They call it the Eastern Conference semifinals, but in
actuality the Celtics-Wizards taffy pull could just as easily be named The
LeBron James Appetizer. The exhausted winner of the Boston-Washington series,
which will end around 10:30 p.m. Eastern time Monday night in Boston, gets less
than 48 hours of rest before meeting the rested, relaxed, champing-at-the-bit
Cavaliers.
It hasn't been a series for the ages, as both the Wiz and
Celts have taken turns winning at home and laying eggs on the road. Perpetually
sour-faced John Wall has been alternately magnificent (game-winning shot in
Game 6) and invisible. Likewise, Boston PG Isaiah Thomas has been both
unstoppable (53 points in Game 2 win) and human (key turnover late in Game 6
loss).
The visitors are 0-6 in this series, and Game 7 bettors have
taken notice. Boston was installed as a 4-point favorite at the jump, and
Celtics backers quickly bet that number up to 4.5. Even at that, two of every
three dollars wagered as of Saturday night figured on a Boston cover.
Can Washington break the mold and break through in Boston?
The Wizards think they can. The point to Game 2, which
required an overtime session and the big scoring night from Thomas for the
Celtics to prevent D.C. from stealing one in Boston. Washington has also had
some nice runs at TD Garden, fueled by Boston's propensity to clang 3s and turn
the ball over, feeding into Wizards spurts. It's happened before, so why can't
it happen again in the pressure of a Game 7? Then there's Washington's huge
advantage on the boards, where the Wizards' Marcin Gortat is pretty much
guaranteed double-digit boards against a Celtic from line that provides little
resistance.
Boston, meanwhile, loves what it's getting from SG Avery
Bradley, who has scored 56 points total in the last two games and provided
cover for SF Jae Crowder, who is mired in a deep slump (15 for 43 from the
field since Game 1).
In the end, this one will probably come down to how
effective Washington is in stifling Thomas. When the Wizards have been
successful, they have smothered IT at the 3-point line with double- and even
triple-teams, using size to block off Thomas's passing lanes. Figure on Scott
Brooks continuing that strategy on Monday night.
Meanwhile, the Cavs (a perfect 8-0 in the playoffs) wait -
not caring all that much whether they travel to Boston for Game 1 of the ECF or
take on the Wizards in Cleveland.
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