The Washington Wizards (2-0) visit the Brooklyn Nets (1-2) Monday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at Barclays Center. Below, we look at the Wizards vs. Nets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Nets came into the season as the favorites to win the NBA Finals but have disappointed so far. Brooklyn is led by SF Kevin Durant and SG James Harden and remains without PG Kyrie Irving.
The Nets have received big-time contributions from PF LaMarcus Aldridge and PG Patty Mills, a couple of veterans they bring off the bench. They’ve lost to the Milwaukee Bucks and Charlotte Hornets, both by more than 15 points and defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 114-109.
The Wizards are led by SG Bradley Beal who finished the 2020-2021 season second league-wide in points per game with 31.3.
The Wiz are undefeated, taking down the Indiana Pacers 135-134 in overtime and then also holding the Toronto Raptors to just 83 points in a season-opening road victory. This will be their biggest challenge yet.
Wizards at Nets odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:27 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Wizards +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Nets -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Wizards +6.5 (-105) | Nets -6.5 (-120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 231.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
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Wizards at Nets key injuries
Wizards
- SG Bradley Beal (right hip) questionable
- PF Rui Hachimura (personal) out
- C Thomas Bryant (left knee) out
Nets
- Nothing affecting betting odds
Wizards at Nets odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Nets 118, Wizards 108
Money line
PASS on the money line. While the +230 for the Wizards to pull off an upset is intriguing, a hobbled Beal and no Hachimura would have me looking elsewhere.
Even if the Wizards were at full strength this would likely be a pass as the Nets are just overloaded with talent.
Against the spread
“LEAN” to the NETS -6.5 (-120) with it receiving some juice from the sportsbooks.
Again, with the league’s second-leading scorer from a season ago potentially nursing an injury, I’m not liking backing the road team. Also, Durant and Harden haven’t played up to par.
The Nets would be 0-3 if not for a fourth quarter comeback against the Sixers However, at 1-2, they still have two losses of 16 or more points. It’s been an ugly start, and with PF Blake Griffin expected back, the Nets should be looking for a statement win at home.
I believe they get it. Especially with Hachimura out, I expect a big game from Durant as he should be seeing a subpar defender as well.
Over/Under
BET on the UNDER 231.5 (-108) as the best value in this game. Sportsbooks and fans continue to bank on the Nets offense being one of the best in the NBA.
With Harden and Durant, two former scoring title winners both still in their prime, there’s no reason they shouldn’t have topped 115 in any of their three games.
But, they haven’t, and despite the prediction that they hit the mark at home, the Nets defense and a banged-up Wizards team is what should help fuel the Under to hit in this one.
In their sole performance topping 100 so far this season, the Wiz put up 19 threes. I do not see that happening often. Fade the Wizards and back a capable Nets defense here.
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