Wizards vs. Celtics Predictions

Washington Wizards (34-43 SU, 32-43-2 ATS) vs. Boston Celtics (48-30 SU, 39-36-3 ATS)
When: Sunday April 03 2022, 01:00 PM (ET)
Where: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
TV: NBCSWA

Point Spread: WAS +12.5/BOS -12.5 (Opened BOS -12.5 at Bookmaker)
Total: 222 (Opened at 220)
Money Line: Washington Wizards 619/Boston Celtics -945
Power Rating: BOS -12

Probable Starting Lineups

Washington Wizards PG Tomas Satoransky, SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SF Corey Kispert, PF Rui Hachimura, C Kristaps Porzingis
Boston Celtics PG Marcus Smart, SG Jaylen Brown, SF Jayson Tatum P, PF Al Horford, C Daniel Theis

Key Injuries

Washington Wizards Kyle Kuzma: Knee (OUT) Bradley Beal: Wrist (OUT) Vernon Carey Jr.: Calf (OUT)

Boston Celtics Nik Stauskas: Ankle (OUT) Jayson Tatum: Knee (PROBABLE) Robert Williams III: Knee (OUT)

The Boston Celtics host the Washington Wizards in an Eastern-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 01:00 PM ET at the TD Garden.

Recent Form

The Washington Wizards come into this game with an overall record of 34-43, placing them 11th in the Eastern Conference. Throughout the season, Washington has struggled in their 37 road contests, sitting at 13-24. Over their last five games, the Wizards have played well, picking up 4 wins. During this stretch, Washington is averaging 116.0 points per game, 7.0 points more than their season average of 108.7. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 109.0 points per contest. Washington comes into this game also playing well defensively, holding their opponents to just 106.0 points per game. An improvement on their season average of 111.3. In the Washington Wizards’ most recent game, Washington took down Dallas by a score of 135-103

The Boston Celtics come into this game with an overall record of 48-30, placing them 3rd in the Eastern Conference. So far, Boston is above .500 at home, holding a record of 27-13. The Celtics have played well over their last five games, picking up 3 wins. During this stretch, Boston is averaging 119.0 points per game, 8.0 points more than their season average of 110.8. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 109.0 points per contest. Even though the Celtics have been adding to the win column, their opponents have had no trouble scoring the ball, averaging 111.0 points per game, up from Boston’s usual rate of 104.3. In the Boston Celtics’ most recent game, Boston took down Indiana by a score of 128-123.

Individual Player Analysis

As Washington travels to take on the Boston Celtics, the Wizards’ will be leaning on Kristaps Porzingis and his 22 points per contest. Against the Celtics, Porzingis will need to be on top of his game as Boston is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their average in 44.0% of their games, placing them in the top 10. On the other side, Jayson Tatum leads the Celtics in scoring, averaging 27 points across his 73 games. Throughout the season, Tatum has outscored his season average in 41.0% of his outings. However, if he hopes to add to this total, Tatum will need to do so against a Wizards defense that has been tough on their opponent’s top scorers. So far, leading scores have surpassed their season average at a rate of just 35.48%. This figure is good for a rank of 2nd in the league.

Matchup Analysis

Heading into this matchup, the Boston Celtics are the more efficient team on both ends of the court. This scenario has taken place in 27 of Boston’s 76 games, leading to a winning percentage of 59%. So far, the Washington Wizards have played 22 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost 22 times, by an average margin of -13.0 points.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Washington Wizards and Boston Celtics have met up for 3 games. In their last meeting, Boston picked up a 116-87 win.

How the Public is Betting the Wizards vs Celtics

67% are betting the Wizards against the spread.
52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 221.5

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Wizards are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
• Wizards are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog.
• Celtics are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win.
• Celtics are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

After dropping two straight games, the Boston Celtics are coming off a much-needed win over the Pacers. However, given that Indiana is one of the worst team’s in the NBA, the 5 point victory failed to cover the spread. Throughout the season, Boston’s calling card has been its defense. But, the absence of Robert Williams has led to a lapse in defensive play. Given that Washington has shown the ability to score efficiently, look for the Wizards to cover the spread.