Matchup: Boston Celtics vs Washington Wizards
Date: Friday, November 22, 2024
Venue: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Broadcast: Monumental Sports Network
On Friday, the Boston Celtics (12-3) travel to Capital One Arena to face off against the Washington Wizards (2-11).
In their previous game, the Celtics defeated the Cavaliers with a close score of 120-117. Boston showcased an impressive field goal percentage of 51.2% (44 of 86) and excelled from beyond the arc, sinking 22 out of 41 three-point attempts. At the charity stripe, they converted 10 of their 14 free throw opportunities, achieving a 71.4% success rate. The Celtics tallied 42 total rebounds, including 9 offensive boards, and dished out 32 assists. Defensively, Boston forced 7 turnovers and recorded 4 steals while allowing the Cavaliers to shoot 49.5% (46 of 93) from the field. Cleveland contributed with 30 assists and managed to grab 41 rebounds (12 offensive, 29 defensive) along with 4 blocks. Cleveland was efficient at the free throw line, hitting 15 of 17 shots for an 88.2% rate and made 10 of their 29 attempts from three-point range. The Celtics committed 19 personal fouls compared to the Cavaliers’ 15.
Star player Jayson Tatum made a significant impact in the Celtics’ win, posting a 50.0% shooting rate from the floor and assisting on 7 baskets. In 38 minutes of play, he collected 12 rebounds and scored an impressive 33 points on 11 of 22 shooting.
The Celtics enter this contest with a record of 12-3, averaging 121.5 points per game, ranking second in the NBA. Their shooting efficiency stands at 46.3% from the field and 37.9% on three-pointers (287 of 757). From the free throw line, they convert 81.9% of attempts. As a collective, Boston is averaging 42.7 rebounds per game and has registered 388 assists this season, ranking them 15th in the league for assists. They average 12.1 turnovers and commit 16.5 fouls weekly.
Defensively, the Celtics force an average of 13.9 turnovers per game while committing 19.8 fouls themselves. They rank 13th in the league in assists allowed, with 385 given up over the season. The Celtics permit a shooting percentage of 47.2% (641 of 1,359) and average 43.1 rebounds conceded per game. They allow opponents to shoot 34.6% from beyond the arc and rank 12th in points allowed per game at 111.8.
Most recently, the Wizards faced a challenging game, losing 134-106 to the Knicks. In terms of rebounding, they allowed New York to gather 41 boards, including 7 on the offensive end. The Wizards struggled defensively as the Knicks shot 56.0% from the field, making 51 of 91 attempts. The Wizards’ shooting percentage was 47.3%, hitting 43 of 91 shots throughout the game. From three-point land, they hit 11 of 33 attempts (33.3%) and converted 9 of 16 free throws (56.3%). The Knicks were called for 12 fouls, giving the Wizards 16 free throw opportunities. Washington registered 29 defensive rebounds and grabbed 12 offensively for a total of 41.
Carlton Carrington had a standout performance for the Wizards, shooting 43.8% (7 of 16) and pulling down 4 rebounds. He tallied 18 points in 32 minutes, adding 2 assists to his stats.
This season, the Wizards hold a record of 2-11. They average 21.9 fouls per game and are hitting 78.0% of their free throws. Washington averages 25.2 assists per game (ranking 18th in the NBA) and turns the ball over 15.5 times per game. They have scored a total of 1,429 points this season, averaging 109.9 points per game, and they also collect 41.7 rebounds per game. As a unit, Washington has shot 44.4% from the field, placing them 24th in the league.
Defensively, the Wizards rank last in the league for points per game allowed, giving up 124.7 on average. They force 13.8 turnovers per game but permit opponents to shoot 47.9% from the field (25th overall). Their three-point defense allows an average of 37.6% (192 of 510), and opponents convert 79.1% of their free throw attempts. Per game, they give up 27.2 assists and 48.9 rebounds, which ranks them 24th and 29th, respectively, in the league.
Which team will prevail in tonight’s NBA faceoff against the spread?
Free Prediction: Bet on Washington (+15.5)
