Thursday, May 4, 2017

Verizon Center

Get todays NBA odds and lines on this game.

The Boston Celtics head to Verizon Center to take on the Washington Wizards on Thursday, May 4, 2017 in Game 3 of their Playoff series. The Celtics lead the series 2-0. The opening line for this game has Washington as 5 point favorites.

The Celtics finished the regular season with an overall record of 53-29. They were 1st in the Atlantic Division. They had a point differential of 2.6 as they averaged 108.0 points per game while giving up 105.4 per contest. The Wizards had a regular season record of 49-33. They finished the year 1st in the Southeast Division. They averaged 109.2 points per game and surrendered 107.4, good for a point differential of 1.8.

Valuable Boston Celtics Betting Trends

The Boston Celtics are 40-40-2 against the spread

The Boston Celtics are 38-42-2 against the over/under

Important Washington Wizards Betting Trends

The Washington Wizards are 42-39-1 against the spread

The Washington Wizards are 50-31-1 against the over/under

Key Boston Celtics Injuries

05/03/17 PG Avery Bradley Hip is upgraded to probable Thursday vs. Washington

Key Washington Wizards Injuries

05/03/17 F Otto Porter Arm injured last game, probable Thursday vs. Boston
04/13/17 C Ian Mahinmi Calf out indefinitely

Player Spotlight

Isaiah Thomas comes into this game averaging 28.9 points per contest while playing 33.8 minutes per night so far this year for the Celtics. He pulls down 2.7 rebounds per contest and dishes out 5.9 assists per game as well. His field goal percentage is 46% while his free throw percentage is currently at 91%. Avery Bradley averages 16.3 points per game in 33.4 minutes per contest this season. He averages 2.2 assists per contest and 6.1 rebounds per game for Boston. His field goal percentage is 46% for the year while his free throw percentage is 73%.

Player Spotlight

Bradley Beal averages 23.1 points per game while playing 34.9 minutes per contest this year for the Wizards. He grabs 3.1 rebounds per game and has 3.5 assists per contest on the year. His field goal percentage is 48% and his free throw percentage currently is at 83%. John Wall averages 23.1 points per game this season and he sees the court an average of 36.4 minutes per contest. He also averages 4.2 rebounds per contest and 10.7 assists per game. His field goal percentage is 45% and his free throw percentage is 80%.

For expert handicapping advice on this matchup and other NBA games check out our handicapping tips.

Useful Team Statistics

Boston averages 108 points per contest this season which ranks them 7th in the NBA. Their average scoring margin is 2.63 and their shooting percentage is 45% as a team which has them ranked 16th. Behind the arc they shoot 36% which is good for 14th in the league. They average 42 rebounds per game and 25.2 assists per game which ranks them 26th and 3rd in those offensive categories. In the turnover department they rank 22nd with 13.3 per game. The Celtics allow 105.4 points per game to their opponents which ranks them 15th in the league. They also allow a 45% shooting percentage and a 33% average from behind the arc ranking them 7th and 2nd in those defensive categories. Opponents average 44.5 rebounds a game which ranks 24th and they give up 22.6 assists per contest which puts them in 12th place in the league. They force 13.9 turnovers per game which ranks them 14th in the league.

Useful Team Statistics

Washington averages 109.2 points per game this year which ranks them 5th in the league. Their average scoring margin is 1.8 and their shooting percentage is 48% as a team which has them sitting in the 3rd spot in the league. Behind the arc they shoot 37% which is good for 9th in the NBA. They average 42.8 rebounds per game and 23.9 assists per contest which ranks them 24th and 6th respectively. In the turnover department the Wizards rank 11th with 14.2 per game. The Wizards allow 107.4 points per game to their opponents which ranks them 21st in the league. They also allow a 47% shooting percentage and a 36% average from behind the arc ranking them 25th and 20th in those defensive statistics. Opponents average 43 rebounds a game which ranks 11th and they give up 22.8 assists per contest which puts them in 15th place in the league. The Wizards force 15.3 turnovers per game which ranks them 28th in the NBA.

Advanced Statistics

The Celtics have an offensive rating of 111.1 and a defensive rating of 108.4. In terms of pace they average 96.8 possessions per 48 minutes and their effective field goal percentage is 53%. As a team they have a true shooting percentage of 57% and they shoot 3 pointers on 39% of their shots. Boston turns the ball over an average of 12.2 times per 100 possessions and they force 12.6 on the defensive end. Their defensive effective field goal percentage for the season currently is 50%.

Advanced Statistics

The Wizards rating on offense is 111.2 and they have a defensive rating of 109.3. They get 97.3 possessions per 48 minutes and they have an effective field goal percentage of 53%. As a unit they have a true shooting percentage of 56% and they attempt 3 pointers on 29% of their shot attempts. Washington turns the ball over on 12.8 out of every 100 possessions and their opponents average 13.8 turnovers per 100 possessions. Their defensive effective field goal percentage for the year is 52%.

Who will win tonight's Celtics/Wizards NBA game against the spread?

Josh's Pick: Take Washington -5

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