The NBA postseason unofficially begins tonight with the commencement of the first-ever NBA play-in tournament. The Eastern Conference is up first, and the No. 7 vs. No. 8 matchup pits the Washington Wizards against the Boston Celtics. The winner will secure their spot in the standard Eastern Conference playoff bracket. the Celtics took two of the three head-to-head matchups between the teams this season, but the Wizards enter tonight’s contest with far more momentum on their side. This Wizards vs. Celtics NBA betting picks preview will explore the best NBA betting trends and odds, provide some key betting trends and offer the top NBA picks and predictions for the game.
NBA Betting Preview: Picks, Odds and Betting Trends
Wizards vs. Celtics Game Info
Washington Wizards (34-38, 15-21 Away) vs. Boston Celtics (36-36, 21-15 Home)
Date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Time: 9 p.m. EST
Venue: TD Garden — Boston, Mass.
Coverage: TNT
The Wizards were left for dead by many NBA betting experts as recently as one month ago. After winning 17 of their final 23 games, Washington has surged all the way up to the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. Russell Westbrook has been making headlines over the past month for breaking the all-time record for most triple-doubles in NBA history. Although he battled injuries down the stretch, running mate Bradley Beal will be good to go for tonight’s matchup. Washington has been playing musical chairs at the center all season since Thomas Bryant suffered a torn ACL early on. Trade deadline acquisition Daniel Gafford has shown great flashes and could be an X-factor in tonight’s game should coach Scott Brooks elect to play him significant minutes.
Many believed the Celtics to be capable of contending for Eastern Conference superiority. Instead, Boston is stuck in the NBA play-in tournament and must overcome a season-ending injury to Jaylen Brown if they are to advance. Luckily, Brad Stevens still has plenty of experienced and capable players at his disposal. Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker will lead the charge, while Marcus Smart and Evan Fournier will also be heavily leaned on in the postseason. The Celtics will get a boost defensively tonight, as shot-blocking machine Robert Williams III is listed as probable after missing the stretch run of the regular season with a toe injury. An additional concern with Boston is depth beyond the starting core. Who steps up with the lights shining the brightest remains to be seen.Â
Wizards vs. Celtics Betting NBA Picks + NBA Odds Shopping
Using Awesemo’s OddsShopper Tool, we can easily compare the NBA odds for Wizards vs. Celtics betting across the major sportsbooks. The odds outlined below are from 12 p.m. EST on May 18, so make sure to check out the OddsShopper tool yourself to get the most up-to-date odds.
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NBA Odds: Moneyline
- Wizards: (+116) — FanDuel
- Celtics: (-130) — SugarHouse, DraftKings
NBA Odds: Spread
- Wizards: +2.5 (-114) — SugarHouse, FanDuel
- Celtics: -2 (-110) — BetMGM, PointsBet, William Hill
NBA Odds: Total
- Over: 232.5 (-110) — BetMGM, William Hill
- Under: 233.5 (112) — FanDuel
Wizards vs. Celtics NBA Betting Trends
- Wizards are 5-0 ATS in their last five games as an underdog.
- Wizards are 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 games.
- Celtics are 0-4 ATS in their last four home games.
- The total has gone over in the Celtics’ last six home games.
- The under has cashed in the last five head-to-head Wizards vs. Celtics matchups.
Wizards vs. Celtics Prediction
The Celtics may have home court and the NBA betting odds siding in their favor, but momentum tends to be an even bigger factor in the playoffs. The Wizards clearly have momentum in their favor after their strong finish to the regular season. Furthermore, the Celtics have momentum working completely against them after losing Jaylen Brown. In the month of May, Boston has gone just 2-5, with the only wins coming over two lowly teams. The spread is moving in Washington’s favor, and it remains a play at the current number. The total also feels a bit high, assuming defensive intensity rises in a playoff atmosphere.
Prediction: Wizards +2.5, Under 233.5
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