Toronto Raptors vs Washington Wizards Picks and Predictions for Friday October 23 2026
Toronto couldn’t have asked for a much better opening night. The Raptors beat Chicago 135-92 on Wednesday. Forty-three points. That’s the sort of result where the winning coach has a hard time finding anything to complain about.
Washington had a good night too. The Wizards beat Milwaukee 128-116, which is a pretty decent way to announce yourself. Now these two teams get each other, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the pace is lively.
Toronto visits Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, on Friday, October 23, 2026. Tipoff is at 7:00 PM ET. The Raptors are favored by 4.5 points, and the total is 235.5. Toronto are around -185 on the moneyline. More matchups are available in our free NBA picks.
Toronto Raptors Couldn’t Have Started Much Better
Toronto are 1-0 after hammering Chicago 135-92 on Wednesday. Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 23 points, and the team finished 43 ahead. It’s only one game, but that’s an impressive result against another Eastern Conference club. Toronto didn’t have to depend on a single player scoring 40 or 50. They spread the work around and never let Chicago get comfortable.
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The Raptors scored 135 and held the Bulls below 100. That’s the sort of balance coaches love. Washington just scored 128 against Milwaukee, though, so Friday should be a more demanding defensive test. Toronto can’t assume the Wizards will fold the way Chicago did. They’ll need to protect the ball and make Washington work for its points.
Barnes’ 23 points were enough to lead Toronto because the Raptors got scoring throughout the lineup. Brandon Ingram provides another established scoring option, while Immanuel Quickley helps organize the offense. Toronto’s depth is useful, especially this early in the season when rotations are still settling. The injury report should be checked before tipoff, but Wednesday gave the Raptors a promising starting point.
Washington Wizards Have Reason To Feel Good
Washington are 1-0 after beating Milwaukee 128-116 on Wednesday. Anthony Davis scored 34 points, and the Wizards finished 12 ahead. That’s a good win against a Bucks team that expected to start the season strongly. Washington supporters have spent plenty of time watching losses in recent years. They deserved to enjoy that one.
The Wizards scored 128, which suggests their offense can cause trouble when things are working. But they also conceded 116, and Toronto have just put 135 on Chicago. Washington will need to defend better than Milwaukee did against them. Otherwise, this could turn into another high-scoring game where the last few possessions decide it.
Davis’ 34-point opener gave Washington a dependable interior scoring presence. The Wizards also have younger players who can contribute with energy and athleticism, but their consistency remains a question. Toronto are coming off a much more convincing defensive performance, so Washington won’t necessarily get the same opportunities it found against Milwaukee. Davis needs help, particularly if the Raptors start sending extra defenders toward him.
Toronto Raptors vs Washington Wizards Picks and Predictions
Toronto Raptors -4.5 (-105)
I’ll lay 4.5 with Toronto. Washington beating Milwaukee was impressive, and Davis’ 34 points show the Wizards have somebody who can carry the offense. But Toronto didn’t just beat Chicago. They won by 43 and held the Bulls to 92. That’s the more complete performance of the two openers. Washington can score enough to make this interesting, but I like Toronto’s depth and defensive options. The Raptors are my pick.
Over 235.5 (-110)
Toronto’s opener produced 227 points despite Chicago scoring only 92. Washington’s game reached 244. Both clubs showed they can put points on the board, and the Wizards’ defense still allowed 116 against Milwaukee. Toronto should have opportunities to score, while Davis gives Washington a reliable option inside. I think this gets into the 240s. Toronto 124, Washington 116.
Final Picks: Toronto Raptors -4.5 (-105) and Over 235.5 (-110)
This preview was completed October 22, 2026. Betting lines, injuries, and starting lineups may change before tipoff.
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