Regular Season Game 34
Wizards (18-15) at Celtics (27-9)
December 24, 2017 at 5:30 PM TD Garden | Boston, MA
TV: ABC Radio: 1500 AM
Odds: BOS -4.5
What to Watch: Still Plenty of Intrigue
Sure, Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley, and Jae Crowder are gone, but that does not mean there are still not interesting storylines to keep an eye on. John Wall and Marcus Smart are still well acquainted, Bradley Beal goes up against hometown friend and talented rookie Jayson Tatum, and Markieff Morris may go up against twin Marcus (questionable with a left knee) or at least Al Horford who he believes may have personally undercut him in the playoff series last season. Probably, the best matchup to watch is the one below.
Key Matchup:
John Wall vs. Kyrie Irving, Duh
Ever since they were selected as No. 1 overall picks in consecutive years, Wall and Irving have consistently been compared. Nationally, Irving is thought of as the better player because of his scoring prowess, but around these parts, Wall is favored for his passing and relatively better defense. The difference in double-doubles for the two is staggering. John Wall: 247 (44.7%) vs. Kyrie Irving: 31 (6.6%). Irving has been playing at a high-level this season without LeBron James, but Wall always seems to bring his A-game for the national spotlight. The two have had epic battles in the past and Christmas day should be nothing less, just a new uniform for Kyrie.
X-Factor:
Minimizing Bostons's Mismatches
Between Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Al Horford, the Celtics have matchup problems all over the board. Brown and Tatum are athletic wings that have turned into legitimate scorers that require some of the Wizards best defenders. If Markieff Morris is asked to guard Tatum, I would not be confident in the non-100% Keef's ability to keep up. When Marcin Gortat and/or Ian Mahinmi have to defend Horford on the perimeter, I fear the latter could knock down a handful of uncontested three-pointers. Maybe Washington's best chance is to play Morris at the 5 and let Kelly Oubre Jr. and/or Mike Scott get lots of run with the starters. This is a game where the Wizards could use a lock down defender type like Avery Bradley, but alas, that is not the case.
Fun Factor:
Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animals
I hope you get the Home Alone reference and enjoy the holidays with friends and family. The Wizards do not entirely get that opportunity by playing on the road on Christmas, but they are humbled by the honor of playing on the holiday that is coveted by many, especially during the 5:30 p.m. spot. John Wall joked that three years ago when they played the Knicks at noon, no one was even awake to watch the game. Of course, in that game, Wall put the spin cycle on current teammate Jason Smith.
Prediction:
Boston is a different animal right now and even though Washington is going to give it a good fight to keep things close, the Celtics take care of business at home.