NBA: Wizards vs Celtics, Preview, Odds, Free Pick (May 18)

Wizards vs Celtics Preview

The declining Boston Celtics will meet the Washington Wizards in their Eastern Conference play-in matchup. The team from DC is looking great recently, carried by their fantastic duo Westbrook-Beal who finally clicked, bringing the Wizards back from the dead in the post-All-Star period. Meanwhile, the Cs are playing badly, and additionally, they lost Jaylen Brown, whose wrist injury terminated the season for the fantastic guard. The situation is not looking very bright for Brad Steven’s side, but they have no other options but to keep on fighting. 

Wizards vs Celtics Schedule

• Where: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusets
• When: Tuesday, May 18, 9pm ET
• How to Watch: TNT

Wizards vs Celtics Odds

Washington Looking Pretty Good

The guys from DC come into this event as mild underdogs, and to be honest, we disagree with this fact. They are 15-5 over the previous 20 games, playing their best basketball this season. 

Their latest clash against the Charlotte Hornets ended 115-110 in Washington’s favor, and it was the match in which the Wizards secured the 8th seed in the conference. Scott Brooks’ guys won almost all the important matchups after the All-Star break, which is why they managed to stun the league and get back from the bottom of the standings. 

Against the Hornets, Russell Westbrook dropped another triple-double, with 23 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. This was his 38th of the year. Bradley Beal scored 25, which saw him losing the top scorer honors, and that wil for sure be a massive motive for the Wizards’ sharpshooter.

Boston in a Nasty Situation

The Celtics have five defeats in the previous six games. We could justify that by saying that their schedule has been a bit tough, but to be honest, it would be a lie. Simply, the Cs aren’t playing well in recent times, and that is it. They don’t have proper chemistry, the defense is mediocre, and they also lost Jaylen Brown.

Their big rivals, the New York Knicks posted a win in Madison in the latest game Boston played. Though, we need to say that Stevens’ team didn’t play with their top players because that match had no competitive meaning for them.

All eyes will be pointed towards Jayson Tatum, who has to carry the team on his own now, without Brown involved. Tatum averaged 26.4 points per game with 7.4 boards each night. Those numbers were slightly lower against the Wizs 23 ppg and 7 rpg. 

Wizards vs Celtics Head to Head

The Celtics won two out of three direct matchups this season. Boston won the initial meeting at home, 116-107. After that the Wizards responded in DC 104-91, but the Cs got the series in the third meeting, played in TD Garden, 111-110.

Wizards vs Celtics Prediction and Pick

Even though they are the underdogs, our pick here are the Wizards, who are looking pretty fiery over the past six weeks. Both Bradley and Westbook have massive confidence, which can’t be said for the Celtics’ players. For all those who want to risk, this is the perfect moment to do so.

Free NBA Pick: Wizards