Wizards vs. Celtics Prediction and Odds (Total Keeps Rising in Boston)

Celtics forward Jayson Tatum is expected to suit up for Boston this afternoon when they host the Washington Wizards as 13-point favorites at home.
Celtics forward Jayson Tatum is expected to suit up for Boston this afternoon when they host the Washington Wizards as 13-point favorites at home. / Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
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The Washington Wizards picked a sub-optimal time to start playing some of their best basketball in months.

They've won two straight, including a dominant win at home against the surging Dallas Mavericks on Friday night, and now head to Boston to face a Celtics team that's 7-3 in their last 10 games.

Boston, after holding onto the top spot in the East for a short while, has fallen back down to third with the Heat and Bucks coming on strong. They're only two games back of Miami and still have one more game to go vs. the Bucks to try and catch up.

Jayson Tatum is probable for the Celtics, and is expected to play Sunday afternoon.

Here's the latest odds over at WynnBET Sportsbook for today's early afternoon matchup from the TD Garden in Boston.

Wizards vs. Celtics Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • Wizards +13 (-110)
  • Celtics -13(-110)

Moneyline:

  • Wizards +650
  • Celtics -1000

Total:

  • 221.5 (OVER -110 | UNDER -110)

Wizards vs. Celtics Prediction and Pick

While I pointed out in my earlier article for the Mavericks and Bucks that offensive pace and rating tends to tick down for afternoon games, I still like the over to hit in this matchup.

Going back to March 16, the Celtics have scored 123.8 PPG, excluding the 106-98 loss at home to the Heat. Since the middle of March, they have by far and away the top offensive rating in the NBA at 123.8.

Meanwhile, the Wizards have averaged 131 points in their previous two wins and are starting to gain more confidence in the final portion of the season. Considering they dropped 135 against the Mavericks on Friday, one of the top defensive teams in the country, a matchup against Boston with nothing to play for won't scare them.

I'll ride both teams' continuing to stay hot from the floor with a low total on the board.

LEAN: OVER 221.5 (-110)


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