The Celtics are on the road to face the Washington Wizards, with both team’s playing their first-game of the season. Tip-off for this season-opener, is set for 7:00 at Capital One Arena.
Celtics vs Wizards
The Celtics Are Coming Off A Win
The Celtics opened their season with a 132-109 win over the Knicks on Tuesday, October 22nd, improving to 1-0. Boston, favored by six points, covered the spread with a +23 margin. The game’s total score of 241 points exceeded the O/U line of 221.5 by 19.5 points.
Boston set the tone early, jumping out to a 43-24 lead after the 1st quarter. The 2nd quarter was even at 31-31, but the Celtics pulled away in the 3rd, outscoring the Knicks 39-32. Heading into the 4th quarter with a 113-87 lead, Boston eased off, allowing the Knicks to win the final quarter 22-19.
The Wizards Are Looking To Start Their Season With A Win
Washington enters the new season ranked 30th in our power rankings after finishing last season with a 15-67 record, placing 14th in the Eastern Conference. They went 7-34 at home and 8-33 on the road, with scoring margins of -9.1 points per game at home and -9.5 on the road. In conference play, they were 11-41, and they finished 4-12 in divisional games, placing 5th in the Southeast Division. We give the Wizards a 0.0% chance of making the playoffs or winning their division this season.
Against the spread, Washington went 14-68 last season, with a 6-35 home record and an 8-33 road mark. They were favored in nine games, going 2-7 straight-up and 1-8 ATS. As the underdog, they posted a 13-60 record. The average over/under line for their games was 237 points, and they had a 43-39 O/U record, with their games averaging 236.8 points per game.
Celtics Offense Breakdown
Jayson Tatum’s 37 points and 10 assists led the Celtics to a 132-109 win over the Knicks, as he shot 77.8% from the field and hit 8 threes at a 72.7% clip. Derrick White added 24 points, making 6 threes, while Jaylen Brown contributed 23 points, connecting on 5 shots from deep.
Boston made 29 threes as a team, shooting 47.5% from beyond the arc and 50.5% overall. Tatum scored 15 points in the 1st quarter and 12 more in the 3rd, while White added 13 points in the 3rd period.
Wizards Offense Breakdown
Washington enters the season ranked 30th in our offensive power rankings. Last season, they averaged 113.7 points per game, ranking 17th, and led the league in possessions per game (102.3). They were 4th in field goal attempts per game (91.4), shooting 47.0% (18th). From beyond the arc, they made 12.4 threes per game (21st) on 34.8% shooting (26th), with 35.5 attempts per game (14th). They also ranked 25th in free throw attempts per game (20.2) and 28th in offensive rebounds per game (9.2).
Kyle Kuzma, who averaged 22.2 points per game last season, is projected to lead the team in scoring, ranking 35th in our league-wide projections. Jordan Poole is projected 62nd in scoring, and Jonas Valanciunas, a key addition, is 91st. Corey Kispert is projected to lead the team in three-pointers made, ranking 30th in the league, while Kuzma is 41st and Poole is 35th.
Celtics Team Defense
Despite giving up 109 points, the Celtics’ defense came through when it mattered, allowing just 22 points in the 4th quarter to secure the win. They struggled in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, giving up 31 and 32 points, respectively.
Boston limited the Knicks to 11 made threes on 36% shooting from deep. The Celtics also sent New York to the line 16 times, where they hit 12 free throws. Boston finished with 29 defensive rebounds, allowing 5 offensive boards, while adding 6 steals and 3 blocks.
Wizards Team Defense
Despite giving up 109 points, the Celtics managed to limit the Knicks to just 24 points in the 1st quarter and 22 in the 4th, helping them secure the win. Boston allowed 31 points in the 2nd and 32 in the 3rd, but their strong finish was enough to hold off New York.
Boston struggled overall, allowing the Knicks to shoot 55% from the field. However, they did well defending the three, with New York hitting just 11 threes at a 36% clip. The Celtics also sent the Knicks to the line 16 times, where they made 12 free throws.
Celtics vs Wizards Trends
- Although Boston has a straight up record of 2-1 in their last three road games, they have not held up as well vs. the spread going 1-2. The team averaged 98 points per game in these games.
- Across their ten previous home games, Washington has an ATS mark of 3-6-1. Their straight up record in these matchups was 2-8 while averaging 112 points per game.
- Looking back on the team’s last five games as the underdog, the Wizards have a straight up record of 1-4. Their record vs the spread in these games was 3-1-1.
- As the betting favorite, the Celtics have an ATS mark of just 4-5-1 in their last ten games. Boston posted a straight up mark of 9-1 in these matchups.
Celtics vs Wizards Prediction
As the underdogs with a spread of +13, we recommend going with the Wizards on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.
Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 234 and given that our model is projecting 287 points between the teams, we like the over.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:October 24, 2024 Celtics, Wizards