Poole Returns to Golden State, Hoping for Win
Look at Wizards vs Warriors Matchup Odds for Tonight's ESPN Game
The Washington Wizards will look to begin a winning streak before 2024 approaches. Washington earned a road win over Portland last night, 118-117. Now they’ll play the second of a back-to-back against the Golden State Warriors.
While Washington looks to begin a winning streak with a 5-22 record, the Warriors are just a game away from being back to .500. Golden State has earned three straight victories, including a thriller against the Celtics in overtime, 132-126.
Golden State won’t have Draymond Green due to an indefinite suspension. Meanwhile, Gary Payton II is also out with Brandin Podziemski, who is listed as questionable.
Despite those three statuses, the Warriors are still 12-point favorites at home. The total is currently sitting at 247, with oddsmakers expecting a high-scoring game.
Let’s break down the Wizards vs Warriors matchup odds for tonight’s game on ESPN.
Wizards vs Warriors 
Day/Time:
Location: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Streaming: ESPN
Wizards vs Warriors Matchup Odds & Trends
While the Wizards are just 5-22 on the NBA season, Washington has still gone 14-13 against the spread this season. Oddsmakers have shown no faith in the Wizards, but they’ve come through against the spread more often.
Meanwhile, the total has hit the Over in 16 of 27 games for the Wizards and the Warriors this year.
Washington has played 17 road games compared to only 10 home games. On the road, Washington has gone 3-14.
On the other hand, the Warriors are 12-15 against the spread but have a winning record of 7-6 at home.
This is the first time the Warriors and Wizards will play this season. Golden State defeated the Wizards in two straight games as favorites in last year’s season.
Are Wizards Coming off Best Game of Season?
The Washington Wizards never trailed against the Portland Trail Blazers last night.
Washington had a lead as high as 18 points but allowed the Portland Trail Blazers to claw themselves back in the game, only for Washington to close out the game with a one-point win.
Kyle Kuzma scored 32 points on 50% from the field. Meanwhile, Tyus Jones shot 9-for-15 from the field and added 24 points.
Even Deni Avdija added some solid minutes with a double-double that included 13 points and 11 rebounds.
Washington still lacks depth on the bench and is typically not consistent. But last night proved that the Blazers are capable of earning wins in the NBA if they stay the course.
Jordan Poole’s Return to Golden State
Jordan Poole showed so much promise in his first four seasons with the Golden State Warriors. He earned 30 minutes a game in his final two seasons and attempted more than 14 shots per game in over 150 NBA games played over that span.
Poole even managed to score over 20 points per game before heading to Washington for a fresh new start.
When the Golden State players and staff members were asked about Poole’s departure, they acknowledged that they didn’t like how it all went down.
Poole told the media he learned much and was happy to win a championship. There are still many players on the team that he’s close with, including Kevon Looney and Andrew Wiggins.
But ultimately, the tables turned when Draymond Green punched Jordan Poole in the face in practice. The Warriors thought they handled it the best they could, but the damage was already done. Poole didn’t give the Warriors much effort or view Green as a leader.
That ultimately led to Poole’s departure from Golden State. He would’ve been a key NBA player for the Warriors this season.
Don’t Trust Washington on Second Night Of Back-To-Back
Not only are the Wizards on a back-to-back, but they’re also finishing up a West Coast trip. Washington has won just five games this season and has been on the road since December 17, when the Wizards lost to the Phoenix Suns.
The offense has been below average, scoring just 113.3 points per 100 possessions. That’s not because of shooting. The Wizards have shot a 55.7% effective field goal percentage, which ranks ninth in the NBA.
It’s more because of Washington’s lack of second chances on the offensive glass. The Wizards have hauled in a league-worst 20.5% of offensive rebounds this season.
While the Warriors foul at a high rate, they’ve been good at limiting quality shots and offensive rebounds.
On the other hand, the Wizards have allowed the 29th most points per 100 possessions and a 57.5% effective field goal percentage, which ranks 28th in the NBA.
While the Warriors grab 31.4% of offensive rebounds, the Wizards allow 32.2% of offensive rebounds. Washington’s the worst defense rebounding team in the NBA.
The Warriors should get high-quality looks and more second chances. The higher probability of putting the ball in the basket comes with more shots.
Golden State should be just fine against the Wizards.
After his last game against the Celtics, Steph Curry’s NBA MVP odds increased. In a massive win, he scored 33 points in 38 minutes against the Celtics.
Golden State’s NBA teams stats 2023 aren’t popping off the screen like other seasons. But there’s still enough time for the Warriors to turn around their season. Against the Wizards at home, this is a must-win for Golden State.
After looking through the Wizards vs Warriors matchup odds, our NBA picks today include the Warriors at -12 (-110).
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