Wizards Get Physical, Look to Even Series Sunday
On Sunday evening, Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals best of seven series between the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards tips off from the Verizon Center in the nation’s capital.
The current line has Washington favored by 4.5 points with the over/under point total sitting on 216. Boston currently leads the series 2-1.
The tone of this series took a big turn during Game 3. Washington lost Games 1 and 2 in Boston but came out very physical in Game 3 and will likely continue since the Wizards were able to narrow the lead to 2-1 and can even the series at 2-2 with a victory Sunday evening.
Physical play began early with Washington’s Kelly Oubre Jr. and Boston’s Kelly Olynyk tangling followed by the Wizards’ Brandon Jennings getting chippy with Boston’s Terry Rozier, with both eventually being ejected from the game.
The result of the game showed that Washington would not just rollover and lay down. The Wizards have looked superior to Boston during long periods of time in the series and could easily be leading the series 2-1 if not for blowing such a big lead in Game 2 and losing in overtime.
Both teams are led by guards, with Isaiah Thomas the leading scorer and playmaker for Boston and John Wall the top scorer playmaker for Washington.
Wall and Thomas will continue to lead their respective teams, with the key being which other players on the two teams will step up their games and help lead them to victory.
Be prepared for a physical game from the start by Washington as they are bigger and much more physical than Boston.
If the Celtics can hit their three-pointers with regularity they are hard to beat, but they hit just 10 of 32 in Game 3 and Thomas scored only 13 points which spelled double-trouble for Boston.
Boston will be outrebounded by Washington, but needs to stick to its game plan of hitting outside shots and taking an inside look on occasion to keep Washington’s defense honest.
Washington will continue going to Wall for its offense and play as physical as the officials on the court will allow and an attempt to take the Celtics out of their game and comfort zone.
Boston is 6-1 ATS in its past 7 games played.
Washington is 5-2 ATS in its past 7 games at home.
Prediction: Boston is reeling from the physical game Washington introduced in Game 3. Washington looks strong heading into Game 4. Lean here toward the Wizards.
