The Toronto Raptors’ Charmin soft second-half schedule continues tonight when they visit the Washington Wizards.
The only problem with that is the Raptors don’t appear to actively trying to win basketball games. Unfortunately, the Wizards are just better at tanking. Despite this, it’s the Wiz who are favored in tonight’s matchup.
My Raptors vs. Wizards predictions break down why there is value in Toronto and bring you NBA picks for this Eastern Conference clash set to tip off at the Capital One Arena in Washington at 7:00 pm ET.
Raptors vs Wizards prediction
My Raptors pick: Raptors moneyline (+110 at PointsBet Canada)
My analysis
The Toronto Raptors are trying to tank.
Whether it is through guys hopping on and off the injury report, or pulling starters in close games, it’s what they’re trying to do. It just hasn’t been that successful.
Despite losing four games in a row, they’ve played close to .500 basketball since the end of January. The combination of good coaching from Darko Rajakovic and having to play their good players at least some of the time seems to be getting in the way of the tank.
The Washington Wizards don’t seem to have that problem. They have also lost four in a row, but are sitting in the envious position of having the best odds at the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft thanks to a 15-55 record.
Yet, the Wizards are still slight home favorites in this matchup.
But let me tell you, even though these two Eastern Conference bottom feeders split a pair of close matchups a few weeks ago, the Raptors are winning this basketball game.
Now, it is RJ Barrett’s turn for a night off, and Chris Boucher is questionable, but other than that, the Raps' injury report is pretty clean heading into this matchup.
Scottie Barnes continues to play as the team tries to keep him eligible for the All-NBA teams. Immanuel Quickley is looking more comfortable all the time, and the weird one-game-on, one-game-off schedule for Jakob Poeltl means he’s suiting up tonight.
And it hasn’t really mattered who has been on the court lately, either way, the Raps are putting on a great effort on the defensive end of the floor, ranking ninth in defensive rating since the All-Star break. The Wizards’ offensive rating is next-to-last over that same period.
The Raptors are trying to tank. The Wizards are better at it. Raps win. Take them on the moneyline as short dogs.
Raptors vs Wizards same-game parlay
Raptors moneyline
Jakob Poeltl 15+ points
Scottie Barnes 8+ rebounds
One of the reasons I like the Raps to win tonight is because this game falls on a game day for Jakob Poeltl’s weird one-game-on, one-game-off schedule that he’s been on lately.
When he has been on the court he’s been uber-efficient, averaging 16.8 points on 73.5% shooting in just under 24 minutes per game over his last five games and has 16 or more points in five of his last six games. That includes going 9-for-13 from the floor for 21 points.
There’s no reason he can’t continue that against a Wizards defense that ranks 28th in defensive rating and allows the fifth-most points in the paint per game. Let’s take Poeltl to get 15+ points tonight.
Another area where the Wiz have struggled is on the glass. Washington ranks next-to-last in both rebounding rate and opponent rebounds per game since the All-Star break.
Scottie Barnes is one of the few Raptors starters still getting regular playing time. He is averaging 7.8 rebounds per game this season and that is up to 8.4 over his last nine games. His rebounding prop for this one is at 6.5 but give me Barnes to get 8+ boards for a nice payout.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Bet on Raptors basketball at PointsBet Canada
Looking to bet on some Raptors action?
Sign up now at PointsBet, one of Canada's favourite books for new bettors!
19+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Raptors vs Wizards odds
Raptors vs Wizards live odds
Raptors vs Wizards opening odds
- Spread: Toronto +1 | Washington -1
- Moneyline: Toronto +100 | Washington -120
- Over/Under: Over 227.5 | Under 227.5
Odds courtesy of PointsBet Canada
Raptors vs Wizards spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Raptors opened this Eastern Conference matchup as 1-point road underdogs and early bettors have sided with the Wizards with the line moving to 1.5 or 2 depending on the book.
- While these teams backed a pair of games in Toronto on March 8 and 10 it's hard to take much from those with all the guys in and out of the lineup for both teams. Case in point, the Raptors covered as seven-point favorites on the 10th and the Wizards won outright as 4-point dogs on the 8th.
- The total for this matchup hit the board at 227.5 and that's where it sits as of Monday afternoon.
- The Raptors have been a solid Under bet recently going 2-4-1 O/U in their last seven games thanks to a solid defense and an offense that has been inconsistent. I would lean that way again as the Wizards offense has been downright bad lately.
Raptors vs Wizards trend
The Raptors have hit the Moneyline in 16 of their last 32 games for +12.60 Units and a 33% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Wizards.
How to watch Raptors vs Wizards
| Location | Capital One Arena, Washington, DC |
| Date | Monday, 3-24-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Sportsnet |
Raptors vs Wizards latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
