The Washington Wizards host the Toronto Raptors in the NBA regular season on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 7 p.m. EDT. The matchup takes place at Capital One Arena in Washington, District of Columbia, with live broadcasts in the United States on MNMT and NBA League Pass.
Both franchises enter their second game of the 2026-27 campaign with a 1-0 record in the Eastern Conference standings. The Washington Wizards opened the season at home on Wednesday (21) by defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 128-116, while the Toronto Raptors beat the Chicago Bulls on their home court that same day. In the most recent head-to-head meeting between the two teams, held on February 28, 2026, during the 2025-26 NBA regular season, the Toronto Raptors defeated the Washington Wizards 134-125.
Where to watch Washington Wizards vs Toronto Raptors live
Fans in the United States can follow the Eastern Conference game through pay television and streaming services.
- MNMT: pay TV
- NBA League Pass: streaming
Start time and venue for Washington Wizards vs Toronto Raptors
The second game of the 2026-27 schedule for both teams is set for the Washington Wizards’ home arena.
- Date: Friday, October 23, 2026
- Start time: 7 p.m. EDT (19:00 local time at the arena)
- Venue: Capital One Arena, in Washington
- Competition and stage: NBA (North American basketball league) — Regular Season
Read also: Toronto Raptors vs Chicago Bulls: where to watch live and start time (NBA, Oct 21)
How the Washington Wizards enter the game
Coached by Brian Keefe, the Washington Wizards come off a 128-116 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in their season opener on Wednesday (21). In that contest, power forward Anthony Davis recorded 34 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. His 34-point total tied the franchise record set by Antawn Jamison on November 3, 2004, for the highest scoring output by a player in his debut for the Washington Wizards. Point guard Trae Young posted 20 points and 13 assists against the Milwaukee Bucks, forward Kyshawn George added 18 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, and center Deandre Ayton grabbed 4 rebounds.
The official starting five for the Washington Wizards has not yet been confirmed, as the coaching staff defines the final lineup moments before tip-off. On the injury report, rookie forward AJ Dybantsa, the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, is ruled out for the second consecutive game due to a left ankle sprain sustained during a preseason matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday (16). The Washington Wizards also have two other confirmed absences: Jamir Watkins, who is out for the entire season with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injury, and Tristan Vukcevic, sidelined by a hip injury. Felix Okpara is listed as questionable due to an illness.
How the Toronto Raptors enter the game
Led by head coach Darko Rajaković, the Toronto Raptors also started the 2026-27 regular season with a win on Wednesday (21), beating the Chicago Bulls at home. In the opener, forward Kawhi Leonard, forward Scottie Barnes and point guard Immanuel Quickley each scored 23 points, while shooting guard RJ Barrett contributed 20 points. Leonard returned to the Toronto Raptors for the 2026-27 season after leading the franchise to the 2019 NBA championship, signing a two-year contract extension worth US$ 115 million that runs through the 2028-29 campaign.
The projected starting lineup for the Toronto Raptors in the 2026-27 season features Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Kawhi Leonard, Scottie Barnes and center Jakob Poeltl. For the road trip to Washington, center Nate Bittle is a confirmed absence for the Toronto Raptors due to a foot injury. In NBA basketball, there is no yellow card accumulation rule like in soccer; disciplinary suspensions occur only through the accumulation of technical fouls over the course of the season or specific league penalties.
Read also: Washington Wizards vs Milwaukee Bucks: where to watch live and start time (NBA, Oct 21)
Officiating crew for Washington Wizards vs Toronto Raptors
The officiating assignment for the game between the Washington Wizards and the Toronto Raptors has not yet been announced, as the NBA releases the official referees only hours before tip-off in its daily league report.
Head-to-head history and next game for the Washington Wizards
The Toronto Raptors won the last direct clash against the Washington Wizards by a score of 134-125 on February 28, 2026, in a matchup valid for the 2025-26 regular season. Following Friday’s (23) home game at Capital One Arena, the Washington Wizards play their next commitment on Saturday (24), on the road against the Chicago Bulls.
