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The Washington Wizards (2-11) welcome the Boston Celtics (12-3) to Capital One Arena Friday for NBA Cup group play. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Celtics vs. Wizards odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Celtics lead 1-0
The Celtics handed the Cleveland Cavaliers their first loss of the season in a 120-117 home win Tuesday, closing as 6.5-point favorites. They are 5-1 straight up over their last 6 games yet just 2-4 against the spread (ATS). They are 7-8 ATS on the season. Boston is led by F Jayson Tatum, who is averaging 29.9 points per game.
The Wizards have dropped 9 straight games after losing 134-106 at the New York Knicks Monday as 14.5-point underdogs. Washington is just 1-8 ATS over its last 9 games and 3-10 ATS on the season. It is led by G Jordan Poole, who is averaging 21.1 points per game.
Celtics at Wizards odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated at 8:26 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Celtics -1400 (bet $1,400 to win $100) | Wizards +825 (bet $100 to win $825)
- Against the spread: Celtics -15.5 (-110) | Wizards +15.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 237.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Celtics at Wizards key injuries
Celtics
- C Kristaps Porzingis (foot) out
Wizards
- F Marvin Bagley III (groin) questionable
- F Saddiq Bey (knee) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Celtics at Wizards picks and predictions
Prediction
Celtics 132, Wizards 114
Moneyline
PASS.
There’s no reason to consider the moneyline here. Washington is playing far too poorly, while the Celtics are too expensive to consider.
Against the spread
BET CELTICS -15.5 (-110).
While the Celtics have struggled to cover as large favorites recently, the Wizards have struggled while getting points. They are 0-6 ATS as double-digit underdogs this season, having lost 2 straight by at least 20 points.
Washington’s defense has been atrocious, allowing at least 124 points in 4 straight games. The Celtics can take advantage, as they have scored at least 120 in 3 straight. Boston is 4-5 ATS as a double-digit favorite.
Expect it to dominate the reeling Wizards, and back CELTICS -15.5 (-110).
Over/Under
BET OVER 237.5 (-110).
The Celtics defense has been uncharacteristically porous as of late, allowing at least 114 points in 4 straight. The Celtics are 4-0 O/U in their last 4 games and 8-6-1 O/U on the season.
The Wizards, due to their league-worst defense, are 8-5 O/U and 3-1 O/U in their last 4 games. They are 3-2 O/U at home. Considering those defensive trends, back OVER 237.5 (-110).
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