The NBA Eastern Conference play-in game between the No. 7 and No. 8 teams is set. The Washington Wizards will visit the Boston Celtics. The winner of this game will take the 7 seed to play the 2 seed in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, while the loser will play the winner of the 9-10 game between the Indiana Pacers and Charlotte Hornets.
Although the Celtics are are without star forward Jaylen Brown they still have a good enough team to win.
The Wizards started the season off slow but the play of Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal has carried them to his spot. Some role players have stepped up as late to propel the Wizards on this run. Beal finished second in the league in points per game this season and Westbrook averaged a triple double for the fourth time in his career. The duo has a great shot at winning the play-in tournament but it will be a close matchup against the Celtics.
Wizards – Celtics picks:
5. Kemba Walker scores 20-plus
Kemba Walker has been a downgrade from Kyrie Irving when he was with the Celtics but is still good enough to take over games. With Brown out, Walker needs to step up and score at least 20 in this game against the Wizards. He is still great at creating his own shot and will be vital to any run for the Celtics. With Westbrook and Beal on the other side, Walker will need to play well on the offensive and defensive end of the floor.
Look for Cardiac Kemba to have a big game for the Celtics.
4. Evan Fournier steps up with big game
Another Celtics player who will need to step up with Brown out. Evan Fournier was acquired at the trade deadline and will play an even bigger factor than they imagined. His shooting and scoring team will get more shot attempts in the play-in game and will make the most of it.
Fournier could be the X-factor for the Celtics in this play-in game. Everyone knows what to expect from Walker and Jayson Tatum. Fournier's defense will also have to pick up as he may see some time guarding Westbrook or Beal.
If the Celtics are going to have success in the play-in Fournier will need to take his game up a notch.
3. Bradley Beal drops 40-plus
The second leading scorer in the whole season will look to continue his success into the play-in game. Bradley Beal has been a great scorer this season and has found his running mate in Russell Westbrook. This duo seems ready to go through any team and will continue to play well off of each other. Beal has been a relentless scorer this season and has already posted a 40 plus point game against the Celtics.
Without Brown, the Celtics don't have an answer; look for Beal to go off in a high-scoring matchup.
2. Jayson Tatum scores 50
While it may seem like a stretch, Tatum has the skill and ability to score 50. His unique skill set to be able to score at any spot on the floor allows him to score with ease. Tatum is a star right now but could blossom into a superstar with a big performance in the playoffs. Missing your second best player makes it harder to win in big games like these but superstar players have the ability to put the team on their back to elevate the team above where they should be. This is Tatum's chance to do that buy taking out the hot Wizards team.
1. Russell Westbrook gets triple double
Although it may not be a surprise for Westbrook to get a triple double it is still a very impressive feat. Westbrook is able to impact the game at an elite level in so many categories which makes him on of the leagues best. His ability to get a triple double will be key for the Wizards in the play-in game as he is able to dominate with his passing ability, rebounding, and his scoring. The Celtics don't have a big presence in the paint which will allow him to get to the rim with ease.
Look for Westbrook to take over the game along with Beal for the Wizards.
The Wizards and Celtics play-in matchup is going to be one for the ages. With Tatum and Walker going up against Beal and Westbrook it is a game filled with star power. While you may think this game won't matter because the 2 seed will beat them that is not true. These teams might not take out the 2 seed but it will be close as both of these teams are prepared for a playoff run.
Be ready for a matchup that will go down to the wire in the play-in between the Wizards and Celtics.
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