Much More to Play for – Washington at Boston

Celtics Rest Their Stars, Face Wizards Tonight

At this point last year, it was virtually unthinkable that a team would challenge the Boston Celtics. But heading in to this season’s NBA Playoff Betting, I’m not so sure about the Celtics. Tonight they’ll be resting Paul Pierce and Ray Allen (well, he got suspended for elbowing the Cav’s Brazilian Center, but who’s counting?). When they visit a Wizards team with nothing to play for but their self respect, will the thin bench of Boston be able to keep up?

The Wizards will be resting Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison, but with Boston’s shoddy bench lineup, I’m going  to back the Wizards tonight. Washington is porous on the road, but if Boston’s bench has shown anything, it’s that max playing time won’t mean a thing. And this could be a permanent problem for Team Green as they enter a post season with a target on their back and stiffer competition in the East.

NBA Betting Trends

• Washington is 311 SU in its last 14 games
• Washington is 7143 ATS in its last 24 games on the road
• Washington is 17 SU in its last 8 games on the road
• Washington is 73 SU in its last 10 games when playing Boston
• Washington is 72 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Boston
• Boston is 71 SU in its last 8 games
• Boston is 411 ATS in its last 15 games at home
• Boston is 50 SU in its last 5 games at home

The last time these two teams met in Boston, the Celtics got revenge on the Wizards, thrashing them 108-83. Boston has dominated the matchup, but the Wizards’ roster will be playing for contracts next year – and playing time. That’s an infallible truth about tonight’s game – the Wizards have much more to play for, including their own pride.

Washington Wizards (19-62) vs. Boston Celtics (61-20)
Wednesday, April 15th — TD Banknorth Garden, Boston – 8:00pm EST
NBA Betting Line: Boston -3.5 (192)

The total is low because of who’s playing tonight. With no Pierce, Allen or KG in the lineup, Boston will struggle to score. And Washington’s scoring away from home is a pathetic 27th rank in the NBA with just 94.4 points per game. Take the Wizards in the UNDER tonight as Boston tunes up for the playoffs.

NBA Free Pick: Washington +3.5 (UNDER)