The Toronto Raptors are set to face the Washington Wizards on Friday at 7 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. This matchup presents an intriguing contrast, as the Raptors currently hold a record of 18-13 while the Wizards struggle with a 5-23 record.
In their previous encounter on November 21, Toronto secured a convincing 140-110 victory at home, establishing an early lead in their season series. The Raptors come into this game off a significant win against the Miami Heat, where they triumphed 112-91 as 5.5-point road underdogs, showcasing an impressive performance led by Scottie Barnes, who scored 27 points on 10-for-14 shooting. Despite their recent victory, the Raptors have shown inconsistency in December, winning 4 out of 10 games and struggling against the spread with a record of 3-7.
Conversely, the Wizards have faced difficulties, losing to the Charlotte Hornets 126-109 in their last game, marking their eighth defeat in nine contests. They had six players score in double figures, with Khris Middleton leading the way with 16 points, but it was not enough to change their fortunes as they continue to fall short both outright and against the spread, with a season ATS record of 10-18.
For betting enthusiasts, the odds from BetMGM Sportsbook indicate that the Raptors are favored at -325 on the moneyline, while the Wizards are set at +260. Against the spread, Toronto is favored by 7.5 points, and the over/under is set at 228.5.
In terms of injuries, the Raptors will be without guard RJ Barrett and center Jakob Poeltl, while forward Collin Murray-Boyles is questionable due to an illness. The Wizards will miss guard Corey Kispert and Cam Whitmore, who is dealing with a shoulder issue.
Analysts suggest betting on the Wizards at +7.5 given their ability to cover the spread in recent games, and the Under at 228.5 is recommended due to the Raptors’ offensive struggles and defensive capabilities.
With both teams looking to improve their standings, this matchup holds potential for an exciting contest as the Raptors aim to build on their recent success, while the Wizards seek to reverse their fortunes at home.