The post-Rob Williams III world will be anything but easy for the Boston Celtics. After suffering back-to-back losses at the hands of the Raptors and the Heat, Boston was able to get back in the win column.
Facing off against the bottom feeder Pacers, the C’s entered Friday night as fifteen-point favorites. However, it was anything but a blowout as the shamrocks finally edged out Indiana by a score of 128-123.
As the C’s prepare to welcome the struggling Wizards, they desperately need to regain their defensive prowess. The Pacers continually gave the Celtics issues by way of the long ball as they buried 17 triples in the losing effort.
The Wizards are a team with multiple weapons that can also damage Boston from downtown.
With Bradley Beal out for the season, the Wizards have been heavily relying on Kristaps Porzingis. The former Maverick is averaging 29.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game over his last two outings.
Kyle Kuzma is also likely to miss the Sunday afternoon contest. This means Kristaps could end up being the focal point of the Wiz offense along with KCP.
24-year-old Rui Hachimura has also impressed in recent games as he has posted at least 17 points in his last three contests.
Hachimura’s 3-point ability and overall offensive versatility could play a major factor in Sunday’s game and surprise a lot of fans.
The Wizards are major underdogs heading into Sunday’s battle in Boston as they are a +13 underdog at the time of this writing.
Boston’s injury report remains clear, minus Rob Williams ahead of the Sunday matinee. It will be interesting to see the lineup Udoka deploys.
Last game against Indiana, it was Smart, Brown, Tatum, Horford, and Theis. Grant Williams does play a decent chunk of minutes off the bench and could work his way into a starting role down the stretch.
Even as big favorites, the Celtics have no easy battle ahead. Here are the three keys they must accomplish if they hope to pick up the win over the Wiz and start a new win streak.