Game Preview
The Boston Celtics (20-5) roll into Washington D.C. riding a wave of momentum, having won 8 of their last 10 games and an impressive 16 of their last 20. Their 80% win percentage on the season is a testament to their consistency and dominance. The Celtics have been an offensive juggernaut, averaging 120.2 points per game while shooting a blistering 46% from the field and 37.3% from three-point range.
Their balanced attack is fueled by a potent combination of scoring and playmaking. Boston averages 26 assists per game, showcasing their ability to create open looks through unselfish ball movement. Defensively, they've been equally stingy, holding opponents to just 110.2 points per game while forcing 11.4 turnovers and blocking 5.6 shots per contest.
The Celtics' recent form has been particularly impressive, as they've averaged 118.6 points over their last 5 games while limiting opponents to just 108 points. Their shooting percentages have remained stellar, hovering around 46% from the field and 36% from deep. They've also dominated the glass, grabbing 48 rebounds per game during this stretch.
In contrast, the Washington Wizards (3-20) have endured a dismal campaign thus far. They've struggled mightily on both ends, averaging just 107.5 points while surrendering a whopping 123.4 points per game. Their shooting woes have been glaring, hitting just 44.2% of their field goals and 30.8% from three-point range. The Wizards have also been careless with the ball, turning it over 15.6 times per game.
Washington's recent form has been particularly abysmal, with just 1 win in their last 10 games. Over this stretch, their scoring has dipped to 104.4 points per game, while their defense has remained porous, allowing 121.8 points on average. Their shooting percentages have been dismal, hovering around 44% from the field and a shade above 27% from deep.
With the Celtics firing on all cylinders and the Wizards mired in a prolonged slump, this matchup appears heavily tilted in Boston's favor. Unless Washington can find a way to drastically improve their shooting, limit turnovers, and tighten their porous defense, the red-hot Celtics should cruise to another convincing victory.