Toronto-Raptors vs Washington-Wizards March 8th 2025

At 7:30 ET, the 13th-ranked Raptors (-187) will host the 15th-ranked Wizards (+157) in an Eastern Conference matchup. Toronto (-4.5) is currently on a three-game win streak and will be looking to improve on their 21-42 record. The over/under line is set at 222.5.

This game will be played at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto and can be seen on MNMT.

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Wizards vs. Raptors Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Washington Wizards at Toronto Raptors
• Where: Toronto at Scotiabank Arena
• Date: Saturday, March 8th
• Betting Odds TOR -4.5, WAS +157 | TOR -187 O/U 222.5

The Wizards Can Win If…

Washington improved to 12-49 on the season with a 125-122 win over the Jazz on Wednesday. The Wizards, who were favored by 5.5 points, didn’t cover the spread, but they got the win at home. The total score of 247 points went over the 230.5-point line by 16.5 points.

The Wizards took control in the 2nd quarter, outscoring the Jazz 30-23. They entered the 4th quarter with a 96-91 lead, but Utah made things interesting by winning the final quarter 31-29.

In their win over the Jazz, the Wizards put up 125 points, shooting 44.2% from the field. They connected on 17 threes at a 36.2% rate, with Justin Champagnie hitting 4 threes at 57.1% efficiency.

Kyshawn George led the Wizards with 23 points, including 10 in the 2nd quarter and 8 in the 3rd. Alexandre Sarr added 21 points, with 9 coming in the opening period.

Despite giving up 122 points, the Wizards managed to secure a win over the Jazz. Their best defensive effort came in the 2nd quarter, where they allowed just 23 points. However, they struggled in the 3rd, giving up 36 points. Overall, Washington allowed Utah to shoot 46% from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Wizards held the Jazz to 14 made threes on 35% shooting. Washington sent Utah to the line 20 times, where they made 14 free throws. The Wizards collected 35 defensive rebounds but allowed 17 offensive boards. They also recorded 9 steals and 12 blocks.

• The Wizards are 3-2 ATS in their last road games and 3-2 straight-up.
• The last ten games that Washington was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 6-4 while going 2-8 straight up.
• Over their last five games, the Wizards have an over/under record of 2-3 and are 2-3 vs. the spread.

The Raptors Can Win If…

The Raptors improved to 21-42 on the season with a 118-109 win over the Jazz on Friday. Toronto, who were favored by 5.5 points, covered the spread with the victory. The total points for the game ended at 227, just under the 228.5-point line.

Toronto took control in the 2nd quarter, outscoring Utah 29-19. They extended their lead to 92-78 after a 35-32 3rd quarter and held on despite being outscored 31-26 in the 4th.

Immanuel Quickley led the Raptors to a win over the Jazz, scoring 34 points with 6 threes at 46.2% shooting from deep. He finished with a 50% field goal percentage overall. Scottie Barnes contributed 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Ja’Kobe Walter added 14 points.

Toronto made 14 threes as a team, shooting 30.4% from beyond the arc and 38.5% overall. Quickley scored 11 points in the 3rd quarter, while Walter added 9 of his 14 in the opening period.

The Raptors put together a strong defensive effort in the 2nd quarter, allowing just 19 points, which helped them secure a win despite giving up 32 points in the 3rd and 31 in the 4th. Overall, they held the Jazz to 109 points on 46% shooting.

Toronto excelled in defending the perimeter, limiting Utah to just 8 made threes on 25% shooting. They also collected 13 steals and blocked 5 shots in the game.

• When looking at their past five home matchups, Toronto has an ATS record of 3-2 while averaging 106 per game. The team went 3-2 overall in these games.
• Going back to their previous ten games as the favorite, Toronto has an ATS mark of 5-5 while going 6-4 straight up.
• In their last five games, the Raptors have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 3-2 vs. the spread.

The Lean

Entering the game as underdogs with a spread of +4.5, the Wizards is our point spread pick. Our projections not only see them covering the spread but also indicate a solid chance of an outright victory. This is a good choice for those looking for a higher moneyline payout.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 222.5 and our model has the Wizards and Raptors finishing with a combined 214 points. Our pick is to take the under.

NBA Picks & Predictions 

Raptors vs. Wizards: Rested Washington Looks to Capitalize Against Toronto in Two-Game Series

Toronto, ON – The Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards are set to battle in a two-game series at Scotiabank Arena, starting Saturday night. Both teams are coming off wins over the Utah Jazz, but the key difference heading into this matchup is rest.

The Wizards, who last played on Wednesday, will enter the game fresh, while the Raptors face a quick turnaround after defeating Utah 118-109 on Friday. With both teams outside the playoff race in the Eastern Conference, this series offers a valuable opportunity to develop young talent and build momentum.

Raptors Face Quick Turnaround After Third Straight Win

The Raptors (13th in the East) have been gaining momentum, securing their third consecutive victory on Friday night. Toronto rested RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl, which allowed Immanuel Quickley to shine with a season-high 34 points.

However, head coach Darko Rajakovic has confirmed that Quickley will be rested on Saturday, a significant loss for the Raptors’ offensive firepower.

Scottie Barnes Leading the Charge

With Quickley out, Scottie Barnes will be the focal point of Toronto’s offense. Barnes put up an impressive stat line against Utah:

• 22 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks
• Displayed strong chemistry with Quickley, which Rajakovic praised postgame

Rajakovic has been experimenting with different closing lineups, emphasizing player development over fixed rotations. With Barnes likely shouldering more of the offensive load, Toronto will need contributions from its role players.

Wizards Enter Well-Rested and Ready to Compete

The Wizards (last in the East) secured a 125-122 win over Utah on Wednesday and will look to take advantage of Toronto’s fatigue.

Rookie Alex Sarr’s Breakout Performance

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Alex Sarr, had one of his best performances, finishing with:

• 21 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal
• Efficient 8-for-12 shooting, including 2-for-4 from three

Sarr’s ability to roll, pop, and facilitate has impressed head coach Brian Keefe, who wants the young big man to stay aggressive and establish himself in the paint.

“Be aggressive, establish yourself early in the paint,” Keefe emphasized. “That collapses the defense. He’s such a good passer, and that will open up opportunities for his teammates.”

Kyshawn George Provides Scoring Punch

With injuries piling up, Kyshawn George stepped up with 23 points in the win over Utah. His offensive versatility could be key against a Raptors team missing key defenders.

Injury Report: Who’s In and Who’s Out?

Both teams are dealing with injuries, which could impact the game’s outcome.

Toronto Raptors

• Immanuel Quickley (rest) – OUT
• RJ Barrett (rest on Friday) – Questionable
• Jakob Poeltl (rest on Friday) – Questionable
• Ja’Kobe Walter (quadriceps strain) – Day-to-day
• Ochai Agbaji (ankle), Gradey Dick (knee), Jonathan Mogbo (nose), Chris Boucher (tooth extraction) – OUT

Washington Wizards

• Jordan Poole (elbow) – Practiced Friday, status uncertain
• Richaun Holmes (undisclosed) – Day-to-day
• Malcolm Brogdon (ankle) – OUT

If Poole is cleared to return, he could provide a much-needed offensive boost for Washington.

Key Matchups to Watch

Scottie Barnes vs. Alex Sarr

Barnes is Toronto’s most versatile player and will likely test Sarr’s defensive abilities. Sarr’s rim protection could challenge Barnes’ ability to finish inside.

Bench Depth: Wizards’ Rest vs. Raptors’ Fatigue

With Quickley out and potential limited minutes for Barrett and Poeltl, Toronto’s second unit must step up. The fresher Wizards could exploit this, particularly in transition.

Game Implications & Prediction

With both teams looking to develop their young talent, this matchup provides a platform for rising stars like Barnes and Sarr to shine.

X-Factors:

• Toronto’s ability to generate offense without Quickley
• Sarr’s ability to dominate inside against a potentially depleted Raptors frontcourt
• Fatigue factor for the Raptors on the second night of a back-to-back

Prediction: Wizards 112, Raptors 106

Washington’s rest advantage and Sarr’s emergence could tilt the scales, especially if Poole returns. However, if Barnes can take over offensively, the Raptors will have a fighting chance.

The two teams will meet again on Monday, where adjustments from this game could play a crucial role.

Past Meeting: Raptors Dominated in January

The Raptors previously defeated the Wizards 106-82 on Jan. 29, showcasing their defensive capabilities. However, with roster changes and injuries, Saturday’s game could be a much closer contest.

Final Thoughts

This matchup is less about playoff positioning and more about player development and team chemistry. With both teams prioritizing growth, expect a competitive game featuring high-energy young players eager to make their mark.

Who will take the first game of the two-game series? Tune in Saturday night to find out.