Posted on
1/14/2008 5:44:55 PM
NBA Betting Action – Celtics Looking To Return Favor Against Wizards
By Eric Williams
Simply put, the Boston Celtics, (30-5 SU, 22-12-1 ATS, 14-20-1 O/U) are coming into tonight’s matchup against the Washington Wizards, (19-16 SU, 22-13 ATS, 16-19 O/U) with one goal and one goal only in mind – extracting some revenge on the Washington Wizards after losing to Washington on the road 85-78 on Saturday in what was arguably their worst offensive performance of the season so far.
The Wizards, who have thrived with high-scoring point guard Gilbert Arenas out of the lineup, by sharing the ball, are riding a two-game winning streak coming into tonight’s home-and-home rematch, after also beating the surprising Atlanta Hawks on Friday.
The Celtics have dropped two of their last three games, losing to the Charlotte Bobcats 95-83 on Jan. 9 before beating the New Jersey Nets 86-77 on Jan. 11.
The Celtics are averaging just 82.3 points in their last three games, but are facing a Wizards team that hasn’t been able to string together more than two consecutive victories since winning four straight from Dec. 9-15.
Washington is 10th in scoring, averaging 99.4 points per game while ranking a surprising 11th in defense, allowing just 96.9 points per contest while the Celtics are the proud owners of the NBA’s best defense, limiting opponents to a miniscule 87.1 points per game one 41.4 percent shooting.
Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my analysis and NBA Betting Free Picks.
Key Wizards Trends
The Wizards are 7-0 ATS in their last seven vs. NBA Atlantic.
The Wizards are 4-0 ATS in their last four road games.
The Wizards are 7-1 ATS in their last eight road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600.
Key Celtics Trends
The Celtics are 6-0 ATS in their last six games following a S.U. loss.
The Celtics are 7-1 ATS in their last eight Monday games.
The Celtics are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games playing on one days rest.
Key Totals Trends
The Under is 8-1 in Wizards last nine games playing on one days rest.
The Over is 5-1 in Wizards last six games as an underdog of 11.0 or greater.
The Under is 4-0 in Celtics last four overall.
The Under is 4-0 in Celtics last four vs. Eastern Conference.
Key Head-to-Head Trends
The Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings in Boston.
The Wizards are 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings in Boston.
The Underdog is 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
Analysis: While I like the Celtics to bounce back with a vengeance tonight against the Wizards, I don’t see them winning this game by 13 points. Take the Wiz to cover the spread and the ‘Under.
NBA Free Picks: Washington +12 Points/Under 184.5 Total Points
07:35 PM EST NBA Betting Odds
Washington Wizards +12 -110
Boston Celtics -12 -110
Over 184½ -110
Under 184½ -110
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