The Washington Wizards’ season (11-17) thus far has been difficult, with the team having lost seven games in a row and 10 out of their last 11. Unfortunately, these struggles have been exacerbated by injuries the team has had to fight through, most recently seen in Monday’s loss to the Brooklyn Nets (17-12). The Wizards will now be heading west for a six-game road trip beginning in Ball Arena in Denver facing the Nuggets (16-10).
Wednesday night’s game between the Nuggets and Wizards will have special significance not just for the teams but for both coaching staffs. Washington head coach Wes Unseld Jr. previously served on the Denver staff under Michael Malone, while former Nuggets Monte Morris and Will Barton are now part of the Wizards lineup.
Additionally, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who was transferred from Washington in return for Morris and Barton during last season’s offseason will be reuniting with his old team. This game is sure to draw an intriguing matchup when Washington begins their six-game road trip out west.
Washington Wizards vs. Denver Nuggets
| Odds from DraftKings | Spread | Moneyline |
| WAS Wizards | +9.5 (-110) | +360 |
| DEN Nuggets | -9.5 (-110) | -450 |
| Odds from FanDuel | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
| WAS Wizards | +9.5 (-110) | Over 224.5 (-110) | +360 |
| DEN Nuggets | -9.5 (-110) | Under 224.5 (-110) | -460 |
| Win Margin | |||
| Wizards | Nuggets | ||
| By 1-10pts (+460) | 11+ points (+1800) | By 1-10pts (+170) | 11+ points (+105) |
NBA odds may change depending on news and other updates, especially about the availability of players. There are several online sportsbooks available that give not just odds but also statistics that might help bettors have more informed bets.
Washington Wizards @ Denver Nuggets
Wizards, Facing Health Issues
Washington’s need to break their current streak of poor play is acute, as they have lost seven successive games and ten overall over their past 11 contests. A further complication is that should Porzingis struggle with lower back tightness and be unable to take the field on Wednesday night.
He will join Morris (groin), Beal (hamstring), Hachimura (ankle), and Wright (hamstring) on the injury list. Morris has been out for two games, whilst Beal has for four; both Hachimura and Wright have suffered lengthy layoffs through these strands of their respective injuries.
Seldom has this lack of players been more evident than during practice, which concluded Unseld in a vulnerable position heading into Wednesday’s match.
With one-third of the season gone, the team is only hoping for a play-in spot, but it doesn’t seem likely that they will be able to stop their current skid against teams that appear to be faring better at this point. Unless the Wizards make drastic and immediate improvements, their fate may already be sealed.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets have been dealing with the injury of Michael Porter Jr. (heel) since the start of the season, but they have proven they still have the depth to retain a record above .500 without him.
An example of this was their wins over Portland and Utah in recent games, with Jamal Murray being an incredible player both times. He brought back his strong fourth-quarter play in Portland that reminded everyone of pre-torn ACL Murray.
