The 2021-22 NBA season is officially underway! The Washington Wizards travel north to Canada to take on the Toronto Raptors in their season opener. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Wizards-Raptors prediction and pick based on Wizards Raptors odds.
The Wizards let go of Russell Westbrook this past offseason after trading him to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Kyle Kuzma, Montrez Harrell, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Washington's roster looks a little different for this year, and it is difficult to see their true potential. The Wizards ended last year winning a ton of games and sneaking into the playoffs. They got bounced early by the Philadelphia 76ers, but it was an impressive run for them.
The Toronto Raptors look different as well. Kyle Lowry is now on the Miami Heat, and it's tough to tell where they stand in the East. Goran Dragić and Fred VanVleet should control the backcourt, with Pascal Siakam in the frontcourt. Toronto will look for those three to lead the team. The team won't find success this year as they did during their title run. This matchup doesn't seem very intriguing to the average NBA fan.
Here’s how the bookmakers have set the Wizards-Raptors odds for Wednesday night’s matchup.
NBA Odds: Wizards-Raptors Odds
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Washington Wizards: +2.5 (-110)
Toronto Raptors: -2.5 (-110)
Over 218.5 (-110)
Under 218.5 (-110)
Why The Wizards Could Cover The Spread
The Wizards can cover the spread because it looks like Bradley Beal is going to play, despite his injury. Beal is one of the best guards in the NBA and is a nightmare to defend. If the Raptors struggle to defend Beal, then the Wizards should win the game.
The Wizards have a long way to go as a team to be successful. It's not clear whether they will continue to play well based on last season's run. Furthermore, they are going to heavily rely on Beal to keep them in games. Kuzma will get a chance to thrive again in a new uniform. It's going to be worth seeing how he adapts without all the LA distractions around him. Washington doesn't have a tough opponent in front of them, so covering at this spread is quite possible.
Why The Raptors Could Cover The Spread
The Raptors are favored against the Wizards but it is obviously not by a wide margin. This game is likely to be close. Toronto plays very well as a unit but doesn't have that superstar to take over. Siakam is one of the more improved players in the league, but last year didn't play as well as in 2019. Siakam will not play Wednesday night. They will need to rely on the game plan and execute on defense in order to be successful.
The Wizards don't defend well at all. They were dead last in 2020 in opponent-scoring at 118 ppg. If that is still the case, then Toronto should play well collectively to put the ball in the hoop.
Final Wizards-Raptors Prediction & Pick
I expect the Raptors to win this game at home. They will be without Siakam because of a shoulder injury, but should still play well as a group. It will be close for most of the game, however, I think the home-court advantage for the Raptors propels them in this one. The fans in Toronto are electric and it should be a packed arena Wednesday night. The Raptors will pull away late in the game and start the season 1-0.
FINAL WIZARDS-RAPTORS PICK: Under 118.5 (-110)
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: Wizards 100 – Raptors 105
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