(Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Final: Celtics 133, Wizards 129 - Boston survive another shaky defensive game
BOSTON CELTICS vs. WASHINGTON WIZARDS
7:30 p.m., NBCS Boston
Line: Boston -17.5
INJURIES
Boston: Xavier Tillman (OUT, knee), Jaden Springer (OUT, ankle)
Washington: Marvin Bagley (OUT, back), Patrick Baldwin (OUT, ankle), Isaiah Livers (OUT, hip), Richaun Holmes (OUT, trade pending)
LAST TIME
With Daniel Gafford out for the Wizards, Boston attacked Washington’s small lineup relentlessly and got 16 points from Jaylen Brown to build a huge early lead. The lead grew to 34 as the Celtics ramped up the pressure, Brown stayed hot, and the Wizards looked lost. Jayson Tatum got in on the fun with 17 third-quarter points and Boston’s lead hit 37. The rest was garbage time (even though it got a little dicey at one point).
THINGS I’M LOOKING FOR
1. Repeat performance: Gafford isn't just out for Washington, he’s gone, traded to the Mavs for Holmes, who isn’t ready to play yet. Bagley is out, too, so there is no size on a bad team. If ever there was a team to just drive, drive, drive against, it’s this Wizards team. Maybe those drives lead to open 3-pointers on kicks and swings, but there's no excuse to just settle for 3-pointers.
2. Expanded rotations: I’m a little surprised that Tatum is playing in this game, but that doesn’t mean he has to play a lot. This is a game that should include plenty of bench time beyond just garbage time.
3. Don’t let Poole get going: He fouled out of his last game without scoring a point in 25 minutes. He’s having a disgustingly bad season, which is mostly his own fault. He came into the year with a terrible attitude, and he’s been paying for it all season long. But you never know when rock bottom will hit and he decides he has to do better. This shouldn’t be the game where it happens.
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.