The NBA’s top shooting defense will be at home in TD Garden, when the Boston Celtics (46-21) face off with the Washington Wizards (38-30). The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, and will air on ESPN.
Washington Wizards vs. Boston Celtics ATS Odds
Both teams lost in their last matchup. The Celtics lost a close one to the Indiana Pacers, 99-97, while the Wizards fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves, 116-111.
Washington did a terrific job of getting and making free throws (19-25; 76.0 percent) while Boston did a fantastic job of making free throws (17-21; 81.0 percent). Marcus Smart played a pivotal role for Boston with 20 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. Washington was led by Markieff Morris, who contributed 27 points.
When looking at effective field goal percentage, Boston should have a substantial edge. The Celtics defense ranks first in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.491), while the Washington offense is ranked 12th in effective field goal percentage (0.525).
Of the Wizards’ 67 games that accepted bets, 36 have finished under the projected point total. Washington holds records of 38-30 straight up (SU) and 31-34-2 against the spread (ATS).
Contrary to Washington, games involving the Celtics have finished over the total 50.7 percent of the time. Further, Boston is 46-21 SU and 39-25-3 ATS.
Terry Rozier has been excellent as of late for Boston, averaging 14.4 points over the last five games.
The Celtics had the upper hand in the most recent game, a 110-104 victory, to even the season series at one. Otto Porter Jr. had a double-double in the loss with 27 points and 11 rebounds. One of Boston’s largest advantages was getting to the charity stripe. They made 34 trips to the line, while Washington went 20 times. Boston covered as a 2-point favorite and the two teams combined to put up 214 points, which was over the projected point total of 203.
Washington Wizards at Boston Celtics ATS Pick
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Wizards, ATS Winner – Wizards, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Celtics average 44.3 rebounds per game, which ranks eighth in the NBA. The Wizards rank 12th in rebounds allowed per game (42.6).
- Washington ranks 10th in points off turnovers per game (17.1) while Boston ranks 27th (14.8).
- The Celtics rank fifth in steals allowed per game (7.0) while the Wizards rank 14th (7.8).
- Washington ranks 22nd in points in the paint per game (42.6) while Boston ranks 28th (39.1).
- Boston ranks fourth in fast break points allowed per game (10.0) while Washington ranks ninth (11.0).
- The Wizards rank fifth in assists per game (24.8) while the Celtics rank 17th (22.5).
- The Celtics average 12.0 second chance points per game, which ranks 18th in the NBA. The Wizards rank 24th in second chance points allowed per game (13.3).
- Boston ranks sixth in three pointers attempted per game (31.5) while Washington ranks 16th in three pointers allowed per game (29.3).
- Washington is 18-3 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Boston is 29-4.
- The Wizards are 35-17 when they score above 100 points, while the Celtics are 35-9.
- Boston is 16-16-3 ATS at home, while Washington is 20-14 ATS on the road.
- Of the Wizards’ 34 road games, they have 21 unders and 13 overs.
- The Celtics have 18 overs and 17 unders in 35 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Washington and Boston have both had 3 overs and 2 unders.
- The Celtics are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Wizards are 1-3-1.
- The Celtics’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.4, up from 4.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Wizards have scored an average of 108.2 points per game (1.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 110.6 points per game (4.7 above their season average).
