There’s no other way to describe it… Australia Day was a disaster for The Big Dog… but today is a new day. Two games catch the eye on Wednesday, as we look to get quickly back on track. Today’s selections are focusing on the Eastern Conference.
Washington Wizards @ Toronto Raptors
With the San Antonio Spurs suffering defeat at the hands of the Golden State Warriors, the Raptors’ eight-game winning streak is the longest active run in the league. They are 4-0 on their current homestand, that concludes with games against the Wizards, Knicks and Pistons, so staying undefeated in this part of the schedule is a reasonable expectation. Toronto’s excellent recent form has seen them move to second in the Eastern Conference and they have been placed at number four in the ESPN Power Rankings, coming in as the highest ranked team in the East. A win over the Wizards, who they have already beaten during their current streak, would match the longest winning run in franchise history. As luck would have it, Washington will likely be without their best long-range shooter, as Bradley Beal recovers from a broken nose and suspected concussion. Injuries have plagued the Wizards all season and it’s easy to explain much of their inconsistency on that basis. However, they have performed admirably on the road (10-8) and come into this game on the back of three straight away wins. Unfortunately for John Wall and company, that might be as good as it gets. The Raptors had little trouble getting by the Wizards, 97-88 in Washington, on January 8th. The visitors recovered from a slow start to win the second and third quarters by a total of 20 points, before cruising to victory in the fourth. A quick look at the defensive numbers shows the reason a similar result can be expected today. The Raptors allow just 96.8 points per game, the 4th-best in the NBA, while Washington’s 104.1 points allowed is good enough for 24th. At home, in form and against a side that struggles to get stops – Toronto should be far too good.
Selection
Toronto Raptors -7.5 @ $1.95 (William Hill)
Orlando Magic @ Milwaukee Bucks
From going with the team with the best current streak, to against the team tied for the worst, the slumping Orlando Magic look to halt a six-game skid when they visit the Bucks at Bradley Center. Milwaukee return home after splitting a four-game road trip 2-2, which is a good result for a team that has managed only seven wins on the road, all season. By comparison, they have been solid at home (12-7) and generally performed better within their own conference (13-15). Orlando have not performed so well against their fellow teams in the East (10-17), despite remaining 2.5 games ahead of the Bucks, in the overall standings. Orlando come into this game with just one win from their last eleven games. That run includes three losses in overtime, including their last two contests, against the Hornets and Grizzlies. The Magic gave up a lead at three-quarter time in both games. The Bucks are shooting for their fourth win in a row at home and should have too much energy and confidence for the visitors, who could be found wanting down the stretch for a third straight game.
Selection
Milwaukee Bucks -5.5 @ $1.95 (William Hill)
