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The Boston Celtics (12-3) ride a three-game winning streak into their matchup against the struggling Washington Wizards (2-11) on Friday night. While the Celtics have looked like a title contender, winning 8 of their last 10 games, the Wizards are mired in a dreadful 9-game skid and have just a single victory in their previous 10 contests.
Boston's balanced attack has been on full display, averaging 121.5 points per game while shooting a sizzling 46.4 percent from the field and 38.2 percent from three. Over their last 5 games, their offense has been even more potent, pouring in 122.8 points on a blistering 48.2 percent shooting and an incredible 42.8 percent clip from deep.
Defensively, the Celtics have clamped down, allowing just 111.8 points per contest while grabbing 42.7 rebounds per game. Their last 10 games have seen them hold opponents to a mere 110.5 points while continuing to control the glass, hauling in 42.6 boards a night.
In stark contrast, the Wizards have struggled mightily on both ends. They're averaging a paltry 109.9 points while surrendering a whopping 124.7 points per game. Their shooting numbers are dismal at 44.6 percent overall and just 33.3 percent from three. Over their last 5 games, Washington's offensive woes have persisted, mustering just 109.8 points per contest on 45.5 percent shooting and a 37.8 percent three-point clip.
With the Celtics firing on all cylinders and the Wizards desperately seeking answers, Boston appears poised to extend their winning ways and hand Washington their 10th straight loss in this lopsided matchup of Eastern Conference foes.