Toronto at Washington

A lot was expected of this Washington team this season. They assembled some strong young talent and appeared to turn the corner last season, after several seasons in the basement. They have disappointed at 14-15, especially considering how weak the East is this year. One team expected to do little was the Toronto Raptors. But, after 30 games they have reached the .500 mark on the strength of six wins in their last seven games, including four straight wins. The Raptors have gotten after it on the defensive end, holding three of their last four opponents to 83 points or less. The Raptors have been better than the pedestrian teams in the East, and are 5-1 straight-up on the road this season against a team under .500. Play Toronto on the moneyline.