The Eastern Conference will be on centerstage tonight with a couple of interesting matchups. Up north, the Washington Wizards visit the Toronto Raptors for a battle of the conference’s early pace-setters. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks make the short trip to Brooklyn to renew their rivalry with the Nets.
Find a more comprehensive preview of the Wizards vs. Raptors here and the Knicks vs. Nets here.
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]Washington Wizards vs. Toronto Raptors (7:30 PM ET)
Line: Washington Wizards (+4) at Toronto Raptors (-4); total 196.5– view all NBA lines
[sc:NBA240banner ]After an opening night loss to the Miami Heat, the Washington Wizards have bounced back in a big way with four straight wins (3-1 ATS) to lead the Eastern Conference standings. John Wall is playing up to his All-Star potential, averaging 21.4 points and 10 assists per game, including a 31-point effort against the Indiana Pacers.
Not to be outdone, the Toronto Raptors are also right there atop the East at 4-1 with their All-Star-caliber backcourt of DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry leading the way. Lowry exploded for a season-high 35 points in their most recent win against the Boston Celtics, while DeRozan leads the team in scoring at 22 points per game.
Writer’s Prediction
The Raptors hold home court and cover against the Wizards.
New York Knicks vs. Brooklyn Nets (7:30 PM ET)
Line: New York Knicks (+5.5) at Brooklyn Nets (-5.5); total 192.5– view all NBA lines
The New York Knicks dropped both games of a back-to-back earlier this week, sending them below .500 at 2-3 on the young season. Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks still haven’t quite gotten the hang of the Triangle offense implemented by head coach Derek Fisher and it’s shown on the scoreboard. New York is second from bottom in scoring at just under 90 per game.
The Knicks will look to end their losing skid against their city rivals, the Brooklyn Nets, who are 2-2 in their first four games under new head coach Lionel Hollins. Point guard Deron Williams has made a very promising start after struggling with injuries last season. Williams is averaging 17.5 points and 7.3 assists per game. The Nets are 6-1 in their last seven home games against the Knicks.
Writer’s Prediction
The Nets extend their home dominance against their city rivals with a big win and cover.
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