Can Washington’s Wizards Work Their Magic Against the Celtics?

On October 24, 2024, the Boston Celtics will visit the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena for an exciting NBA matchup. The Celtics, fresh off a dominant victory against the New York Knicks, are looking to build momentum as they face a Wizards team eager to start their season strong. With Boston favored by 13.5 points, the game promises to showcase star players like Jayson Tatum and Jordan Poole. Both teams will contend with key injuries, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this early-season clash. Will the Celtics continue their winning ways, or can the Wizards pull off an upset at home? Tune in for what promises to be an electrifying showdown!

Overview of the Game

• Date and Time: October 24, 2024
• Location: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
• Current Odds: Washington Wizards +13.5; Total Points Over/Under: 233

Team Performance and Standings

• Boston Celtics: 1-0 after a strong opening win against the New York Knicks (132-109).
• Washington Wizards: This will be their first game of the season.

Key Injuries

• Boston Celtics:
  • Max Strus (SF) – Questionable
  • Kristaps Porzingis (C) – Out
• Washington Wizards:
  • Malcolm Brogdon (PG) – Out
  • Saddiq Bey (SF) – Out

Predictions from Betting Models

Model Predictions

1. BetQL: Predicts a final score of Boston Celtics 122, Washington Wizards 110.
2. ESPN’s FPI: Projects Boston to win by approximately +12 points, with a total score of around 225 points.
3. SportsLine Model: Simulates games multiple times and suggests a total score of approximately 224 points.
4. Dimers.com: Estimates a final score of Boston Celtics 122, Washington Wizards 111.
5. Rithmm AI Model: Offers a prediction of Boston winning with a score of 123-110.

Average Model Prediction

Calculating an average based on the above predictions:

• BetQL: Celtics 122, Wizards 110 → Total = 232 points
• ESPN: Celtics win by +12 → Total = ~225 points
• SportsLine: Total = ~224 points
• Dimers.com: Celtics 122, Wizards 111 → Total = 233 points
• Rithmm: Celtics 123, Wizards 110 → Total = 233 points

Average Score Prediction:

• Boston Celtics: $=122.4$
• Washington Wizards: 110+111+110+111+110÷5​ ​= 110.4

Final Average Prediction:

• Boston Celtics: 122
• Washington Wizards: 110

My Prediction Using Pythagorean Theorem and Strength of Schedule

Using the Pythagorean theorem for basketball scoring:

For Boston

• Points Scored per game last season = 117.9
• Points Allowed per game last season = 111.8

For Washington:

• Points Scored per game last season = 114.4
• Points Allowed per game last season = 120.4

Calculating expected wins based on these averages indicates that Boston has a significant edge due to their superior scoring and defensive metrics.

Final Prediction Considering All Factors

Taking into account injuries and recent performance (the Celtics are coming off a strong win while the Wizards are starting fresh), my prediction aligns closely with model averages:

Final Score Prediction:

• Boston Celtics: 123
• Washington Wizards: 111

Pick: Take the Washington Wizards +13.5 points. ***LOSE***