The Toronto Raptors will face the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, December 27th, 2023 (7:10 PM ET). The Wizards will host the game but their fortunes from home have not been kind this season. Washington enters the game at 2-9 from home this season. As a counterpoint, many may be quick to point out that Toronto is just 3-9 as a visiting team this season. The Wizards are the underdogs by the betting odds at +6.5 in the game (bet365). My Raptors vs Wizards prediction focuses on O.G. Anunoby for a player prop and Washington’s health status.
NBA Game Preview at a Glance
Away: Toronto Raptors
Home: Washington Wizards
Game time: Wednesday, December 27th, 2023 @ 7:10 PM ET
Raptors vs Wizards odds (home team’s spread): +6.5 (bet365)
Toronto vs Washington Prediction: Latest NBA News
Toronto enters this game with a big edge in terms of rest. They have not played since Saturday, meaning they enter the game with three full days of rest. Furthermore, they were at home on Saturday, so this is a team that should put forth a strong version of themselves on Wednesday.
Toronto Raptors injuries: recent news
On that matter, Toronto does not carry a single injury into this game. Their depth chart with ESPN is entirely clear as of very late on Tuesday. While Toronto does not have the best team this season, their players are more than capable of handling the task at hand. Scottie Barnes, O.G. Anunoby, and Pascal Siakam loom large in this game against a weak Washington team.
Double-check for playing status updates with Toronto (01:08 ET time of writing):: Team’s Depth Chart
The Wizards played on Tuesday night, a game that they lost to the Orlando Magic. The team used a fairly deep cast, giving lots of minutes to five bench players. But Kyle Kuzma, Tyus Jones, Daniel Gafford, and Jordan Poole all played between 32 and 36 minutes in the loss. Washington isn’t a deep team so these back-to-back situations are not ones that anyone would expect them to thrive in.
Washington Wizards injuries: recent news
Injury news for the Wizards is pending. As of late on Tuesday, they had a clear depth chart. That does redeem their chances against Toronto a little. It has been a long time since Washington was anything close to full health.
Delon Wright played on Tuesday and he brings some height back to the team in the guard position. But he wasn’t a major contributor on Tuesday, chipping in just 13 minutes. Bettors will have to double-check Washington on Wednesday before backing them. There’s a chance that any of the players that played on Tuesday will report something to the team in the morning or early afternoon.
Double-check status updates Washington (01:08 ET time of writing):: Team’s Depth Chart
Raptors vs Wizards Prediction: Betting Tips
Even if Washington is in full health, a question of aptitude remains. Washington’s short guards are going to have a terrible time with 6’7″ O.G. Anunoby. He isn’t a bad jump shooter and without a hand in his face, you would be expecting an above-average game for him on Wednesday. My first recommendation is to take the OVER for his points, which are at 14.5 and odds of -110 (bet365).
The Raptors on the moneyline at -260 is a tricky bet. This is just a 3-9 road team. While Washington’s home record is worse than that, Washington has rarely looked as healthy as they look for Wednesday’s game. The Wizards could be viewed as an ambiguous team right now. When you balance that against how well-rested Toronto is, the odds look about right — with no clear advantage.
I think bettors can hope for a little more life out of Washington than we’ve seen a lot of the time this season. I don’t mind a dabble on the Wizards keeping this game close. Take a shot at an overtime game (ie. tied at the end of regulation) at +1600 (bet365) as long as Washington doesn’t go down a starter with game-day updates.
Additional reading: Look ahead to NFL Week 17!
