Wizards title odds strengthened despite John Wall sitting out

The NBA has finalized a 22-team field that is set to continue playing this season after the COVID-19 pandemic brought the season to a halt, and the Washington Wizards still have a chance to make some noise in the Eastern Conference. They’re 5 ¹⁄₂ games back from the eighth-seeded Orlando Magic and have to cut their deficit to four games or less to earn a play-in series. The year will resume in late July, and Washington has eight games to close the gap.

Bradley Beal has been on a ridiculous scoring tear since the All-Star break ended, but does he have enough help to make a push for the playoffs? Washington tried to insert quite a few point guards into the starting lineup this season, including Shabazz Napier, Ish Smith, and others. But none of them can measure up to John Wall, who hasn’t played since December of 2018 because of a torn Achilles. Wall has been playing in scrimmages since March, but came said he won’t play until the 2020-21 season. However, Washington’s title odds have received a significant boost in the last month.

Smith (hamstring) and Isaac Bonga (groin) both suffered injuries in March, but have been given ample time to recover. Someone will have to emerge as Beal’s right-hand man for Washington to find success, and the questionable status of the Magic’s Jonathan Isaac could be enough to help the Wizards extend their season.

Washington Wizards Championship odds

Washington’s title odds were at +50000 on DraftKings SportsBook on May 13, but that mark has improved to +30000. Its odds to make the playoffs are at +900 while its odds to miss out are -3335.

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