The Boston Celtics will face the Washington Wizards in an Eastern Conference showdown at Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C., on Thursday. This game is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. ET. The Celtics, currently holding a record of 12 wins and 9 losses, will look to extend their lead in the season series against the Wizards, who have struggled with a 3-17 record.
Analyzing the Matchup: Celtics vs. Wizards
In their previous meeting on November 5, the Celtics secured a decisive victory, winning 136-107 at home. Their recent game against the New York Knicks resulted in a 123-117 win, marking their fifth straight cover and eighth in their last eleven games. The Celtics have a 11-10 record against the spread (ATS) this season.
Wizards’ Struggles
The Wizards are coming off a disappointing loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, ending in a score of 121-102. Currently, they sit 4-3 against the spread in their last seven games. However, their overall record of 6-14 ATS underscores their challenges this season.
Key Player Updates
- Celtics:
- Jaylen Brown (illness) – doubtful
- Jayson Tatum (Achilles) – out
- Wizards:
- Bilal Coulibaly (oblique) – out
- Corey Kispert (thumb) – out
- Alex Sarr (adductor) – out
Betting Odds and Predictions
The odds for the matchup are as follows, provided by BetMGM Sportsbook:
- Moneyline:
- Celtics: -450 (bet $450 to win $100)
- Wizards: +340 (bet $100 to win $340)
- Against the Spread:
- Celtics: -8.5 (-115)
- Wizards: +8.5 (-105)
- Over/Under: 228.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Experts predict a close game, forecasting a Celtics win with a score of 119-113, but they advise caution. With Jaylen Brown’s potential absence, the Celtics might struggle to cover the large spread. Betting on the Wizards to cover +8.5 could be a smart move given their recent home performance.
Expect a lower-scoring game as the Celtics are known for their slower pace and strong defense. The total score is likely to stay under 228.5.
For the latest updates and insights on the matchup, keep an eye on El-Balad.
