Washington at Toronto

Washington has bad overall defensive numbers, but the fact is that they have been playing good defense the last month for their new coach. They've allowed 76, 93, 79, 88, 95, 85 and 89 points the last seven games, a perfect 7-0 run UNDER the total, so oddsmakers have not adjusted. In the first half, they have allowed 36, 52, 30, 53, 41, 31, 52 points - some very good first half defense. They held Boston to 88 points for the game and come off a stunning 97-76 rout of the 76ers where they allowed 36% shooting. In two of the last three meetings between these teams, the losing squad has scored 78 and 89 points. Look for less offense than oddsmakers expect and the value for this game is in the first half. Play the first half UNDER.