The Toronto Raptors had their four-game winning streak snapped on Wednesday with a gut-wrenching 105-96 loss to the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors simply had no answer for the Wizards’ firepower as five Washington players scored in double-figures. The Raptors will look to get their season back on track when they face the Wizards in an immediate rematch tonight. For the Raptors to exact some revenge, they will need their second unit to improve on their play. Toronto’s reserves were outscored 26-1 in a critical juncture in the second quarter that turned the game in Washington’s favor.
Another source of concern for head coach Dwane Casey is his team’s growing injury crisis. The Raptors are still getting to grips with the absence of Kyle Lowry who’s sidelined after undergoing surgery to his right wrist. With Lowry out for the remainder of the regular season, the onus is on DeMar DeRozan and Serge Ibaka to carry the offensive cudgels for the Raptors. Derozan had 24 points while Ibaka chipped in 22 markers of his own in Wednesday’s loss to Washington.
The Raptors are 3-7 SU and 4-6 ATS in their last 10 road games.
Things are looking up for the Washington Wizards who finally snapped their eight-game losing streak to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. With that victory, the third-placed Wizards moved one game clear of the fourth-placed Raptors in the Eastern Conference standings, ahead of their third and final matchup of the season on Friday in Washington. Toronto won their first showdown on November 2, 113-103.
For the Wizards to record their third consecutive win later this evening, they will need to get another huge performance from John Wall. The Kentucky alum scored 12 points and dished out 13 assists on Wednesday to record his 39th double-double of the season. Wall has been a vital cog in Washington’s success this season, averaging 22.5 points and a team-best 10.9 assists per game this campaign. Wall’s play has been instrumental in Washington’s late-season surge. The Wizards are riding high since New Year’s Day, posting an Eastern Conference-leading 20-7 slate.
The Wizards are 8-2 SU and 6-4 ATS in their last 10 home games.
Writer’s Prediction
Washington (-5) keeps the momentum going with a 102-92 victory.
