The Toronto Raptors will try to start their Sportsbook playoff series on a high note when they host the Washington Wizards in Game 1 today. The Raptors finished with the best record in the Eastern Conference but the Sportsbook game in a playoff series has been kryptonite for the Dinos as they’ve dropped ten straight Game 1’s. The Raps opened as 8-point favorites to reverse that trend at the Air Canada Centre.
- The total has gone UNDER in eight of the last 11 games in this matchup.
- The Wizards are 4-1 ATS in their last five games after an ATS loss.
- Toronto is 3-10-1 ATS in its last 14 games.
While the Raptors' history in Game 1’s has been noted (1-12 SU overall), this year’s squad seems different. Toronto ranked in fourth in points per game and seventh in points allowed this season and is one of two teams (Houston) to rank in the top 10 in both of those categories. As a result, the Raptors finished tied with the Rockets with the best home record in the NBA and are 17-3 SU in their last 20 games at the ACC.
The spotlight will shine the brightest on all-stars Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, who combined for just under 40 points per game this season but those averages dropped to 35 points per game in last year’s playoffs. Bettors should be cautious on taking the Raptors spread as Toronto has been a losing wager lately when favored by 8 points or more at 0-5-1 against the spread in its last six games.
The Wizards limped into the playoffs, dropping six of their last eight games. Washington has also dropped six straight games on the road as the Wiz are still trying to reincorporate point guard John Wall back into the rotation. Wall has played four games since his return from a knee injury and notched 29 points and 12 assists in his last game of the season vs Boston. If bettors are planning to back Washington, they should stick to the spread as the Wizards are 6-2 against the spread in their last eight games in Toronto and 6-3 ATS in their last nine games as dogs of 8 points or more.
The total opened at 210.5 and the UNDER could be the profitable angle in this tilt. The UNDER has hit in three of the last four games in this matchup with an average combined score 208 points per game.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Sports bettors looking to pick the Toronto Raptors as their prediction for this matchup, they were listed earlier as -8.5-point favorites on the betting odds board at Sportsbook. Those betting on the total over/under for points scored have seen that line set at 209.5 for Saturday at shops such as Sportsbook.
A 110-94 result in favor of the Raptors is the prediction by the Odds Shark handicapping pick engine. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NBA matchups here.
Washington Wizards vs Toronto Raptors Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Toronto Raptors sit at 59-23 (43-38-1 ATS) on the season; in comparison, the Washington Wizards are currently 43-39 (37-44-1 ATS). Looking to bet on the points scored total? Toronto is 40-40-2 OU and Washington is 37-44-1 OU. This season the Toronto Raptors are 59-23 overall and 43-38-1 ATS against the number, while the Washington Wizards are 43-39 and 37-44-1 ATS. As for the totals, Toronto is 40-40-2 on the OU, and Washington is 37-44-1. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Toronto vs Washington injuries news.
The Raptors - Wizards betting odds would favor the Raptors if the lines were set according to power rankings. Toronto is rated No. 5 in our latest Odds Shark poll, while the Washington Wizards sit at No. 18.
Statistical Matchup
When it comes to rebounds, the visiting Washington Wizards rank No. 21 in the league with 43.05 per game. That compares with Toronto's No. 14 ranking in that category. The story is different when it comes to three-point shooting where Toronto is the NBA's No. 4-ranked team at 11.8 per game, while the Washington Wizards rate No. 21 with 9.93 per contest.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Washington suffered a 101-92 loss against Orlando on Wednesday, getting 18 points from Jodie Meeks in a losing effort at Amway Center.
Toronto got 28 points from Kyle Lowry en route to a 116-109 loss against Miami on Wednesday at American Airlines Arena.
- Washington is 6-13-1 ATS in its last 20 games
- Washington is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
- The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games
- Washington is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
- Toronto is 3-10-1 ATS in its last 14 games
- Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games
- Toronto is 2-5-1 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Washington at Toronto, Tuesday, April 17th
