Washington Wizards Odds - Arenas, Saunders to lead Wizards back to playoffs
The Washington Wizards odds to win the Eastern Conference are pretty long, but this is a team that’s underrated. Last year, injuries to key stars dropped this team to 19 wins. But with a healthy Gilbert Arenas and the addition of Flip Saunders as head coach, online betting cappers should expect to see the Wizards back in the playoffs with close to 50 wins.
Washington Wizards odds: +10000 to win NBA Championship
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Washington Wizards odds maker breakdown: STARTING FIVE
The Wizards starting five will get a huge shot in the arm with the return of Arenas. Agent Zero had been one of the Top 10 players in the NBA prior to three knee surgeries in two years, and now that he’s getting back to 100%, this team should be much stronger. Alongside Arenas, the team has DeShawn Stevenson, All-Star forward Caron Butler, the steady Antawn Jamison, and Brendan Haywood, who is in a contract year. This is a very good lineup and could be among the highest-scoring teams in the NBA.
Washington Wizards odds maker breakdown: BENCH
Sportsbook odds makers know that the Wizards made a fairly shrewd move last season to pick up Mike Miller and Randy Foye from the Minnesota Timberwolves, which should give this team tons of depth. Both of those players should thrive playing with Arenas. Beyond that, Andray Blatche averaged double-digits last year and Nick Young flashed his skill set as an explosive scorer. Also, the Wizards added experienced center Fabricio Oberto to back up Haywood, which should give the team some steady minutes.
Washington Wizards odds maker breakdown: OFFENSE
The Wizards offense could be among the best in the NBA. Flip Saunders is more of an offensive coach and he’s got plenty of weapons to work with. The main difference this year is that the Wizards big three should get support. There’s no question that Arenas, Butler and Jamison can give them anywhere between 60 and 80 points on a given night, but with Miller, Foye, Young, Blatche and Haywood, the Wizards should be in the 100’s regularly.
Washington Wizards odds maker breakdown: DEFENSE
NBA betting fans know that the Wizards are not among the best defensive teams in the league, and this year won’t be much different. They’ll live off of outscoring teams, but Saunders should instill a slight improvement. Butler is a shutdown defender and Haywood is an underrated defensive center. The addition of Oberto can help, and if Saunders can infuse some toughness, their defense will perk up slightly.
Washington Wizards odds maker breakdown: COACHING
Saunders is a huge upgrade in the coaching ranks over Eddie Jordan, whom the Wizards were tuning out. Saunders has experience with the Detroit Pistons - taking them deep into the playoffs - and he should be able to get the Wizards into the second round. He’s a smart, quality head coach.
Washington Wizards odds maker breakdown: SEASON OUTLOOK
The Wizards are a team that is on the rebound. They won 19 games last year but they have the roster to get up as high as No. 4 in the East. Their division isn’t overly difficult and, barring injuries, they should be in line for 45-50 wins.
For more of the best sports betting articles on the internet and previews of all 30 NBA teams, check back with the betonline.com Betting Edge daily. Craig Parsons is betonline.com's college basketball expert.
