Kyle Lowry, Amir Johnson out again for Raptors on Wednesday

The Toronto Raptors are backing their way into the postseason, but even at 9-15 since the All-Star break, they're currently slated to open the first round at home.

The team chasing them for the coveted No. 4 seed, the Washington Wizards, are resting their All-Star point guard Wednesday, but it'll be tough for the Raptors to take advantage with their own All-Star point guard, and their starting power forward, still on the shelf.

Kyle Lowry and Amir Johnson will both miss Wednesday's game against the Charlotte Hornets, according to Sportsnet's Eric Smith.

Johnson will miss his second consecutive game due to a right ankle sprain, while Lowry will miss his seventh straight due to back spasms.

In 11 games without Lowry this season, the Raptors are 5-6. And without Johnson, their nominal defensive anchor, on the floor, the team's already-porous defense gives up an additional 1.4 points per 100 possessions.

The Raptors, who lead the Wizards by one game (with a tiebreaker in hand) have lost their last six games against the Hornets.