Round 2 of the Eastern Conference Playoffs tip off this afternoon at 1 p.m. with the Washington Wizards facing off with the Boston Celtics. Both teams took care of business Friday to close out their respective series.
There has been bad blood brewing between these two teams since their game January 12, 2017, a game that the the Celtics won. It was physical throughout, and things escalated after between Wall and Celtics Forward Jae Crowder.
The teams split the 4 game series this season, each team winning their home games.
Keys to Victory for Boston
Scoring from people not named Isaiah Thomas.
Forcing the “others” to beat you. It is no secret where Washington’s points will come from, force the other members of the Wizards to beat you.
Contain Wall or Beal. Atlanta was able to win when one half of the dynamic duo played subpar.
Keys to Victory for Washington
Dominate the interior, this is a series that Morris, Gortat and Mahimi can contribute
Heavy Dose of John Wall. Wall flexed his dominance against the Hawks, if he is able to perform to the same high level, they will win this series.
The reserves must show up, both teams have quality players on the bench, they must perform well to win this series.
Series Prediction: Wizards 4-2
Game information
Game 1: Washington Wizards (East’s No. 4 seed, 49-33) at Boston Celtics (East’s No. 1 seed, 53-29)
Date and time: Sunday, 1 p.m.
Channel: ABC
Location: TD Garden, Boston
Remaining schedule
Game 2: Tuesday, Wizards at Celtics, 8 p.m., TNT
Game 3: Thursday, Celtics at Wizards, 8 p.m., ESPN
Game 4: May 7, Celtics at Wizards, 6:30 p.m., TNT
Game 5 (if necessary): May 10, Wizards at Celtics, TNT
Game 6 (if necessary): May 12, Celtics at Wizards, ESPN
Game 7 (if necessary): May 15, Wizards at Celtics, 8 p.m., TNT
