Washington Wizards vs. Boston Celtics Game 7 Preview
Where: TD Garden – Boston, Massachusetts
When: Monday, May 15, 2017, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Washington Wizards (+5) at Boston Celtics (-5); total: 210.0 – view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: TNT
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Betting on the Washington Wizards (+5)
Washington will get to witness another Game 7 thanks to the heroics of John Wall. The Wizards’ star point guard drained the game-winning 3-pointer to give his team the Game 6 victory. Despite another rough shooting night (9-25 FG), Wall still finished with 26 points and 8 assists, while backcourt mate Bradley Beal had a huge game with 33 points on 15-of-26 shooting.
Washington was once again able to control the battle of the boards, 46-37. Markieff Morris had a strong performance with 16 points and 11 assists, and Marcin Gortat grabbed 13 boards. However, Otto Porter was a non-factor as he went scoreless. Meanwhile, the Wizards bench had just 13 points.
With the Wizards’ second unit still very shaky and tough to trust in a Game 7, none of the starters can really afford to have a bad game. Porter needs to bounce back from his bad Game 6, and Beal, who hasn’t had back-to-back good games all series, should really start now.
They also need some more heroics from Wall, who has shot just 40 percent from the field in the series. He did come up with his best offensive showing of the series in Boston when he put up 40 points in Game 2.
Betting on the Boston Celtics (-5)
The Celtics’ cute all-black attire for the “funeral” game in Game 6 didn’t quite work as they fell just short of closing out the Wizards. They were a bit hard done by by a clock error in the final play, but they will still get a chance to seal the deal on their home floor.
Avery Bradley had his second outstanding game in a row as he dropped 27 points in Game 6 while providing excellent defense on Wall in 42 minutes of play. Isaiah Thomas also had 27, although he shot 8-of-24 from the floor. Al Horford was the third Celtic with 20 points as he shot a sizzling 8-of-12.
The Celtics didn’t really get anything out of their bench, which combined for just 5 points. But being at home will give their role players a much better chance of performing at a high level in the pressure-packed situation that is Game 7.
Boston has a storied history in Game 7s; they’re 21-8 all-time in such games, and 18-4 at home. They will also have recent history on their side, as the home team has won all 10 meetings between the Celtics and Wizards dating back to the regular season.
Writer’s Prediction
The Celtics (-5) win and cover another Game 7 at home as they oust the Wizards.
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