NBA Action – Struggling Wizards Host Streaky Raptors

The Toronto Raptors (14-21 SU, 13-21-1 ATS, 20-15 O/U) may be the most perplexing team in the league so far this season. Toronto had its modest two-game winning streak snapped by losing to the Milwaukee Bucks 107-97 on Monday.

The Washington Wizards (7-26 SU, 15-18 ATS, 13-19-1 O/U) have struggled all season long and fell to the Orlando Magic 89-80 on Tuesday. The Wiz did manage to cover the spread for NBA sports betting backers as a 12.5-point road underdog in the BetOnline Sportsbook.

Playing without Jermaine O’Neal and Jose Calderon, the Raptors got 31 points and 11 rebounds from Chris Bosh. Former No. 1 overall draft pick Andrea Bargnani – O’Neal’s replacement at center – added 21 points, but backup point guard Will Solomon struggled to replace Calderon, scoring just four points on 2-for-13 shooting.

"Some of the shots we had were good shots. They just didn’t go down," said shooting guard Anthony Parker, who scored 12 points. "We just didn’t get it done. It’s disappointing because this certainly was a winnable game."

The Wizards, who have dropped three of its last four, got a team,-high 29 points from all-star forward Caron Butler, all in the second half, including 21 in the third quarter. The Wizards crept within 83-80 with 1:18 remaining on Butler’s final basket, but the Magic scored the game’s final six points to finish off their opponents.

"We put ourselves in the grave in the second quarter. And in the third quarter, we kind of dug ourselves out," Wizards coach Ed Tapscott said. "But even you have those real big lulls, when you get down double digits, so much energy is expended trying to get back. Then when you get even, that’s where they make their run."

Here is a look at the key trends for each team, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Picks.

The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto’s last 5 games when playing Washington

The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto’s last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington

The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto’s last 7 games

The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto’s last 6 games on the road

The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington’s last 5 games when playing Toronto

The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington’s last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto

Washington is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Toronto

Washington is 7-1-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Toronto

NBA Odds

Toronto Raptors +1 -110

Washington Wizards -1 -110

Over 192 -110

Under 192 -110

Analysis: While I am really disappointed in the Toronto Raptors this season, the Washington Wizards have even bigger problems. Simply put, I like the Raptors to extend their dominance (4-1 ATS in last 5) over the Wizards with a narrow win and cover tonight.

NBA Free Picks: Raptors +1 Point/Under 192 Total Points