Boston Celtics vs. Washington Wizards Prediction, Preview, and Odds

A Monday night battle between Eastern Conference teams takes place when the Boston Celtics (2-0, 1-1 ATS) travel to take on the Washington Wizards (1-1, 1-1 ATS). The Celtics are coming off a home victory over the Heat, winning 119-111 but just failing to cover as 8.5-point favorites. The Wizards won at home over the Grizzlies 113-106 as 1-point home underdogs. The Celtics won two out of three games against the Wizards last season. The Celtics are currently listed as 10-point road favorites. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 EST from the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC.

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Celtics Off To Hot Start

Boston has started the season with two wins, and their new look roster has been impressive. The Celtics went on the road to Madison Square Garden and defeated the Knicks, then won their home opener against the Heat. Derrick White was excellent in their last game against Miami, the 6'4 guard dropped 28 points and had clutch plays down the stretch to seal the win. After the game White was asked about how he was able to play well late saying, “I've been here a couple of years and I know where guys are supposed to be at. I'm just trying to get people in the right spots and lead from that way.”

Jayson Tatum is the top player for the Celtics, the 25-year old has been named to First Team All-NBA the past two seasons and is a four-time All Star. Through two games Tatum is averaging 28.0 PPG with 9.5 RPG and 4.5 APG. Kristaps Porzingis has been living up to his hype so far in Boston, the 7'2 center is averaging 23.5 PPG, and has been able to stretch the floor by knocking down seven of his 15 three point attempts. Derrick White is one of the best role players in the league, he was recently left off ESPN's top 100 players, but is making a case that he belongs with 20.0 PPG through two wins. Jaylen Brown just got his big contract, and is averaging 19.0 PPG to start the season.

Jrue Holiday was brought in to replace Marcus Smart. Both guards are excellent defensively, but Holiday is the better shooter. Holiday is averaging 13.0 PPG so far, and is the team's top perimeter defender. Al Horford moved to the bench this season, he still plays 25.0 minutes per game, but his scoring is way down with just eight total points through two games. Boston's tempo is ranked 23rd in the league according to dunksandthrees.com early in the season.

Injury Report: None listed.

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Wizards Coming Off First Win

The Washington Wizards were able to win their first game of the season, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies at home. The Wizards were up by as many as 25 in the win, led by Jordan Poole and his 27 points. Poole is likely to takeover the leading scorer role for Washington, coming over from Golden State in a trade. The 24-year old guard is a score-first player who is averaging 22.5 PPG on the year and has increased his scoring total every year he has been in the league since 2019.

Poole is currently a half point behind forward Kyle Kuzma for the team lead in points, as Kuzma is averaging 23.0 PPG to start the season. Kuzma can stretch the floor with his outside shot from the forward position, and is averaging 7.5 rebounds per game. Tyus Jones has been starting at point guard for the Wizards, he is averaging 15.0 PPG and 6.5 PPG thus far. Wing player Deni Avdija (9.5 PPG) and big man Daniel Gafford (8.0 PPG) have been rounding out the starting lineup, but neither has filled up the box score yet.

Corey Kispert has been the team's third leading scorer this season while coming off the bench. The third-year player out of Gonzaga is averaging 16.5 PPG and has knocked down six three pointers in the team's first two games. Danilo Gallinari joins the Wizards and is being used as a scorer off the bench, in only 12 minutes per game the Italian is averaging 10.5 PPG. Through two games Washington is playing at the fastest tempo in the league, averaging 107.5 offensive possessions per game.

Injury Report:

Day-to-Day: Daniel Gafford, Landry Shamet, Johnny Davis

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Best Bets for this Game

Full-Game Side Bet

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This is too many points to give a young and feisty Washington team at home. Jordan Poole is on a mission to prove that Golden State made a mistake in dealing him, and playing well against Boston is the kind of statement he wants to make. Kuzma has been scoring well this season, and matches up well with the athletic wings of Boston. The Celtics are 2-0 on the year, and this may be a game where they play down to their opponent and let a weaker team hang around. The Celtics have needed late game heroics to win their first two games, and while this may work here, it will not cover a 10-point spread. The Wizards have two high-level scores in Poole and Kuzma, while Kispert may be on his way to a breakout season. Ten points is too many for an early conference battle.

Take Washington with the points.

Prediction: Wizards +10

Full-Game Total Pick

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Washington is not going to stay in this game by shutting down the Celtics. Boston has too many scoring options with Tatum, Brown, Porzingis and White. Washington's only chance is to play fast, and try to keep up by scoring quickly. Through two games the Wizards are playing at the fastest tempo in the league. Poole and Kuzma can fill it up, and Kispert is trying to turn his career into Kyle Korver's. Each team went over once and under once, so there is no trend to follow. Washington is playing fast, and the Celtics can score at ease, the over is the only play.

Take the over.

Prediction: Over 229.5

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