Washington Wizards (9-40) vs. Boston Celtics (38-12)
Washington Wizards vs. Boston Celtics February 9, 2024 – In a matchup that pits one of the NBA’s underdogs against a top contender, the Washington Wizards will take on the Boston Celtics on Friday, February 9, 2024, at TD Garden. With the Wizards struggling to find their footing this season and the Celtics soaring high in the standings, this game presents a clear dichotomy of fortunes. As the teams prepare to face off, bettors and fans alike are turning to certified sports betting sites for insights into what promises to be an intriguing contest.
Washington Wizards vs. Boston Celtics February 9, 2024 Game Info
| When: | Friday, February 9, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | TD Garden |
| TV: | NBCS-BOS |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Jordan Poole (SG) vs. Jayson Tatum (SF)
Jordan Poole has been one of the lone bright spots in an otherwise disastrous season for the Wizards. He’s averaging 16.2 points on 47.6% shooting, dishing out 3.6 assists, and putting up nearly 30 minutes a night. His scoring punch off the bench gives Washington a much-needed offensive boost. However, his subpar defense remains an issue.
Jayson Tatum, on the other hand, has blossomed into a bonafide NBA superstar for the Celtics this season. He’s averaging 22.3 points on nearly 50% shooting to go along with 5.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. His versatility on both ends of the court makes him a matchup nightmare. If Poole ends up guarding Tatum, expect the Celtics’ star to have a field day.
While Poole remains an intriguing talent, Tatum holds a decisive edge in this matchup given his two-way impact and importance to Boston’s success this season. His matchup with Poole could be the deciding factor on Friday night.
Wizards’ Struggle for Consistency: An Analysis
The Wizards’ struggles begin on the defensive end, where they allow the 4th most points per game in the NBA. Opponents shoot over 47% from the field and nearly 35% from three against this porous defense. The Celtics, with their array of shot creators and one of the top offenses in the league (4th in PPG), should have no issues scoring at will. Washington is nearly just as ineffective on offense, relying far too heavily on isolation play rather than ball movement. They assist on fewer than 56% of their made baskets, 2nd-worst in the league. Against a stout Celtics defense allowing the 7th-fewest PPG, points figure to come at a premium.
Celtics’ Dominance on Display
The Boston Celtics have proven themselves formidable this season, boasting a 38-12 record. Led by Tatum’s offensive prowess and solid defense, this is one of the league’s most balanced teams, averaging 120.3 points per game while maintaining a 47.7 field goal percentage. As they prepare to host the Wizards this Sunday afternoon, the Bostonians hope to use home court advantage and depth to seal yet another victory and secure another win.
NBA Betting Odds: TBD, Over/Under: TBD
The betting odds for this game have yet to be finalized, but it’s clear that the Celtics will enter as heavy favorites. Given the contrasting records and performances of the two teams, bettors will be keenly observing the spread and total points to gauge the potential value. Insights from certified sports betting sites suggest that the Celtics’ robust offense and strong defensive record make them a safe bet, but the Wizards’ unpredictability could offer some interesting prop bet opportunities.
Washington Wizards Betting Trends
Wizards are 2-3 in their last 5 games.
Washington Wizards are 2-3 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Wizards are 15-8 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 1 of Wizards’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 12 of Wizards’ 24 last games at home.
Boston Celtics Betting Trends
Celtics are 3-2 in their last 5 games.
Boston Celtics are 1-4 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Celtics are 10-12 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 2 of Celtics’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 13 of Celtics’ 26 last games at home.
Washington Wizards vs. Boston Celtics Betting Picks
Due to analysis and betting trends, the Celtics appear to be the more secure pick for a straight win; however, the Wizards’ track record in covering spreads on the road makes them an intriguing option for spread betting. Bettors should carefully consider an over/under prediction given both teams’ offensive capabilities and recent trends that suggest high scoring contests could ensue.
As for basketball expert picks, the Celtics’ balanced attack and superior record make them favorites to win this contest. But there may also be value in prop bets related to individual performances like Jordan Poole or Jayson Tatum who play key roles for their respective teams’ success. Choosing between an over/under game may prove more difficult as both sides tend toward high scoring contests.
Score Prediction: Celtics 118, Wizards 105
