Washington Wizards vs. Golden State Warriors, Prediction, & Pick
Wizards vs. Warriors Odds
| Wizards Odds | +12 |
| Warriors Odds | -12 |
| Over/Under | 247 |
| Date | Fri, Dec. 22 |
| Time | 10:00 p.m. |
| TV | ESPN |
Tonight, the Washington Wizards and Golden State Warriors will meet at the Chase Center for a cross-conference affair to start the weekend. Tip off is set for 10:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Ahead of tip off this evening, the Wizards are favored by 12 points on the spread. The total is set at over/under 247 points.
Below, we break down the matchup for both teams and offer a free pick for the betting community!
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Washington Wizards
What to expect from the Wizards on second leg of a back-to-back set
Following a thrilling 1-point victory over the Trail Blazers on Thursday, the Wizards are back in action on the west coast tonight against the Warriors. According to Cleaning the Glass, this is an area where Washington has struggled straight up this year, going winless in 2 opportunities on zero days rest playing on the road.
Despite not winning in either situation, the Wizards were competitive in both of those contests, losing by only 4 points against the Raptors on November 13 and losing by only 12 points to the Kings earlier this week. In both of those games, Washington managed to hold a lead after the 1st quarter but struggled in the second half.
Washington struggling across the board
Across the last month, the Wizards have struggled in nearly every aspect of the game, ranking 23rd in offensive efficiency, 29th in defensive efficiency, 29th in rebound percentage, 25th in opponent free throw attempts per game, and 30th in opponent assists per game. As a result, Washington has struggled against even the most mediocre of opponents this year. In six road games against teams that rank middle-10 in point differential, Washington is 0-6 and has been outscored by 10.4 points per 100 possessions.
Golden State Warriors
Warriors finding success without Draymond Green
Since Draymond Green last played on December 12, the Warriors are 3-1 overall, with their one loss coming against the red-hot Clippers on the road. Even in that loss, Golden State led by as many as 8 points and had numerous opportunities to earn a victory down the stretch.
Though Green has been an integral component of Golden State’s dynasty during the last decade, there are indicators that the team has been better with him off of the floor this season. According to Cleaning the Glass, the Warriors’ most productive offensive and defensive lineups this year both exclude Green.
Who has stepped up in place of Green?
Klay Thompson has seen the largest increase in usage this season when Green has been off of the floor. In such situations, Thompson is averaging 22.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per 36 minutes, per RotoGrinders CourtIQ. Dario Saric has also seen a modest bump in his numbers, averaging an additional 1.4 points per 36 minutes with Green on the sidelines.
Washington Wizards vs. Golden State Warriors Prediction
Wizards Moneyline, 1st Quarter (+225), BetMGM
Wizards +4, 1st Quarter (+115), Caesars
The Wizards have quietly been a respectable 1st quarter team during the last month of action, ranking 15th in Net Rating across their last 13 games. Since Draymond Green last played on December 12, the Warriors are 2-2 straight up in the 1st quarter of games and only covered 4 points once in that span. Playing on zero days of rest on the road this season, Washington is 2-0 straight up in the 1st quarter, having outscored the Raptors by 7 points and the Kings by 4 points. This is a sneaky spot to back the road underdogs in a spot that they have enjoyed some success.
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