The Boston Celtics are gearing up to face off against the Washington Wizards on Thursday night. The Celtics, who are the defending champions, have already secured a victory against the New York Knicks on opening night, giving them a 1-0 record. On the other hand, the Wizards will be playing their first game of the season. Last season, the Celtics had an impressive record of 64-18, clinching their 18th NBA title, while the Wizards struggled with a 15-67 record, finishing second-to-last in the Eastern Conference with their worst franchise record. The Celtics dominated the regular-season series against the Wizards last year, sweeping all four games.
The game is set to kick off at 7 p.m. ET at the Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. The Celtics are currently favored by 13.5 points, with the over/under set at 232 points. Before placing any bets on the Celtics vs. Wizards matchup, it’s advisable to check out the NBA predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine Projection Model. This model has a proven track record, generating over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players over the past six seasons. It finished the 2023-24 season on a high note, going 94-61 on all top-rated NBA picks and raking in over $2,800 in profit.
The Celtics are coming into this game with a strong performance on opening night, tying an NBA record with 29 made three-pointers. Their offensive efficiency was on full display, with only four turnovers in the game. Last season, the Celtics led the league in offensive rating and net rating, showcasing their prowess on both ends of the court. They excelled in protecting the paint, leading the NBA in blocks per game, and were also effective in defending the perimeter.
On the other side, the Wizards have made some notable additions to their roster, including Kyle Kuzma, Jordan Poole, and Bilal Coulibaly. They also welcomed Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, who had an impressive preseason showing. With these new additions and the veteran presence of Jonas Valanciunas, the Wizards are looking to make a statement this season.
When it comes to making predictions for the Wizards vs. Celtics game, SportsLine’s model is leaning towards the Under, with a projected total of 225 combined points. The model also suggests that one side of the spread hits in nearly 60% of simulations. For more insights and betting picks, head over to SportsLine to see which side of the spread to back.
In conclusion, the upcoming matchup between the Celtics and the Wizards promises to be an exciting game, with both teams eager to showcase their strengths on the court. Stay tuned for what is sure to be a thrilling showdown between these two Eastern Conference rivals.
