Washington Wizards vs Boston Celtics - Preview, Lineups & Prediction - NBA 2024-25

As the Boston Celtics enter their matchup against Washington, they look to continue being the most dominating force in the NBA against an up-and-coming team. This game will be played on Friday, October 24th at 4:30 A.M. IST in Captial One Arena. Below is our preview, betting tips, and predictions for this game. 

With the Celtics trying to repeat as NBA finals winners once again, they will look to continue their dominant form after beating down the Knicks on opening night. As the Wizards remain one of the youngest squads in the NBA, new head coach Brian Keefe has the role of helping this squad develop as they play more games. 

Washington Wizards 

The Washington Wizards hope to see another jump from Bilal Coulibaly, 8.4 points and 0.9 steals, as he turned out to be a very solid two-way guard during his rookie season. Kyle Kuzma, 22.2 points and 6.2 rebounds, is the best player on this team with tons of veteran leadership and can keep defensives second-guessing with his underrated passing ability. 

A 46.3% shooter, he should attract a lot of attention giving 7-foot rookie Alexandre Sarr a lot of space to create his shot or drive in. Adding a big body like Jonas Valanciuas, 12.2 points with 8.1 rebounds, gives this squad a consistent rebounder who can help kick it out and give potential breakout candidate Jordan Poole a lot more opportunities. 

Boston Celtics 

For Boston, their biggest piece will be Jayson Tatum, 37 points and 10 assists on opening night, as he was a key part to them almost breaking the three-point shots made record. Jaylen Brown, 23 points and 7 rebounds against the Knicks, continues to show that he is a marketable star in this league who can dominate on both ends of the floor. 

As Derrick White has turned into one of the most skillful guards since joining the Celtics, his 24 points and 4 assists last game shows he is a key component to their top-of-the-key shooting. Al Horford, 11 points and 5 assists two nights ago, continues to prove that he can play as a stretch and affect opposing big men with his dribbling skills. Having Sam Hauseur, 10 points off the bench, and Payton Pritchard complete this team’s scoring prowess, adding up to a very complete team that can’t be stopped. 

Wizards vs Celtics Starting Lineup 

Washington Wizards Starting 5 - Jordan Poole(PG), Bilal Coulibaly(SG), Kyle Kuzma(SF), Alex Sarr(PF), Jonas Valanciunas(C) 

Bench - Corey Kispert(SG/PF), Anthony Gill(SF/PF), Richaun Holmes(C), Marvin Bagley III(C), Johnny Davis(PG/SF), Tristan Vukcevic(C), Bub Carrington(PG/SG)

Boston Celtics Starting 5 - Jrue Holiday(PG), Derrick White(SG), Jaylen Brown(SF), Jayson Tatum(PF), Al Horford(C)

Bench - Payton Pritchard(PG/SG), Sam Hauser(SF/PF), Luke Kornet(C), Jaden Springer(PG/SG/SF), Jordan Walsh(SF/PF), Neemias Queta(C), Xavier Tillman(C)

Wizards vs Celtics Over/Under Predictions 

Total Match Points Over 233.5 at 1.95 (Parimatch)

As the Celtics will continue being the best offense in the league for the foreseeable future, this young Wizards team has the young talent and capability to put up a bunch of points as well. The last time these squads met, there were 254 combined points and now with improvement on Washington’s side, it will go up even more. 

Total Points in the 1st Half Over 117.5 at 1.84 (1XBET)

Although the Celtics had averaged 62.9 points a game last season in the first half, the Wizards struggled just averaging 56.8 points. Although they have gotten a little better at that throughout the offseason, it will take some time for rookies like Alexandre Sarr to get used to an NBA-level game during 1st half-play. 

Boston Celtics Total Points Over 123.5 at 1.87 (Parimatch)

As by far the best shooting team around the league, it will be very hard for a young Wizards defense to slow down the Celtics offense once again. After scoring 132 points last season against Washington, Boston will look to hit over 125 points for the 4th straight time in this matchup. 

Wizards vs Celtics Match Prediction

After a domination over another title contender in the New York Knicks, this Celtics squad has not lost a step from last season. In a matchup against the Wizards who they have beaten three straight times, it will be more of the same as they want to repeat. As Jordan Poole will have to be guarded by Jrue Holiday, it will be a game to see if the Washington point guard has improved or if Holiday will have another masterclass against him. 

Looking at the key point where Alexandre Sarr will have to stay on Jayson Tatum in his rookie debut, it will create a huge mismatch that Tatum can easily dominate using his classic fade-away shots. Although Jonas Valanciunas should immediately impact Washington’s rebounding game, Al Horford’s ability to block and cause centers into traps could lead to a very rough game. 

With a great shooting duo in Derrick White and Jaylen Brown on the Celtics, it will be a long night for Kyle Kuzma who has struggled on defense leaving Bilal Couliabaly one on two. If Jordan Poole does have a great game though and the Wizards get Sarr at his full level in the game, it could be a little more competitive.

Our Prediction - Boston Celtics to Win