Wizards Only Covered Spread in 15 Games on the Road Last Season; +8 in Oklahoma City Tonight
- The Washington Wizards go to Oklahoma City as 8-point underdogs to the Thunder
- Washington covered the spread on the road an NBA-low 15 times last season
- The Wizards opened the season by beating the +9 spread in a 108-100 loss at Dallas
Straight up or against the spread, the Washington Wizards were one road-weary team during the 2018-19 NBA season.
Last season, Washington was 10-31 (24.4 percent) away from home, the fifth-lowest record in the NBA. But the Wizards were an NBA-worst 15-26 (36.6 percent) against the spread on the road. Washington was 11-18 (37.9 percent) as a road underdog, tied with the Indiana Pacers for the worst mark in that department.
The Wizards face Oklahoma City on Friday as 8-point underdogs in the Wizards vs Thunder odds.
Washington Wizards vs Oklahoma City Thunder Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Wizards | +275 | +8 (-110) | Over 219.5 (-110) |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | -350 | -8 (-110) | Under 219.5 (-110) |
Odds taken Oct. 25.
Washington won outright 116-98 at Oklahoma City last season as 10-point underdogs.
Spreading Good Cheer on the Road
As dismal as Washington’s overall road numbers look from last season, could there be cause for optimism?
The Wizards didn’t win their season opener at Dallas but battled to the final buzzer and did just enough to record a betting win. The 108-100 setback against the Mavericks went into the loss column. But by holding Dallas to an eight-point margin, Washington put a W in the spread win column as nine-point underdogs.
Don't get distracted by the loss. Instead, appreciate the fight from the underdog Wizards.#Washington #Wizards pic.twitter.com/KmfGERLdsS
— Wizards Nation (@WizardsNationCP) October 24, 2019
It’s a trend that is continuing from last season. The Wizards are now 4-1 against the spread in their last five road games.
In fact, since last January, Washington is 11-10 ATS away from home. The Wizards are also 4-1 ATS in their last five games against Western Conference opposition.
Positive Trends For Wizards
There does seem to be some positive signs developing for the Wizards, who were 11th overall in the Eastern Conference last season at 32-50.
All-star guard Bradley Beal, who scored 19 points and dished nine assists in the season opener, agreed to terms on a two-year, $72-million contract extension.
Bradley Beal on his extension with the Wizards: “I love DC. This is where I always wanted to be and this is where I wanna be for the rest of my career.” pic.twitter.com/Xb7mUjguH9
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) October 17, 2019
Rookie Rui Hachimura, Washington’s 2019 first-round draft choice, went for a double-double in his NBA debut. Hachimura finished the game scoring 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Mo Wagner scored 13 points in 17 minutes in his Washington debut as well.
Bradley Beal was tossed for waving, and then he shook hands with players on his way out 😂 pic.twitter.com/yTY7y1XfMt
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 24, 2019
Not that there aren’t still some serious concerns. Beal went 1-for-11 from 3-point range in the opener, and was ejected from the game with 1:09 left in the fourth quarter after waving off the officials following a bumping episode with Luka Doncic of the Mavericks.
https://twitter.com/BenMehicNBA/status/1187524495659192325?s=20
Beal’s backcourt partner point guard John Wall is out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon. The NBA denied Washington’s request for a disabled player salary cap exception. Guard/forward Jordan McRae was lost in the opener after breaking the tip of his right ring finger.
Point guard Isaiah Thomas is questionable for Friday’s game with a thumb injury.
Bring Down the Thunder?
Perhaps inspired by Washington’s gritty performance in the opener, there’s already been slight movement in the line toward the Wizards. Oklahoma City opened as the 8.5-point chalk.
Is that the trend to follow, or should you stay with the favored Thunder?
Coach Brooks on takeaways from opening night, returning to OKC, and more from after practice today.#RepTheDistrict | @MedStarHealth pic.twitter.com/Gg4r7Oi80y
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) October 24, 2019
Despite the win there last season, Washington’s recent history at Oklahoma City is not pleasant. The Wizards are 1-9 SU in their last 10 away to the Thunder. They’re 6-14 SU in their last 20 against Oklahoma City and 3-6 ATS in their last nine games facing them.
This looks to be a different Washington team, though. The Wizards displayed a fighting spirit in the opener. After digging themselves into a 23-point deficit, they battled back to within seven.
Oklahoma City is just 3-7 ATS in its last 10 as a home favorite.
Pick: Washington Wizards +8 (-110).
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
