The Christmas break is over for the Toronto Raptors as they get set to visit the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.
Toronto enters this game as losers of three straight and eight of its last 10. Washington, which holds the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference at 5-24, will be looking to halt a two-game slide.
Bet on Raptors vs. Wizards
TOR -7
WSH +7
This will be the second clash of the season between these two Eastern Conference foes. The Raptors took the first meeting on Nov. 13 in Toronto by a score of 111-107. Washington covered the spread as an 8.5-point underdog, though, and the teams combined to play under the 230.5-point total.
Here’s a look at the odds for Wednesday’s matchup courtesy of bet365:
Raptors vs. Wizards odds
| Raptors Moneyline Odds | -270 |
| Wizards Moneyline Odds | +220 |
| Over/Under | 239 points (over -110, under -110) |
| Spread | Raptors -7 (-110) |
| Time/Date | Dec. 27, 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Broadcast: Sportsnet1 Stream: NBA League Pass (How to watch the NBA in Canada?) |
All odds courtesy of 
About the Raptors (11-18 SU, 13-16 ATS, 15-14 o/u)
The Raptors led by as many as 17 points against the Utah Jazz last Saturday night before being outscored 71-48 in the second half. The late collapse resulted in a 126-119 defeat despite Scottie Barnes matching his career-high with 32 points.
Now, the Raptors will embark on a three-game road trip to close out 2023 that will also include stops in Boston and Detroit. With an 11-18 record coming into action Wednesday, the Raptors are running out of time to convince team executives that this team can contend for a playoff spot. If the current roster continues to fall short of expectations, Pascal Siakam, O.G. Anunoby, and others, could have new homes by February’s trade deadline.
After a New Year’s Day clash with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto will then head west for a six-game trip against several quality opponents, making it even more imperative that the Raptors take advantage of the upcoming matchups with the lowly Wizards and Pistons this week.
About the Wizards (5-24 SU, 14-14-1 ATS, 17-12 o/u)
It’ll be a quick turnaround for the Wizards, who will be playing the second half of a back-to-back set on Wednesday. On Tuesday, the Wizards fell 127-119 to the Orlando Magic at home. Jordan Poole went off for 30 points in the loss, but the Magic scored 22 more points in the paint (70-48 in favour of the Magic) than the Wizards in what proved to be the difference in the game.
The Wizards are 0-4 straight-up and 2-1-1 ATS in the second half of back-to-backs this season and this will be the second time that the Raptors can potentially take advantage of a fatigued Wizards squad. Fatigue could be an even bigger factor for the Wizards, who lead the league in pace (103.4) and love to get out and run when compared to other NBA squads.
Toronto should have a major advantage on the glass in this one. The Raptors average 44.9 rebounds per game (seventh in the league) compared to Washington’s 39.5 per game (30th in the NBA). Toronto outrebounded the Wizards by a 48-38 advantage back in their previous meeting in November.
Scottie Barnes over 9.5 rebounds
+100
Injury concerns
For the Raptors, guard Garrett Temple (ankle) is doubtful and centre Christian Koloko (illness) is out. The Wizards have a clean injury report.
Betting trends
- Toronto is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games.
- The under is 6-2 in the past eight meetings.
- The Wizards are 4-1-1 ATS in their last six games.
Player prop trends
- Washington guard Tyus Jones has been scoring with ease lately, averaging 19.6 points over his last five contests. He’s -115 to score over 13.5 points, a line he has cleared in five straight contests and seven of his last 10. He’s also drained two or more three-pointers in five straight games (over 1.5, -120).
- Anunoby has been consistently beating his posted assists totals this year. He’s recorded three or more assists in three straight games and eight of his last 10. Anunoby has cleared that assists number at a 65% rate over his past 20 games and 56% of the time this season.
- Barnes has had butter fingers lately, committing three or more turnovers in five straight games and eight of his last 10. He’s -150 to record over 2.5 turnovers.
Wagers to consider
- Siakam over 32.5 points + rebounds: -120. Spicy P went off for 39 points and snatched 11 rebounds the last time these teams clashed. As previously mentioned, the Wizards have trouble rebounding the ball, so Siakam’s numbers should be inflated in that department and act as insurance in case his scoring numbers are lower than usual.
- Wizards first-quarter spread +4: -115. The Raptors haven’t played since Saturday and they could have a Christmas break hangover early in this one. The Wizards already have their legs back after playing Tuesday night and should be firing on all cylinders out of the gate with a strong likelihood of fading in the second half as fatigue sets in. It might even be worth taking the Wizards to win the first quarter outright at +175.
