Wizards Start Five-Game Road Trip Out West
The desert southwest hosts NBA action on Tuesday night when the Washington Wizards visit the Phoenix Suns. The current line has Washington favored by 3.5 points with the over/under point total on 225.5.
Entering this game, Washington has an overall record of 37-24 straight up and 34-27 against the spread. On the road, the Wizards are 11-15 SU and 13-1-3 ATS. Phoenix on the season has an overall record of 21-42 SU and 32-30-1 ATS. At home, the Suns are 12-17 SU and 16-13 ATS.
Phoenix just defeated a contender in the Eastern Conference and looks to do the same on Tuesday against Washington. The Suns defeated the Boston Celtics 109-106 on Sunday to move out of the West cellar ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Phoenix looked strong on the court as it has sat down veterans Brandon Knight and Tyson Chandler, with Tyler Ulis a rookie at point guard receiving more time on the court at the expense of Knight’s time on the court.
Ulis scored 20 points on Sunday and hit the winning basket from 3-point territory at the buzzer.
Washington is currently No. 3 in the East. The Wizards avoided two straight losses Sunday when they sneaked by Orlando 115-114, behind 27 points from Bojan Bogdanovic, who was just acquired.
This game is the first of five for Washington on the road against teams from the West. Bogdanovic has fit in nicely off the bench behind the starting the backcourt of Bradley Beal and All-Star John Wall. Brandon Jennings, a recent acquisition as well at point guard is also starting to become comfortable with his new teammates.
Alan Williams has been given more minutes on the court by Phoenix and the forward has recorded a double-double in three consecutive games and four of his past five.
Washington’s Wall has shot just 34% from the field during his past four games.
Phoenix rookie forward Marquese Chriss had five blocks Sunday against Boston.
Wizards’ guard Beal had 42 points in a win at home against Phoenix November 21.
Washington is 7-2 ATS in its past 9 games on the road.
Phoenix is 8-0 ATS in its past 8 games against opponents from the Southeast division.
Prediction: The Suns are playing well at this time, but Washington is playing much better, is deeper after recent acquisitions and overall is more talented. Lean here toward the Wizards to cover.
