helped them get Jakob Poeltl. They’re deep and well-coached now, not all in on Kyle Lowry’s every single shot.

Those 13 games the question refers to are a thing of the past and I’ll bet any of you guys: loser has to write 1,500 words on the 2018 Memphis Grizzlies defensive rotational schemes. Now that’s putting my money where my mouth is, I don’t think I could even name six Grizz this year.

McFee: Common sense says yes, my heart says no. I want the Raptors to succeed so badly; plus how great would it be to see Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan in a Conference and/or NBA Finals? What was the question again?