The Washington Wizards host the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night.
The pregame narrative: The Raptors head to the U.S. capital in solid defensive form. Therefore, I am backing the Wizards to go under their team total. I’m also betting on Scottie Barnes to stuff the stat sheet.
Check out my Raptors vs. Wizards predictions for Jan. 29.
Raptors vs. Wizards predictions
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Best bet: Wizards under 111.5 total points (-108)
As wild as it may seem, the Raptors are currently one of the best defensive teams in the league. Here are their stats since Jan. 13:
- 6-1 record
- 2nd in defensive rating (105.4)
- 3rd in opponent FG% (43.4)
It’s an insane turnaround for a team that once was at the centre of the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes.
Barnes and Davion Mitchell are playing elite defence, and opposing guards are struggling to find success with their perimeter shooting.
The Raps should have no trouble defending a dreadful Wizards team, which possesses the league’s lowest offensive rating (104.8).
Washington is on a 14-game losing streak and stands as the worst team in the league — and it’s not even close. Meanwhile, the Raptors are on the rise, at least defensively.
Key stat: The Wizards have gone under 111.5 points in five straight games.
Quick pick
Barnes over 15.5 rebounds/assists (-130): Barnes has been putting up impressive numbers in recent games.
Since Jan. 13, the Raptors star is averaging 8.4 rebounds and 7.3 assists. He’s cashed this prop in four of his last five matchups.
Barnes gets a tasty matchup with the Wizards, who allow 17.5 RA on average to power forwards, per Fantasy Pros.
Furthermore, with rookie centre Alex Sarr ruled out for Wednesday, the Wizards will have further issues defending the paint.
Barnes was recently named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week for his impressive stretch of play.
Picks made at 11:23 a.m. ET on 01/29/2025.
