Washington Wizards (42-38) vs Boston Celtics (54-26)
When: Tuesday , April 10, at 8 p.m.
Where: Capital One Arena , Washington D.C. TV: TNT / Radio: 1500 AM
Injury
Wizards: Ian Mahinmi (Concussion/ Game time decision)
Celtics: Kyrie Irving (Knee, Out), Gordon Hayward (Ankle, Out), Marcus Smart (Thumb, Out), Daniel Theis ( Knee, Out), Guerschon Yabusele (Knee, Out)
Notes -
In Friday’s game, the Wizards eclipsed the 2,000 assist mark for the 15th time in team history and just the second time since 1992, the other season coming in 2015-16. Washington has now recorded the 12th-most total assists in a season in team history.
Washington Assists By Year
8. 1990-91 2,081
9. 1972-73 2,051
10. 1988-89 2,048
11. 1982-83 2,046
12. 2017-18 2,016
Wizards -
106.7 - points per game
106.2 - points against
46.8 - Field goal %
Celtics -
104.0 - points per game
100.3 - points against
45.1 - field goal %
Keep an eye on:
Winning Habits: I could post some keys regarding players or add in some detailed stats, but we're at the stage in the season where none of that matters anymore. What matters most is establishing habits that will carry over into the playoffs, something the Wizards need to get on track with asap.
Defensively: be a pest individually and as a team rotate and help so consistently that the opponent think its ten on five. The Wizards defense this season has been suspect and that's putting it nicely. The lack of execution on that end is a result of a lack of trust in one another. When Washington allows 30 point quarters, it will usually be a dog fight, yet it happens with consistency and tha'ts alarming. No team makes a strong run in the playoffs without a respectable defense, period.
Ball Movement: Less hero ball, dribbling the air out the ball while the defense is set and everyone is watching and then taking a shot. Washington is at their best when they feed off one another and maximize their strengths. When the Wizards were streaking mid-season, they routinely averaged between 30-40+ assist a game, keeping opponents off balance all night allowing the Wizards to get in a nice rhythm throughout the game. With Wall nearing 100 percent, staying in a nice flow will be more consistent, however, you can't put it all on him, this team is talented enough to thrive without Wall for stretches, they just have to be unselfish as head coach Scott Brooks preached non stop following the loss to the Hawks last Friday. When the ball moves, Wizards increase their chances of winning.
Mental Toughness: Limit the complaining to the refs and fight through adversity. Refs rarely if ever change their first call and teams will go on runs, adjust and keep playing. The goal is to make a deep run in the playoffs, that won't happen being mentally weak. Fight, defend, play unselfish basketball and Washington can go blow for blow with anyone in the league as they've proven when they do well in the previously mentioned three areas. Stay Tuned.
