Boston Celtics vs Washington Wizards Game 3 Eastern Conference Playoff Prediction, 5–4–2017
Boston Celtics vs Washington Wizards | Thursday, May 4th, 8:00 pm EST
Spread Prediction and Odds by Greg Michaels of Oddsboard.com
Odds: Wizards -5.5, 218.5
Boston Celtics
(59–31)
The Celtics hit the road for Game 3 of this Eastern Conference Playoff matchup to take on the Wizards. Boston has taken a commanding 2–0 lead in this series after playing inspired basketball lead by All-Star PG Isaiah Thomas.
Boston has reeled off six straight wins since going down 0–2 to the Bulls in the first round of the Playoffs. Thomas has averaged 31.0 points on 46.7 percent shooting over his past five games and there are no signs he’ll slow down. The league hasn’t seen a player of his stature play with this amount of heart and determination since Allen Iverson.
Boston, the #1 seed, come into this contest 4th in the playoffs in scoring offense with 109 points per game. While Thomas is the leading scorer, the Celtics have a solid supporting cast. Jae Crowder chips in 13.8 points plus 5.6 boards a contest. Avery Bradley puts up 16 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists a night. Al Horford has averaged 16 points, nine rebounds and 6.5 assists per game and Marcus Smart chips in 7.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists per contest.
Outside shooting has been a big reason why the Celtics are up 2–0 in the series. They drained 19 threes in Game 1 and made 13 in Game 2. Overall, the Celtics are shooting 51.1% from the field in this series.
Celtics Betting Trends
- Celtics are 5–0 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win
- Celtics are 6–0 ATS in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference
- Celtics are 11–4–2 ATS in their last 17 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600
Washington Wizards
(53–37)
The Washington Wizards are desperate for a win and Game 3 is a must win. Washington has played solid basketball in this series and very well could have won both Game 1 and 2. However, the Celtics managed to protect their home court. Now it’s Washington’s home court they must protect.
John Wall is leading the team with 29.6 points, 11.4 assists and 1.75 steals per game. Bradley Beal averages 24.5 points a game but he failed to show up when needed in Game 2. The biggest concern with Washington is which player steps up if Wall or Beal need help? The Wizards rely on their two star players but their supporting cast is thin and during this time of the season, fatigue is a possibility.
The Wizards are tied for 5th in the league in scoring offense with 108.8 points per game. Washington is 9th in the league on the glass with 41.3 boards per game.
Wizards Betting Trends
- Wizards are 4–11 ATS in their last 15 games following a ATS loss
- Wizards are 1–5 ATS in their last 6 games overall
- Home team is 6–0 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
- Favorite is 5–1 ATS in the last 6 meetings
Celtics vs Wizards Spread Pick
A return to Washington is just what the Wizards may need. I’m very concerned that Washington lacks depth and their bench has been outplayed in this series. Wall and Beal represent one of the best backcourts in basketball but they will need help. Ultimately, I think Washington gets the boost from the home crowd and plays inspired, desperate basketball. The Wizards went 33–11 SU at home this season and 25–19 ATS. I thought this series would go the distance and in order to do so, the Wizards need this game. This is a do or die game for the Wizards and they’re intensity will lead them to a win and cover.
