Toronto Raptors vs. Washington Wizards: NBA Betting Odds and Predictions

Toronto Raptors vs. Washington Wizards
Friday, 1/3/14, 7:00 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: Washington -2.5
Current Betting Line: Washington -3
Opening Total: 195
Current Total: 193.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Toronto Raptors have played solid basketball since trading F Rudy Gay

Toronto has won and covered the number in its last four games, including a 95-82 victory over the Indiana Pacers as 5.5-point home underdogs Wednesday, while going UNDER the betting total in its last two affairs. The Raptors are 9-7 SU at home this season, including a 5-3 mark versus Eastern Conference opponents, which is important to consider when making your NBA predictions. The team has outscored its opponents in the fourth quarter in 10 of its last 12 games. Toronto is 8-7 SU and 10-5 ATS as road underdogs of three or fewer points the last two-plus seasons.

The Raptors have four probable starters averaging in double figures, with guard DeMar DeRozan leading the way at 20.9 points a contest. Toronto has won nine of its 12 games since trading forward Rudy Gay to Sacramento, which can’t be ignored when looking over the pro basketball odds page. Point guard Kyle Lowry is averaging 8.5 assists over his last 15 games—compared to 6.4 over his first 15 contests.

Washington had its two-game winning streak snapped last time out, as it dropped an 87-78 decision to the Dallas Mavericks as two-point home favorites Wednesday, while going UNDER the betting total of 203. The Wizards have four probable starters averaging in double figures, with point guard John Wall leading the way at 20.2 points a contest. He has scored 20 or more points in a career-high eight consecutive games. Washington is 5-6 SUATS as home favorites of three or fewer points the last two-plus seasons, with the UNDER going 7-4 in that situation.

The Wizards have won five straight games against conference opponents, while they rank fourth in the league in shooting 39.4 percent from beyond the arc. Washington’s long-range shooting is led by guard Bradley Beal, who is knocking down 45.9 percent of his attempts from that particular area. Through the first 29 games this season, the franchise is eighth in the NBA in averaging 23.2 assists per game.