Boston Celtics vs Washington Wizards Prediction NBA Picks 10/24/24

It took just one game for the Celtics to remind the league that they are geared to become back-to-back champions after they dismantled the Knicks in a 132-109 win on Tuesday. Jayson Tatum caught fire early and drained eight 3-pointers to lead the way with 37 points and 10 assists, Derrick White tallied six 3-pointers to finish with 24 points while Jaylen Brown chipped in with 23 points. As a team, the Celtics shot 50 percent from the field and matched a record for 3-pointers in a game with 29 made from behind the arc as they set the tone with 43 points in the first quarter and just never took their foot off the gas. The only minor blemish from what was otherwise a dominant victory was Payton Pritchard who scored just three points on one of 10 shooting off the bench. 

Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards are about to start another rebuilding season, but things could only get better for them after finishing with just 15 wins last season. Jordan Poole was meant to be the focal point for the young Wizards, but shot just 32.6 percent from the 3-point line while averaging 17.4 points and 4.4 assists per game, Kyle Kuzma averaged 22.2 points per game while Deni Avdija averaged 14.7 points per game. In terms of player moves, the Wizards traded away Deni Avdija, Tyus Jones, and Landry Shamet, while acquiring Saddiq Bey, Malcolm Brogdon, and Jonas Valanciunas. In the NBA draft, the Wizards selected Alex Sarr with the second overall pick.

 

The Celtics would’ve been forgiven if they lost their season opener following the distraction of receiving their championship rings. Still, instead, they made a real statement by blowing past the Knicks in one of the best shooting displays ever. Meanwhile, the Wizards have yet to play a game this season, so it’s going to be exciting to see how their new pieces fit, but they will definitely have to go through some growing pains early in the season. With that being said, I think we’re going to see plenty of improvement from the Wizards this season, but it just won’t start against this Celtics team who already looks in midseason form. The line is hefty, but I am sticking with the more reliable Celtics to take care of business on the road.