Wizards vs. Celtics NBA expert prediction and odds for Friday, Feb. 9

Both teams were active at Thursday’s NBA trade deadline for different reasons. Washington was building for the future, giving up Daniel Gafford for a first-round pick and Richaun Holmes. Boston brought in reinforcements for a postseason push, acquiring Jaden Springer from Philadelphia and Xavier Tillman from Memphis. 

Washington has lost four in a row and are in dubiously flirting with having the NBA’s worst record with just a 1.5-game lead over the lowly Detroit Pistons. Boston still holds a 4.5-game lead for the top spot in the Eastern Conference after holding on to beat Atlanta on Wednesday. Can the C's pull away on Friday?

Here’s the betting preview for Friday’s matchup with a best bet. 

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Washington Wizards

Boston Celtics

Wizards

Kyle Kuzma: Kuzma was one of the big names on the trade block who were not dealt at the deadline. He’s been a bright spot for the Wizards this season, averaging 21.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Kuzma had 28 points on 11-of-24 shooting in Washington’s 114-106 loss to Cleveland on Wednesday. 

Celtics

Kristaps Porzingis: The veteran center is top-50 in the NBA in scoring and is averaging 23.3 points and shooting 54.1% from the field over his last 10 games. Porzingis has been particularly good at home, scoring 20 points per game and shooting 37.1% from 3-point range inside TD Garden this season. He had 31 points on 13-of-19 shooting in Wednesday’s 125-117 win over Atlanta on Wednesday. 

Boston’s defense should dominate this matchup as the Celtics boast the No. 4 scoring defense at home this season and are allowing opponents to shoot just 44.1% from the field at TD Garden. 

Washington’s offense shoots at a decent clip (18th in effective field goal percentage), but is just 26th in the NBA in offensive rating despite playing at the No. 1 pace in the NBA. Boston’s defense, as it's done all season, should hold Washington to a sub-par shooting night and the Wizards won't capitalize on the boards. Washington is last in the NBA in offensive rebounding percentage while Boston is No. 1 in the NBA in defensive rebounding. 

On the other side of the ball, Washington is No. 27 in the NBA in defensive rating and 27th in scoring defense on the road, giving up 122.4 points per game. Going back to the October matchup between these two teams, Boston went on the road and shot 50% from the field and won the rebounding battle by 11. The Celtics cruised in that matchup despite attempting just seven free throws and committing 17 turnovers. They should coast again on Friday. 

PICK: Celtics -17.5

Game odds update periodically and are subject to change.