The NBA’s top scoring defense will be on the road at Capital One Arena, when the Boston Celtics (25-8) go head-to-head with the Washington Wizards (11-24). The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, January 6, 2020.
Boston Celtics vs. Washington Wizards Betting Odds
Both teams covered in their last contest. The Wizards (13-point underdogs) defeated the Denver Nuggets 128-114, while the Celtics (1-point underdog) beat the Chicago Bulls 111-104. Both games went over their projected point totals. The Washington game went 21 points over the projected point total of 221, while the Boston game finished 7 points over the projected point total of 208.
The Celtics had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (above their season average of 23.9) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.573 (above their season average of 0.525). Meanwhile, Washington dominated nearly every stat category in their game. They had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 36.8 (above their season average of 22.5) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.582 (above their season average of 0.526). For those same stats, Denver had marks of 20.5 and 0.494, respectively. Washington was lifted by Troy Brown, who recorded 25 points and 14 rebounds. Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum played a pivotal role for Boston with 28 points and seven rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Kemba Walker led the Celtics to a 140-133 win. He recorded 25 points, five rebounds and five assists. The two teams combined to put up 273 points, which was well over the projected point total of 230.5, and Boston was unable to cover as an 8-point favorite. The Celtics’ offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Wizards. Boston had a rate of 27.0, while Washington posted a mark of 20.9.
Oddsmakers tend to set the total high when the Celtics are involved, as 19 of their 33 contests have ended under the total. Boston heads into the contest with records of 25-8 straight up (SU) and 20-12-1 against the spread (ATS).
Unlike Boston, Wizards games have typically gone over the projected point total (60.0 percent). Moreover, Washington owns records of 11-24 SU and 18-17 ATS.
The Celtics’ Enes Kanter has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 13 points,10.2 rebounds,2.0 blocks per game. Meanwhile, Ish Smith has averaged 13 points,3.8 assists during that same time frame for the Wizards.
This battle pits one of the NBA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Washington currently ranks fourth in offensive efficiency and Boston is third in defensive efficiency. Furthermore, the Celtics, who rank fifth in offensive rebounding percentage (24.2 percent), will try to take advantage of the Wizards, who rank 28th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.1 percent).
Boston Celtics vs. Washington Wizards ATS Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Wizards, ATS Winner – Wizards, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Celtics rank fourth in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.6) while the Wizards rank eighth (15.9).
- Boston ranks fourth in points allowed in the paint per game (42.2) while Washington ranks 28th (51.4).
- The Celtics rank 12th in rebounds per game (46.0) while the Wizards rank last (42.2).
- Washington ranks second in second chance points per game (14.8) while Boston ranks 16th (13.0).
- Washington ranks 14th in three pointers attempted per game (33.6) while Boston ranks 21st in three pointers allowed per game (34.4).
- The Celtics rank sixth in blocks per game (6.1) while the Wizards rank 26th (4.1).
- The Celtics rank fifth in fast break points per game (15.1) while the Wizards rank 15th (12.7).
- Boston ranks fourth in steals allowed per game (6.8) while Washington ranks sixth (7.0).
- Boston ranks sixth in assists allowed per game (22.9) while Washington ranks 26th (25.8).
- Washington is 2-0 when they allow less than 100 points, while Boston is 9-1.
- In games where they score more than 100 points, the Celtics are 24-4 and the Wizards are 10-24.
- Washington is 7-9 ATS at home, while Boston is 11-5-1 ATS on the road.
- Of the Celtics’ 17 road games, they have 10 unders and 7 overs.
- Of the Wizards’ 16 home games, they have 9 overs, 6 unders and 1 push.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Boston and Washington are both 2-3 ATS.
- The Celtics have 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games, while the Wizards have 3 overs and 2 unders
- During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 111.0 points per game (0.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 106.4 points per game (2.7 above their season average).
- The Wizards’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.0, down from 4.7 for the season.
