The Toronto Raptors will look to bounce back from one of their most demoralizing losses of the season when they face the Washington Wizards on Wednesday to begin a three-game trip.
The Raptors led by as many as 17 against the Utah Jazz on Saturday before being outscored 71-48 in the second half en route to a 126-119 loss. Toronto has dropped three straight and 10 of its past 13.
Scottie Barnes matched his career high with 32 points in the loss to Utah, while Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby each scored 19 points. Coach Darko Rajakovic is seeking solutions after the Raptors again failed to put together a complete effort.
Toronto has won its past three meetings against Washington, including a 111-107 home victory on Nov. 13. Siakam scored a season-high 39 points in the win, including 22 in the third quarter.
Siakam played in his 500th NBA game on Saturday, all with the Raptors. The eighth-year pro is averaging 21.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists this season.
Toronto will need another strong outing from Siakam against Washington, which is playing on the second night of a back-to-back after losing 127-119 to the visiting Orlando Magic on Tuesday.
Wizards guard Delon Wright made his first appearance since Nov. 10, when he sprained his left knee. Wright produced seven points and four rebounds in 13 minutes off the bench.
Jordan Poole scored 30 points to lead Washington, while Tyus Jones added 22. The Wizards, who own the third-worst record in the NBA, have lost four of their past five games.
Jones has been a welcome addition to the Wizards following four seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies. The ninth-year point guard is averaging 12.6 points on 54.1 percent shooting from the floor.
