Free NBA Pick: Wizards vs. Raptors NBA Odds
Looking for Washington Wizards vs. Toronto Raptors free NBA picks & NBA odds? NBA betting sees the Wizards taking on the Raptors on Sunday, December 5th, 2021 at Scotiabank Arena. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA hoops predictions like this Wizards Raptors matchup.
2021 NBA Handicapping
(10-10) Washington Wizards vs. Toronto Raptors (9-12)
Date: Sunday, December 5th
Time: 6:00 PM EST
Venue: Bankers Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
NBA Moneyline Odds: Wizards | Raptors (Bet Now!) Moneyline is off as of posting
NBA Betting Odds: Raptors -1.5
NBA Betting Total: 212.5
Sunday, December 5th the Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors meet for the third time this season. Each team has taken one game with the Wizards winning 98-83 on October 20th in Toronto and the Raptors winning 109-100 on November 3rd in Washington.
Washington arrives following a win/loss to the Cavaliers on Friday while the Raptors lost/won to the Bucks on Thursday.
Last season, the squads played three times with the Raptors taking two of the three contests. The Raptors hold the all-time record having bested the Wizards in 57 of their 96 matches.
Washington Wizards
Following a 10-3 start to the season, the Wizards have begun to struggle for wins collecting only four wins in their 10 games. They’ve fared better at home (8-3) although they’ve maintained an even record (6-6) on the road.
The most obvious difference in the recent run of losses is the scoring output isn’t as robust. In the initial 13 matches, Washington averaged 108.3 points per game but in their last 10 that has reduced to 102.8.
More telling is their scoring output in losses (98.8.) versus wins (110.5) while they held opponents to 102.4 points in wins but 112 points in losses.
On Friday they exceeded that mark with the Cavs scoring 116 points. Five Wizards registered double-figures with Deni Avdija the top scorer collecting 16 points.
The others were Bradley Beal (14), Raul Neto (13), Kyle Kuzma (12), and Aaron Holiday (11) but Montrezl Harrell was rendered ineffective with the Cav’s size.
In fact, the Cavaliers dominated the glass 54 to 33 including 15 to 3 on the offensive glass.
Thomas Bryant (knee) continues to be listed as questionable but has yet to play this season. Ditto for Rui Hachimura who was given time off at season start for personal reasons and is ramping up his conditioning for a return to the court.
Toronto Raptors
It’s been a rough start for the Raptors as far as injuries go with the core of the roster missing copious games. Pascal Siakam started the season 11 games into the season following offseason shoulder surgery.
He’s had to mesh with a mostly new roster and shake off the rust showing progress averaging 20.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks in his last seven matches.
Nick Nurse desperately needs OG Anunoby and Khem Birch back as they represent his best two-way player and most experienced big. They’ve missed the last eight and five games respectively and haven’t practiced with the team indicating they could be out a while.
Although Birch won’t get the shine as the most essential Raptors player his loss is palpable as the Raptors are a better rebounding team with him and he brings a sense of calm to the floor setting quality screens and a reliable pick and roll partner for Fred VanVleet.
The perfect example was the victory versus the Bucks as Precious Achiuwa panicked and it led to five consecutive free throws and but for Pat Connaughton’s 3-pointer rimming out it could’ve been a terrible loss. Birch doesn’t make those mistakes.
VanVleet is leading the league in minutes played (38.3) and eventually, that’s going to take a toll. Second on that list is Anunoby highlighting his value.
In the victory versus Milwaukee, VanVleet willed his team to the win with 29 points featuring five 3-pointers, five rebounds, four assists, and a block. Siakam added 20 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and a block.
Scottie Barnes offered 13 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three steals, a block and his tap out of a missed bucket at game end was the play that cemented the victory.
NBA Betting Trends:
- The Raptors are 8-2 in the teams last 10 head to head meetings
- The Wizards are 5-4-1 ATS in the last 10 head to head meetings
- Over/Under is 7-3 in the teams last 10 head to head meetings
Free Washington Wizards vs. Toronto Raptors NBA Prediction:
Both teams are desperate for the win but the Wizards are far healthier. The key will be how well the Raptors control Beal and Harrell who feasted in both meetings.
Siakam will face them for the first time this season while Barnes played in the first game but it was his first as a pro and missed the second game with a thumb injury.
Toronto held Washington to an average of 99 points in the two meetings but Birch and Anunoby were critical in the win so their absence could be an issue. If something changes and either is cleared to play switch the win to the Raptors.
4* Free NBA Betting Pick: Wizards +1.5
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