The Washington Wizards will be watching the NBA Playoffs from the couch, but they can still play a role in the seeding. Boston will come to town on Tuesday night, and the Celtics need a victory to clinch the fourth seed in the East. This is the final game of the season for both teams, and most of the big names will be on the floor for this game. Boston is 2-0 against the Wizards this season, and they would love to complete the season sweep. Washington hopes to end their season with a victory and head into the offseason with some momentum.
The Boston Celtics were supposed to be the team to beat in the Eastern Conference this season, but things have not gone as planned. The Celtics come into this game with a record of 48-33 record and are holding a slim one-game lead over the Pacers for that important playoff spot. The Wizards are just 32-49 this season, and they are a franchise that needs turned around. The Boston Celtics are +6.0 against the Washington Wizards.
Celtics are Banged Up
The Boston Celtics need this victory, but they also need to get some of their key players healthy. Jayson Tatum played just six minutes in the Celtics’ loss to the Orlando Magic and is dealing with a bruised shin. Marcus Smart suffered a left oblique strain in that loss, and he is doubtful for the season finale. There is no doubt that the Celtics will miss the 24 points per game that come from Smart and Tatum, but they are also the two best defenders on the team. The Celtics are giving up less than 108 points per game this season, but playing without Smart and Tatum will hurt.
Point guard Kyrie Irving and small forward Gordon Hayward have been carrying the Celtics on offense of late. Irving leads the team with 23.8 points and 6.9 assists per game and knows how to knock down big shots late in games. Hayward recently went 9-9 from the floor in a win over the Indiana Pacers and is finally back to almost 100 percent. The Celtics are averaging just 112.3 points per game this season, but they should have a big scoring night against a bad Wizards defense.
Wizards Can’t Stop Anyone
The Washington Wizards are one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA this season. Washington is allowing 116.9 points per game this season, which is the second-worst mark in the league. The Wizards gave up 130 points to the Celtics in a game earlier this season, and have had the habit of allowing more than 120 per night. Washington has done a good job with their offense this season, and are averaging 114.1 points per night.
John Wall has been out more much of the season, and that has really taken a toll on the Wizards. Shooting guard Bradley Beal is still one of the top players in the NBA and is averaging 25.7 points per game this season. Beal is one of the best shooters in the league and is knocking down 35 percent of his shots from deep. Jabari Parker has also played well since coming to Washington and is pouring in 15 points per game.
Celtics Clinch 4th Seed in East
The Washington Wizards can’t wait for their offseason to begin, and they won’t put up much of a fight in this game. The Wizards have been a terrible defensive team all season long, and they will get torched by Boston in this one. The Celtics need this win, and they are going to get it. Bet the Boston Celtics +6.0 over the Washington Wizards.
