Toronto has emerged as a top betting on NBA games favorite in the Eastern Conference. As top seed they were already looking likely to make the NBA Finals. With Boston missing their best player the path is even less crowded. And a first round matchup with Washington hardly inspires fear. Wizards fans were disappointed with a lackluster season of red ink. Bradley Beal was the one bright spot but not nearly enough. Mediocrity reeks on both ends of the court for the Wizards. Excellence is the hallmark of DeMar DeRozan and the Raptors. However, wagering value could become problematic due to public perception.
Washington Wizards vs. Toronto Raptors Game 2
Date and Time: Tuesday, April 17, 2018, 7 p.m. Eastern
Location: Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
NBA Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wizards | +7 (-110) | 214½ (-110) |  |
| Raptors | -7 (-110) | 214½ (-110) | |
| |||
Wizards vs. Raptors TV Coverage: NBA TV
Toronto
Toronto got the money in game one with a 114-106 victory. Forward Serge Ibaka led the Raptors with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Games three and four of this series will be in DC. Washington’s Bradley Beal was limited to a subpar 19 points. As expected the Wizards are outclassed by the Raps. Clearly, they are a level below TO. How a mediocrity such as Washington closes the gap is anyone’s guess. Matchup wise they are outgunned.
Big Names on Court
Lost in the shuffle of the Great White North the Raptors are a complete team. Among Toronto’s vast arsenal is superstar guard DeMar DeRozan. He sparked the Raps to fourth in the NBA for scoring offense. Defensively they were nearly as good ranking seventh in the Association. Toronto’s recent form has been solid for Betting on NBA Games. Just one loss in their last five games vs. the line has gamblers pleased. Head coach Dwane Casey deserves much of the credit for Toronto’s success. He has led the Raps to five consecutive playoff seasons.
Washington
Washington wallowed with just three payouts in their last eight games. Under the total paid in just two of their last six. Overall the Wizards were in the black just 37 out of 82 games. Offensively they ranked 13th in the NBA. On defense they ranked 15th for points allowed. Scott Brooks is in his second season as Washington head coach. He led the Wizards to a playoff series win last year. As a result, this season has been seen as a step back. Six fewer wins this year add to that perception.
Team vs. Team
Toronto has got the money in six of their last nine vs. Washington. Three of the last four in this series went under the sportsbook total. Air Canada Center has been a hospitable host for the Wizards. The Raps have paid in just two of their last eight home games vs. the Wizards. Under the total has hit in 12 of the last 14 in this series at TO.
Matchup to Watch
Toronto is off and running towards what could be a deep playoff run. Nobody betting on NBA Games gives Washington a realistic chance here. Betting value is the only legit concern. Linemakers have to sweeten the pot towards the Wizards. That should be the betting matchup difference.
Wizards vs. Raptors NBA games Betting Odds Picks
Washington is outclassed but is a classic contrarian bet. Nobody wants to bet them. Consequently, that’s what makes them appealing to bargain hunters. They should stay within the inflated number.
NBA Betting Online Pick: Washington Wizards
NBA Betting Online Score Prediction: Raptors 110, Wizards 106