The downtrodden Raptors are running on fumes, but they still have a glimmer of hope for reaching the play-in tournament, and Thursday's game against the Wizards is pretty much their last chance. They trail Washington by three games for the final spot, so a season sweep of the Wizards would help the cause. Although Washington's about-face down the stretch has been impressive, this is a letdown spot following a 135-134 loss at Milwaukee in which it squandered a nine-point lead. The absence of Kyle Lowry has created line value -- look for Fred VanVleet to step up amid the desperate stakes.

The Wizards are playing as well as any team in the NBA. Even their losses in the last two months have featured outstanding play. Russell Westbrook is a triple-double machine, and now that he and Bradley Beal have figured it out together, this will be a dangerous team come playoff time. Look out for the Wizards and take them in this spot.

The Wizards are on fire, having won 11 of their last 14. None of their three losses came by more than three points and two of them were just one-point defeats. The Raptors have lost five of their last seven with injuries piling up. They will be shorthanded again Thursday with Chris Boucher (ankle) out and OG Anunoby (calf) listed as doubtful. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Wizards win this game outright, so I’ll take the points.