Washington Wizards vs. Boston Celtics Game 5 Preview
Where: TD Garden – Boston, MA
When: Wednesday, May 10, 2017 – 8:30 PM ET
Line: Washington Wizards (+4) vs. Boston Celtics (-4) – total: 218.5 – view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: TNT
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Betting on the Washington Wizards (+155)
Now that they have tied the series at two apiece, momentum is definitely on the Wizards’ side. It was extra good since the two strong performances at home had them playing in different styles – if Game 3 featured an aggressive, bulldozing approach right from the tip, Game 4 was more relaxed and calculated, as they let the game come to them first before unloading.
Much of the patience was seen when they returned from a deadlocked halftime and suddenly went berserk on both ends. They tallied 26 unanswered points in the third quarter and never looked back, eventually winning, 121-102.
Winning by an average of 23 points in Games 3 and 4, we should see the Wizards use the energy they gained from the pair of blowout victories. It will be great for the big challenge that await them in Boston, where they have been outclassed a handful of times this season.
Expect the Wiz to continue relying on their backcourt – John Wall (27.8 PPG, 12.3 APG, 3.0 SPG) and Bradley Beal (20.3 PPG) – although Otto Porter Jr. and Marcin Gortat’s play have been commendable as well.
Betting on the Boston Celtics (-175)
With two failed bids to put a stranglehold on the series, the Celtics are basically back to zero. They did gave their best shot, but they just couldn’t handle the Wizards’ intensity on the road.
The good news, however, is the series will shift back to their home floor, and they do have home court advantage in the next three games (should a Game 7 be necessary). The Celtics haven’t lost to the Wiz at TD Garden this season. They are a perfect 4-0 in those meetings, averaging 119.7 points and 14.7 threes per game, while also shooting above 50 percent.
Like we’ve said about Washington, we should also see Boston ride the shoulders of its main man. Isaiah Thomas is still doing it all for the team, registering 29.5 points and 5.5 assists on 50 percent shooting on the series.
Thomas, as you may know by know, has proven his great ability to weave his way through defenses. What he needs is consistent help from the other guys. Co-starters Al Hordord, Avery Bradley, and Jae Crowder can all score and provide plenty of other things, but they are not as steady as their All-Star guard.
Writer’s Prediction
The Celtics (-4) put on another show on offense and win, 116-110.
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