Final: Celtics 108, Wizards 96 - C's play ugly, but finish strong

BOSTON CELTICS (12-3) at WASHINGTON WIZARDS (2-11)

Capital One Arena, 7 p.m. - NBCS Boston

Line: Boston -15.5

INJURIES

Boston: Kristaps Porzingis (OUT, ankle), Al Horford (OUT, illness()

Washington: Saddiq Bey (OUT, knee), Tristan Vucevic (OUT, knee), Marvin Bagley (QUESTIONABLE, groin)

This is an Emirates Cup pool play game

THINGS I’M LOOKING FOR

1. Taking this game seriously: I know the Celtics have a tough time getting up for some of these lesser teams, but I’d like to see them put some effort in right away to put the pressure on a bad Wizards team. They’ve had a couple of days off and a nice party on Thursday night. They have a back-to-back starting with an early game against Minnesota on Sunday, so I do fear them looking past Washington. However, the best way to get ready for that game on Sunday is to blow this team out early and maybe rest later. 

2. Protect the paint: The Wizards will run if they can, so it’s important to get back and protect the rim. Lazy defense in the halfcourt or in transition will make this game annoyingly close. Losing Horford hurts, so it’s up to the perimeter guys to put in more work and keep the pressure off Neemias Queta and Luke Kornet. 

3. Running their offense: I have a fear they might just try to shoot their way to a win. I want to see them attack, drive, and kick. Generate good shots rather than settling for the first decent look. 

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.