Final: Celtics 126, Wizards 107 - Tatum & Brown combine for 69

BOSTON CELTICS vs. WASHINGTON WIZARDS

7:00 p.m., NBCS Boston

Line: Boston -10.5

INJURIES

Boston: Neemias Queta (OUT, sore foot)

Washington: Landry Shamet (OUT, toe), Daniel Gafford (QUESTIONABLE, left ankle sprain)

FOUR THINGS I’M LOOKING FOR

1. Kristaps Porzingis’ homecoming: He already had one of these in New York and he used it as a bit of motivation. I don’t think he’ll be showered with F-- Porzingis chants this time around. I think everyone is on board with the rebuild and Porzingis will be welcomed with open arms. 

“I fell in love with this city and this place in a short time,” Porzingis said at the team’s morning shoot around. “It’s a lot of good emotions and a lot of great relationships. I’m looking forward to the game tonight.”

It’ll be interesting to see if Joe Mazzulla plays him a little more in this game just so he can put up some big numbers against his former team. 

2. Jayson Tatum’s minutes: I think the first two games had some extra value to the Celtics, which is why Tatum played so much. I think this game will see a drop off in the overall starter minutes and some more minutes for the deeper bench units. If I’m right, the Tatum will play about 34 minutes. If not, Tatum will be up in the 38-40 range.

It’ll help if this ends up as a blowout. 

3. Bench production: I’m not going to overreact to some early paltry scoring off the bench, but that will have to change at some point. I feel like we’ll see these guys get enough minutes where they’ll be able to contribute a bit more. 

4. Focus: Opening night in New York and a home opener against Miami are easy games to get up for. This game is not. Washington is not good, but they have guys who are capable of getting hot from 3 and putting up real points. I want the Celtics to come out with the proper focus to put up a big first quarter instead of falling behind early and having to play catch up. 

Follow along with my thoughts as the game goes on. They’ll show up below and in the comments section, so hop in and share your opinion as well.