Celtics Dominant in NBA In-Season Tournament, Wizards Struggling to Compete
Boston Celtics vs. Washington Wizards Preview: Celtics Dominate, Wizards Struggle to Compete
The Boston Celtics (12-3, 7-8 ATS, 8-6-1 O/U) will take on the Washington Wizards (2-11, 3-10 ATS, 8-5 O/U) this Friday at the Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. The game is part of the NBA In-Season Tournament Group Round, and the Celtics enter as 15.5-point favorites with a total of 235.5 points set for the game.
Boston Celtics: Eastern Conference Dominance Continues
Boston remains one of the NBA’s most formidable teams this season. The Celtics recently handed the Cleveland Cavaliers their first loss of the year with a thrilling 120-117 victory. Jayson Tatum delivered a masterclass, posting 33 points and 12 rebounds while drilling six three-pointers. Boston used a dominant second-quarter rally to stretch a five-point lead to 17 at halftime, despite Cleveland’s strong third-quarter comeback attempt.
The Celtics’ performance in the NBA Cup group round has been impressive, as they sit in second place in the East Group C standings with a 1-1 record and a +2 point differential. Their ability to stay efficient on both ends of the floor has set them apart. Boston ranks first in NET rating, which combines offensive and defensive performance. Offensively, the Celtics top the league in efficiency, leading the NBA in offensive rating and ranking in the top ten for shooting across all areas—rim, mid-range, and three-point shooting. They also excel at protecting the ball, ranking 3rd in turnover percentage.
Defensively, Boston is equally tough. They are the second-best team in terms of limiting opponent free-throw attempts and hold teams to low shooting percentages from beyond the arc (7th in opponent 3PT%). The Celtics’ balance on both ends of the court is a major reason for their early-season success and continued title contention.
Washington Wizards: Struggling to Find Their Footing
The Washington Wizards continue to endure a brutal season, with the team dropping its ninth consecutive game on Monday in a 134-106 loss to the New York Knicks. The Wizards have been a defensive liability, especially from three-point range, where the Knicks lit them up by shooting 50% (20-for-40) from deep. Washington, once 2-2 to start the season, has struggled mightily since then, losing by double digits in nearly every game.
With a 2-11 record, the Wizards sit at the bottom of the NBA Cup East Group C standings with an 0-1 record and a -12 point differential. Their play this season has been uncompetitive, ranking dead last (30th) in NET rating. Washington has struggled to put up points, sitting 29th in offensive rating. The team’s shooting woes are evident across the board: they rank 29th in mid-range shooting and 25th in three-point shooting. Even in the paint, where they rank 13th in rim shooting percentage, the Wizards have failed to capitalize on second-chance opportunities, ranking 27th in offensive rebounding.
Defensively, Washington’s struggles are even more pronounced. They rank 30th in defensive rating and allow teams to score with ease. The Wizards are particularly vulnerable at the rim (29th in opponent rim shooting percentage) and beyond the arc (25th in opponent 3PT%). Their defense has been unable to contain any major offensive threats, which spells trouble as they face one of the league’s most potent teams in the Celtics.
Conclusion
Friday’s game offers a clear mismatch on paper. The Boston Celtics are playing at an elite level, and their comprehensive dominance—particularly on defense—should easily overwhelm the struggling Washington Wizards. The Wizards, who have been unable to string together competitive performances, face another tough task as they look to avoid another heavy defeat. Fans and bettors alike should keep an eye on Boston’s continued dominance, with the Celtics favored to win and cover the spread in this NBA In-Season Tournament clash.
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