Nets vs Wizards Odds, Spread and Picks

Brooklyn Nets Betting Analysis

KD’s injury is very similar to the one he suffered back in 2017 as a member of Golden State. It cost him five weeks of action, but he returned in fine form to help lead the Warriors to the title. His NBA MVP odds had already fizzled, fading to fifth-best, and this will likely end those chances.

He should be back in plenty of time before this season’s playoffs, but the Nets are going to need to lean heavily on James Harden, and Kyrie Irving (at least on the road) in his absence.

There’s optimism within Nets that will be a four-to-six week rehab and return for Kevin Durant, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/xKYtu0l4VL

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 16, 2022

Whether it’s injury, rest, or COVID related absences, Brooklyn’s Big 3 have barely spent anytime playing together since joining forces. They’ve played together just twice this season, and only 10 times out of 101 possible regular season games.

Irving was in the lineup for the Nets’ first game without KD on Monday, but it didn’t seem to matter. Brooklyn fell 114-107 to the Cavs, allowing Cleveland to shoot 51.9% from the field, and getting absolutely worked in the paint.

Kyrie Irving to heckling fans: “Got y’all a championship, and you motherf*ckers still ungrateful.”

(via TT/_willswish, h/t @ComplexSports)

pic.twitter.com/RRkDNvZx5F

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 18, 2022

The Cavs outscored the Nets 54-34 down low, and Brooklyn is in danger of getting exposed again in the paint on Wednesday – more on that later.

The Nets were already thin thanks to injuries before Durant went down, and are lacking serious depth at the moment. Starting swingman Joe Harris remains out with an ankle injury, while forward Paul Millsap (personal) and starting center Nic Claxton (hamstring) will miss Wednesday’s action as well.

DeAndre Bembry, who’s seen heavy minutes in Harris’ absence, sat out Monday and is officially listed as questionable with back spasms.

Washington Wizards Betting Analysis

The Wizards, meanwhile, enter play winners or three of their past four. Last time out, they worked Philly 117-98, thanks to a balanced attack. Montrezl Harrel led the way with 18 points, while Kyle Kuzma chipped in 15 points, including this massive dunk over Joel Embiid.

KUUUUUZ 💪@kylekuzma went up and got this one 👀#NBAAllStar | @MichelobULTRA pic.twitter.com/A9TOFE4I6d

— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) January 17, 2022

Seven Washington players reached double-figures, including Bradley Beal who had 13. Beal had missed the previous three games due to health and safety protocols, but still leads the team in points (23.7) and assists (6.4) per game.

The victory improved the Wizards to 23-21 overall, good enough for eighth spot in the East. They shot 48.3% from the field, and outscored the Sixers 50-44 in the paint.

Dominating down low is nothing new to Washington, as only two teams (Memphis, San Antonio) score more points in the paint than the Wizards.

Nets vs Wizards Pick

Brooklyn took down Washington 104-90 in their only meeting this season, thanks to 25 points from Durant. The Nets were 25-12 without KD last season, but are 3-4 in games he’s missed so far this year.

His absence, along with the injuries to some of Brooklyn’s other key contributors puts the Nets in a tough spot on Wednesday against a fully healthy Wizards team.

Nets status report for tomorrow against the Wizards

Bembry (back spasms) – QUESTIONABLE

Claxton (left hamstring tightness) – OUT

Durant (left knee, MCL sprain) – OUT

Harris (left ankle surgery) – OUT

Millsap (personal reasons) – OUT

— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) January 18, 2022

Brooklyn is just 2-9 against the spread over its past 11 contests, while Washington has been dynamite against the number at home. They’re 12-9 against the spread overall at Capital One Arena, including 6-2 as a home ‘dog.

The juice is already leaning towards the Wizards, and it shouldn’t surprise anyone if this game closes at a pick’em, or possibly even with Washington favored. Grab the value while you can.

Pick: Washington Wizards +1 (-112)