Final: Celtics 136, Wizards 107 - Brown brilliant as C's pull away after slow start

BOSTON CELTICS (3-5) vs WASHINGTON WIZARDS (1-6)

Regular season game 9

TD Garden, 7:30 p.m. - NBC Sports Boston

SCHEDULE ADVANTAGE: Boston. Washington did have yesterday off but they are on a road trip while Boston is playing their third-straight home game.

INJURIES

Boston: Jayson Tatum (OUT-Achilles)

Washington: Khris Middleton (OUT-foot)

OFFICIALS

John Goble (#10)    Scott Twardoski (#52)    Leon Wood (#40)

THINGS I’M LOOKING FOR

1. 48 minutes of basketball: I’d like to see the Celtics play a more consistent game for once. Washington has the second-worst offense and third-worst defense in the league. If the Celtics can’t play a consistent brand of basketball and build a lead against these guys, then the issues are bigger than we think. 

2. Rebound: The Wizards have the fifth-worst offensive rebounding percentage in the league and they're third-worst in second chance points. So I repeat, if the Celtics cannot keep this team off the boards and they lose the second chance points battle, then we have a major problem. 

3. Shot-creation: I understand the early-offense 3-pointers in general. I really do. I get that against NBA defenses, an in-rhythm shot that you can step into cleanly is a good look. 

At the same time, the Celtics need to create some good catch-and-shoot opportunities for guys like Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. Against a bad defense, a little more ball-movement and working to create good catch-and-shoot looks might be beneficial. 

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.