Toronto Raptors vs. Washington Wizards Point Spread Pick

Toronto Raptors (31-32 SU, 31-32-0 ATS) vs. Washington Wizards (29-32 SU, 29-31-1 ATS)

When: Thursday, March 2nd, 7:00 PM (ET)

Where: Capital One Arena, DC, Washington

TV: NBC

Point Spread: Tor -1/Wash -1 (Bet it LIVE at Bovada!)

Total: 223.5

Money Line: Toronto Raptors -115/-106

Notable Injuries

Raptors

• Otto Porter Jr. (Out) Foot

Wizards

• Monte Morris (Out) Back

Recent Form

Heading into the game, Toronto is 31-32 overall. When taking to the road, Toronto has a mark of 11-19 and a win percentage of 37%. Currently, the team is 9th in the Eastern Conference. So far, they are 31-32-0 vs. the spread. When looking at how the team has performed of late straight and vs. the spread, they are 4-1 in their past five games and 3-2 ATS. Over their past ten games, they are 8-2 SU and 5-5 ATS.

In their preceding game, the Raptors overpowered the Bulls, earning a 104-98 win as 4-point favorites. Pascal Siakam led the way for the Raptors, putting up 20 points on 38.9% shooting. The Raptors not only secured the victory but also covered the spread.

Heading into the game, Washington is 29-32 overall. When playing at home, Washington has a mark of 14-13 and a win percentage of 52%. Currently, the team is 10th in the Eastern Conference. So far, they are 29-31-1 vs. the spread. In Washington’s last five games, the Wizards have a straight-up record of 3-2 while going 3-2 in those games. Going back to the last 10, they are 5-5 and 5-5 ATS.

Washington will be looking to build on their most recent win over the Hawks. Bradley Beal led the team to a win with his 37 points. The Wizards were 7-point underdogs on the spread, giving them an ATS win.

The Historicals

Last year, the Raptors saw a drop in overall scoring when playing the Wizards, averaging 100.75 points per game. Like the Raptors, the Wizards scored at a rate below their season average, finishing with 98.25 points per game vs. Toronto. Spanning across the last five head-to-head matchups, the Raptors and Wizards have been competitive, with an average margin of victory sitting at just 2 points per game. This has resulted in a 3-1-1 ATS record for Toronto. The over-under record in these same games is 1-4, with the teams combining for an average of 210 points per game.

Analysis

This season, Toronto averages just 112.6 points per game, which places them 22nd in the league. A major reason for these low numbers is the fact that they play at one of the slower paces in the NBA at just 97.4 possessions per game. Toronto has struggled with their 3-point shot this season, as they are currently ranked just 27th in 3-point shooting percentage at 33.5%. In addition, they are near the bottom of the league in attempts, at just 32.2 attempts per contest. Defensively, the Raptors have been one of the best units in the NBA, allowing just 107.1 points per game. So far, they have allowed a 3-point shooting percentage of 35.34%, placing them 17th in the NBA.

As the Raptors prepare for today’s game, Pascal Siakam is their leading scorer with an average of 25.2 points per game. This season, Siakam has a field goal percentage of 47.7%. The team’s second-leading scorer is Gary Trent Jr., who is averaging 18.4 points per game.

This year, the Washington offense is not only near the NBA average in points at 113.1 points per game, but they are also playing at a pace similar to the league average. So far, the Wizards are ranked 20th in possessions per contest. Washington comes into the game ranked just 22nd in 3-point attempts per game. So far, they have connected on 35.8% of their shots from deep, which places them 20th in the NBA. On defense, the Wizards allow an average of 112.0 points per game, placing them 16th in the league. So far, teams have shot 35.92% on their looks from outside vs. Washington. This figure places them 21st in 3-point shooting defense.

Coming into today’s game, Kyle Kuzma is the leading scorer for Washington at 21.3 points per game. This season, Kuzma has a field goal percentage of 44.5%. The team’s second-leading scorer is Kristaps Porzingis, at 22.8 points per contest.

Betting Trends

• The Raptors are 3-7 ATS in their last ten games playing on one day of rest.
• The Raptors are 3-7 ATS in their last ten road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• The Wizards are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
• The Wizards are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

The Toronto Raptors are absolutely rollin’ with an 8-2 record in their last ten games. The Washington Wizards, not so much. Furthermore, seeing a road favorite with the public backing the home underdog at 60% or better is always a good thing. I give the Raps a 70% chance of covering the -1.5! Note! Take a minute to learn about reduced juice! It’s free and saves you tons of money!