A couple of months ago, it was pretty easy to look ahead and see the Washington Wizards on the Raptors’ schedule and figure it would be an easy win for Toronto.

But that was then and this is now, as the Wizards have quickly become respectable since John Wall returned to active duty. The team is 10-8 since the former No. 1 overall pick left the training room table for the hardwood floor.

The Raptors will look to extend a winning streak that reached four prior to the all-star break tonight when they visit the Wizards.

Here are a few thoughts to consider ahead of tonight’s game:

The deadline approaches

The Raptors pulled off one of the biggest deals in franchise history a couple of weeks ago and Brian Colangelo appears likely to make another trade before Thursday’s deadline.

Raptors coach Dwane Casey said he is not too concerned about any moves involving his team, although he did speak to his players on the subject a few weeks ago.

“I’m kind of going slow about that,” he told the Toronto Sun’s Mike Ganter. “I told them a few weeks ago, ‘Guys, don’t pay any attention to any of that. You just have to play basketball. The best players in the world have been traded. The best players in the game have been traded. Oscar, Kareem, you know so if someone hears their name out there it’s a compliment.”

Mr. Smith and Washington

The Washington Wizards are more than willing to cash in plenty of chips in order to bring Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith to Washington.

In talks with ATL for Josh Smith, Wizards have said all but 3 players available: J Wall, B Beal & Nene

— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) February 19, 2013

While the Wizards are willing to deal almost anyone, would the Hawks be interested in anyone other than the aforementioned trio of protected players?

Ross stays cool

While Raptors forward Terrence Ross’s level of celebrity has instantly shot up after winning the NBA’s annual dunk contest, the Raptors forward says his focus is already back on the team.

“I’m already back to my regular self,” Ross said. “Practice kind of set the tone for the rest of the year. I’m back to normal.”

Casey, always demanding of his players, would have it no other way.

“Everyone congratulated him, said ‘Way to go, Rook,’ and then I immediately started to get on him about getting back on defence and rotating,” Casey said.