Celtics-Wizards preview from December 15, 2024: injuries, notes, TV information

Celtics-Wizards preview from December 15, 2024: injuries, notes, TV information

In Jayson Tatum’s absence, Boston’s sixth man Payton Pritchard had a chance to shine. With Tatum returning to practice on Friday, the Celtics are as ready as ever to dominate the Wizards.

Pritchard has averaged 13.1 points, 5.6 assists and 4.6 rebounds in his last seven games against Washington, but he’s expected to make an even bigger impact Saturday night.

Pritchard is the Celtics’ fourth-best scorer. He is shooting 48.8 percent from the field and 43.2 percent from 3-point range and is averaging 16.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists this season. On Thursday, he made seven three-pointers in the Celtics’ 123-99 victory over the Pistons as part of a 27-point night and a season-high 10 assists. He also became the 10th player in franchise history to make 500 3-pointers in his career.

“I just feel like people play my 3-ball so hard, and of course I shoot it from long range. So if they get closer and get past me, I can come in,” Pritchard said. “And then of course I just manipulate the big guys. If they outplay me, I’ll drop it. If not, I’ll end it. I try to make the game very simple.”

With a 3-20 record, the Wizards have the worst record in the NBA and score a league-worst 123.4 points per game. Washington ended a 16-game losing streak on December 7 against the Nuggets.

Al Horford is out for the Celtics on Sunday (break). Here is your preview.

When: Sunday, 6 p.m

Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC

TV, radio: NBCSB, WBZ-FM 98.5

Line: Boston-15. O/U: 227.0.

Celts

Season balance: 20-5. vs. spread: 10-15. Over/Under: 12-12, 1 push

Last 10 games: 8-2. vs. spread: 3-7. Over/Under: 4-6

WIZARD

Season balance: 3-20. vs. spread: 7-15, 1 push. Over/Under: 12-11

Last 10 games: 1-9. vs. spread: 4-5, 1 push. Over/Under: 4-6

TEAM STATISTICS

Points per game: Boston 120.2, Washington 107.5

Points allowed per game: Boston 110.2, Washington 123.4

Field goal percentage: Boston .459, Washington .441

Opponent field goal percentage: Boston .463, Washington .482

3-point percentage: Boston .371, Washington .314

Opponent’s 3-point percentage: Boston .351, Washington .370

Statistics of the day: The Celtics are 2-0 against the Wizards this season, with both wins coming on the road. Washington is 2-10 at home this season.

Notes: The Wizards suffered their 18th loss in their last 19 games after a spirited performance in a 115-105 loss to the Cavaliers on Friday. Cleveland attempted 40 free throws in this game, 29 more than Washington. Although Jordan Poole is Washington’s leading scorer (20.2 points per game), Bilal Coulibaly scored a career-high 27 points in the loss to Cleveland – 14.5 more than his season average. He made five 3-pointers, the best of his career.


Alexa Podalsky can be reached at [email protected].

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