The Toronto Raptors lost (won?) the first half of their mini two-game home set against the Washington Wizards.
Both teams actively trying to out-tank one another is, if nothing else, entertaining to watch. But what is a Raps fan and bettor to do? Find a player prop for someone who will actually be on the court of course!
Check out my Wizards vs. Raptors predictions to find out my NBA picks for this tank-off set to tip off at 7:30 pm ET at Scotiabank Arena on March 10.
Raptors vs Wizards prediction
My Raptors pick
Jamal Shead 10+ points (+105 at PointsBet Canada)
My analysis
While the Toronto Raptors were a split second away from securing another win as Jamal Shead’s last-second layup was called no good after replay, it’s clear the team is doing its best not to win basketball games.
This was the second time in three games the Raptors had an interesting cast of characters on the court to finish a close game. Along with Shead was AJ Lawson, Jared Rhoden, Orlando Robinson and Colin Castleton — despite the fact guys like Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett were available.
And now, Poeltl, Gradey Dick, Ja'Kobe Walter, and Ochai Agbaji are already listed as out, while Immanuel Quickley listed as day-to-day but could suit up. Regardless of who plays, head coach Darko Rajakovic has proven he’ll throw out some wonky lineups no matter the situation.
That means not trusting the Raps as 6.5-point favorites or backing starter player props.
We’re lucky because the Washington Wizards are doing their best to out-tank Toronto tonight. Khris Middleton, Marcus Smart, Malcolm Brogdon and Colby Jones are all out for Washington. A Wizards team that already ranks 28th in defensive rating and gave up 117 points in the win over the Raptors on Saturday night.
So, I’m turning my attention back to Shead. The rookie out of Houston is averaging just 6.2 points per game this season but expect him to make his third start of the year tonight. Over his last four games, that average is up to 9.2.
His point total against this putrid Washington defense is sitting at 8.5. Shead has hit double-digit points twice in the last four games and in his previous games where he has started. No matter the situation tonight, he should be one of the guys on the floor.
I’m backing Shead to hit double digits again in a great matchup against the Wizards with a nice plus-money payout.
Raptors vs Wizards same-game parlay
Let’s add a pair of assist props to this same-game parlay, one for a guy who should see plenty of action tonight, and the other a Raptors starter.
Starting with the guy who could see extended action tonight, Orlando Robinson. Robinson has played at least 21 minutes in the last four games and is averaging 1.8 assists per game over his last 18. He's dished out at least two dimes in eight of those 13 games.
The starter is Immanuel Quickley. IQ was starting to find his groove before the Raptors started truly committing to the tank. But if he does see extended action tonight he should get 6+ assists.
The Raptors guard is averaging 5.5 assists per game this season and faces a Wizards defense that gives up a ton of assisted buckets. Washington ranks 25th in opponent assists per possession this season.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Raptors vs Wizards odds
Raptors vs Wizards live odds
Raptors vs Wizards opening odds
- Spread: Toronto -6 | Washington +6
- Moneyline: Toronto -245 | Washington +200
- Over/Under: Over 230.5 | Under 230.5
Odds courtesy of PointsBet Canada
Raptors vs Wizards spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Raptors opened this Eastern Conference matchup as 6-point home favorites and have been since bet up to -7.
- The current number would be three points higher than the closing number from Saturday. This is because the Wizards are holding out several key contributors. But with the way the Raptors are trying to give away games, I still don't feel confident laying a number like this with them.
- The total hit the board at 230.5, roughly where it remains as of Monday afternoon.
- These teams cleared this number when they last met on Saturday, but with the Wizards filling up their injury report and the unpredictability of how the Raptors will work their rotations, I may lean Under here.
Raptors vs Wizards trend
The Raptors have covered the spread in 41 of their last 70 games for +11.30 Units and a 15% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Wizards.
How to watch Raptors vs Wizards
Location | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
Date | Monday, 3-10-2025 |
Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
TV | SN |
Raptors vs Wizards latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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