The Washington Wizards (38-30) will have their hands full against the league’s top shooting defense when they square off with the Boston Celtics (46-21) at TD Garden. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, and will air on ESPN.
Washington Wizards vs. Boston Celtics Free Prediction
The Wizards are trying to rebound after their 116-111 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in their last game. Minnesota’s 9.5 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Washington, who had a rate of 10.6. The Timberwolves’ mark was better than their season average of 10.9. Markieff Morris was Washington’s leading scorer with 27 points on 10-for-15 shooting.
In the Celtics’ last matchup, they lost a close one to the Indiana Pacers, 99-97. Indiana’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Boston. The Pacers had a rate of 0.556 (above their season average of 0.529), while the Celtics posted a mark of 0.494. With 20 points on 6-for-13 shooting, Marcus Smart was Boston’s leading scorer.
Boston should have the edge on the defensive side of the ball. The Celtics rank first in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.491), while Washington is 12th in effective field goal percentage (0.525).
Washington heads into the contest with records of 38-30 straight up (SU) and 31-34-2 against the spread (ATS). Of the Wizards’ 67 games that accepted bets, 36 have finished under the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Boston owns records of 46-21 SU and 39-25-3 ATS. In opposition of Washington, Celtics games have a slight tendency to go over the total (50.7 percent).
Terry Rozier has averaged 14.4 points over the last five games for Boston.
The two teams have split their two matchups this season. The Celtics won the most recent matchup 110-104, covering as 2-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 214 points, which was 11 points above the projected point total of 203 points. The Celtics had a much better free throw rate (0.274 vs. 0.168) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.518 vs. 0.463). Otto Porter Jr. had a double-double in the loss with 27 points and 11 rebounds.
Washington Wizards vs. Boston Celtics Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Wizards, ATS Winner – Wizards, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Washington is 20-14 ATS on the road with 21 unders and 13 overs.
Boston is 16-16-3 ATS at home with 18 overs and 17 unders.
Boston is 29-4 when they allow below 100 points, while Washington is 18-3.
The Celtics are 35-9 when they reach 100 points, while the Wizards are 35-17.
Washington ranks 10th in points off turnovers per game (17.1) while Boston ranks 27th (14.8).
The Wizards rank fifth in assists per game (24.8) while the Celtics rank 17th (22.5).
Boston ranks sixth in three pointers attempted per game (31.5) while Washington ranks 16th in three pointers allowed per game (29.3).
The Celtics rank fifth in steals allowed per game (7.0) while the Wizards rank 14th (7.8).
Washington ranks 22nd in points in the paint per game (42.6) while Boston ranks 28th (39.1).
The Celtics average 12.0 second chance points per game, which ranks 18th in the league. The Wizards rank 24th in second chance points allowed per game (13.3).
Boston ranks fourth in fast break points allowed per game (10.0) while Washington ranks ninth (11.0).
The Celtics average 44.3 rebounds per game, which ranks eighth in the league. The Wizards rank 12th in rebounds allowed per game (42.6).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Washington is 1-3-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Boston is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Wizards have been outscored by an average of 2.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Washington has defeated opponents by an average of 1.3 points.
During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 114.6 points per game (10.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 105.2 points per game (5.0 above their season average).
—–
