Toronto Raptors vs Washington Wizards Picks and Predictions for Friday, October 23, 2026

Toronto wasted no time making an impression Wednesday. The Raptors hammered Chicago, and Friday they'll find out how that performance travels against Washington. The Toronto Raptors visit the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena for a 7:00 pm ET tipoff on Monumental Sports Network and NBA League Pass. Toronto is 1-0 and fourth in the Eastern Conference after beating the Bulls 135-92. Washington is also 1-0, fifth in the East, following a 128-116 home win over Milwaukee. Both teams have something to build on. Find more Friday action with our free NBA picks.

Toronto Made Its Opener Look Easy

Chicago barely got settled before Toronto took control Wednesday. The Raptors scored 43 in the opening quarter and never trailed. They were aggressive when the Bulls got sloppy, turning 27 Chicago turnovers into 35 points. Kawhi Leonard's return gave the crowd another reason to celebrate, and the final score was 135-92. Toronto grabbed 51 rebounds, blocked six shots and allowed just 92 points. Against Washington, the Raptors will want to keep pressing without counting on another opponent to make so many mistakes.

Leonard, Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley shared Toronto's scoring lead with 23 points each. Quickley handed out seven assists, the most on the team, while Collin Murray-Boyles led the rebounding with eight. Allen Graves had three blocks, more than anyone else on Toronto. Leonard also had four steals, and the Raptors finished with 15. That's a lot of extra possessions created by active hands. Friday's challenge is staying organized against Trae Young, who can punish defenders for chasing the ball too aggressively.

Injuries: Nate Bittle is out with a foot injury.

Washington Has a New Look and a Winning Start

The Wizards had to work harder for their first victory. Milwaukee led for much of Wednesday's game, and Washington struggled from outside early. Then the fourth quarter arrived. A Deandre Ayton dunk put the Wizards ahead, and a 21-4 run turned a close contest into a 128-116 win. Washington scored 77 points in the second half. The Wizards finished with 44 rebounds and seven blocks, although they gave up 116 points. That defense faces another test against Toronto's balanced scoring.

Anthony Davis gave Washington a lift in his debut, leading the club with 34 points and 12 rebounds. Trae Young had 20 points and a team-high 13 assists, giving the Wizards someone who can create shots when the offense stalls. Bilal Coulibaly and Ayton shared the team lead with two blocks each. Washington also got 18 points from Kyshawn George. The question Friday is whether the Wizards can protect their basket while finding good looks for Davis inside. Toronto won't give them much room to relax.

Injuries: AJ Dybantsa is questionable with an ankle injury. Tristan Vukcevic and Jamir Watkins are out.

Key To The Game

Toronto turned Chicago's turnovers into easy points, but Young had 13 assists against Milwaukee. The Raptors will need to defend without gambling too often. At the other end, Washington must keep Barnes and Leonard away from comfortable looks near the basket.

Toronto Raptors vs Washington Wizards Game Pick

• Toronto Raptors -4.5

Toronto's first game was impressive from the opening quarter, but Washington has enough talent to make this a contest. Davis scored 34 in his Wizards debut, and Young kept teammates involved with 13 assists. The Raptors have several scoring options, though, and their aggressive defense created problems for Chicago throughout Wednesday's game. Toronto will force Washington into difficult possessions, win on the road and cover the 4.5-point spread on Friday.

Toronto Raptors vs Washington Wizards Over/Under Pick

• Over 235.5

Toronto scored 135 against Chicago, while Washington put up 128 on Milwaukee. Both teams showed they can find points in a hurry, especially when their guards get the ball moving. Young's passing creates looks for Davis, and the Raptors have several players who can finish. Washington also allowed 116 in its opener. Those numbers point toward another busy scoring night, with this matchup finishing over the 235.5-point total on Friday.