2018 NBA Playoffs: Ranking the first-round matchups

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DETROIT, MI – APRIL 09: DeMar DeRozan /

1. Washington Wizards vs. Toronto Raptors

Season Series: 2-2

The Toronto Raptors are, unquestionably, an elite team. They implemented a new offensive philosophy, built the league’s best bench and won a franchise-record 59 games. They still have one question left to answer: Can they win a Game 1? The Raptors have yet to win a Game 1 in any series in the Lowry-DeRozan era (0-7).

If they want to truly assert themselves as a legitimate Eastern Conference contender, then they need to take care of the Wizards. Washington has had a tumultous, up-and-down year, but they still have elite talent that has historically shown up in the playoffs.

Must Read: 2018 NBA Playoffs: 8 X-Factors to keep an eye on in the first-round

As far as the first-round goes, this is as good of a test as Toronto will get. It’s time to see if they are up for the challenge.

Prediction: Raptors in 6