Gameday Preview: Celtics Hope to Bounce Back Against Beal and the Wizards
Creator: David Butler II | Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports | Copyright: David Butler II
Following a tough loss to the Pistons, the Celtics travel to Washington tonight to take on the Wizards for the second time this season. In their last meeting, the C’s were able to come away with a 116-107 win on the back of a 32-point game from Jayson Tatum. Bradley Beal put up 41 for the Wizards, but it wasn’t enough.
That has been the trend all season long as Beal trade rumors have dominated the NBA headlines this year, despite the fact that he has stated his commitment to Washington on numerous occasions. The Wizards are 6-17 going into this one, which is the worst record in the Eastern Conference and second-worst in the NBA. Beal is leading the NBA in scoring with 32.8 points a night and is a threat from everywhere on the floor. Unfortunately, that dominance only translates on the offensive end for the Wizards. They currently rank 29th in the league in defensive rating (115.5) and 30th in the league in points allowed per game (120.3). Most of their struggles have come on the defensive end of the floor, and that’s going to be where the Celtics are able to win this game.
Meanwhile, the Celtics continued their roller coaster of a season the other night against a physical Detroit team. It was the second night of a back-to-back, with the first night seeing great success against a Raptors team that had been rolling as of late. However, the same ball movement that the Celtics employed against Toronto didn’t carry over into the next one, as they finished with half the amount of assists (30 vs. TOR; 15 vs. DET). The Celtics have struggled mightily in afternoon bouts and with this game tipping off at 1:00 PM EST, hopefully that trend ends today. In fact, Boston has been struggling to remain consistent all season long, and while injuries have played a huge part in that, there comes a point where fans begin to wonder if a move is destined to be made.
Regardless of trades, the Celtics will look to get back in the win column against a Wizards team with one glaring weakness - defense. Both Tatum and Jaylen Brown should look to attack early and often, but also make sure to get the shooters involved. If guys like Semi Ojeleye and Payton Pritchard can get off to a hot start with a couple of open looks, that should get the ball rolling nicely. The Wizards are, on paper, the worst defensive team in the league, so if there’s ever a night for Boston’s offense to thrive it’s tonight.
Ojeleye and Robert Williams are listed as probable on the injury report for Boston, while Marcus Smart and Romeo Langford are still listed as out. For the Wizards, Ish Smith has been ruled out, with Thomas Bryant also being out as he will be for the rest of the season with a torn ACL.
Make sure to tune in to our live pregame show, the Banner Town Build Up, 30 minutes before the game on YouTube and Twitter @GuyBostonSports. The Celtics tip-off against the Wizards at 1:00 PM EST on NBC Sports Boston.
