Celtics vs Wizards Picks and Prediction – 10/24/2024

The Thursday NBA schedule will tip-off with a matchup between the Boston Celtics and the Washington Wizards from Capital One Arena. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The NBA Champion Celtics won 27 of 41 road games last season and led the league in offensive efficiency. On Tuesday, Boston tied an NBA record with 29 made three-pointers and committed just four turnovers during a 132-109 home victory versus New York. 

All-Star F Jayson Tatum poured in a game-high 37 points on a 14-for-18 shooting display and dished out ten assists. Derrick White knocked down 6-for-10 from long distance and finished with 24 points. All-Star G Jaylen Brown added 23 points and seven rebounds for the Celtics. 

The Washington Wizards won just seven home games last season and finished with the second worst overall record. The Wizards (15-67) were one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA and surrendered 123 points per contest. Washington became the first team in almost 40 years to fail to go winless in the second game of back-to-backs.

Washington’s two most high-profile players are F Kyle Kuzma (22.2 ppg) and Jordan Poole (17.4 ppg). The Wizards drafted C Alex Sarr with the second overall draft pick. Sarr shot a woeful 9-for-47 in the summer league, but has looked much better in the preseason.

Boston C Kristaps Porzingis (foot) is expected to miss the first month plus off the season and F Sam Hauser is listed as questionable with lower back pain. The Celtics were firing all cylinders in their season opener and will likely be flat against the lowly Wizards. Take the points. Final Score Prediction, Boston Celtics win 120-113.