Eastern Conference Playoffs Semis, Game 2 Celtics lead 2-0

Celtics at Wizards

May 4, 2017 at 8:00 PM Verizon Center | Washington, DC TV: NBA on TNT Radio: 1500 AM

What to watch:

The Wizards are back at home. Brad Beal is coming off of an underwhelming game. I think you know where I’m going. Beal finished Game 2 with 14 points on an ugly 26.7 percent shooting from the field. Expect Beal to come out and get his feet back under himself. No doubt he goes for at least 30 and keeps up his defensive efforts of recent history. Also, who doesn’t love John Wall? This man is a menace, I mean come on 40 points and 13 assists?! (You cannot forget his playoff leading 50% field goal percentage). That is just insane. Wall is a man on a mission and is showing no sign of slowing down any time soon.

Key Matchup:

Washington Bench vs. the scoreboard.

This has been a looming issue for the Wizards all season. There was a point in time where the issue looked like it had been remedied, but yet here we still are. In Game 2 Bogdonovic had an astounding 0 points. Brandon Jennings matched that number in the assist column. Brooks has solidified his rotation and now, more than ever, everyone needs to know their role and produce in the time they get. All season Brooks has preached “You gotta be ready”. When the bench is ready, this team is hard to beat. This is a pivotal game, and an imperative time for the bench to step up on both ends of the floor (Shout out Kelly Oubre #Shh).

X-Factor:

Pick and roll defense.

You said it yourselves, and I agree. Pick and roll defense. Switching off Horford screens with Gortat simply is not working. Isaiah Thomas is tearing this defense up and something needs to change. Whether it is John, Brad, Jennings, or anyone else it is time to start fighting over screens and slowing this man down. I propose a Gortat hedge to allow time for recovery instead of having two mismatches in Gortat/IT and Horford/whoever is guarding him.

Fun Factor:

Its game three of a budding Eastern Conference rivalry. AT HOME! Verizon Center better be loud from the moment the doors open until the final buzzer (and hopefully long thereafter). The playoff atmosphere has been incredible in Washington, and that was just against the Hawks. Get your tickets ASAP and watch this go down live.

Prediction:

Washington is a tough team to beat at home, and now they are on the verge of going down 0-3. Expect the Wizards to come out with a chip on their shoulders. In an exciting game, the Wizards edge the Celtics, and don’t blow a fourth quarter lead.

#Wizards #JohnWall #Clippers