Prediction

After strengthening their squad with Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday last season, the Celtics virtually have no weaknesses. They won the regular season championship and only lost three games in the playoffs, capturing the NBA title after 16 years. This season, the Celtics have extended contracts with several core players, although Porzingis has yet to play due to injury. In their last game, the Celtics faced the strong Cleveland Cavaliers and won by 3 points, handing the Cavs their first loss of the season. Jayson Tatum had an impressive 33 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists, while veteran Al Horford contributed efficiently with 20 points and 7 rebounds. Jaylen Brown added 17 points and 8 assists.

The Wizards, after trading away star players like Bradley Beal last season, began rebuilding and ended up with the second overall pick in the draft. This season, they selected rookie Bilal Coulibaly. They added veteran players like Jonas Valančiūnas, but still remain a bottom-tier team with poor defense. In their last game, the Wizards suffered a heavy 28-point loss to the New York Knicks. In that game, Cory Carrington led the team with 18 points, while Kyle Kuzma contributed 11 points and 8 rebounds.

There is a significant strength gap between the two teams. The Celtics are still in excellent form, and facing the struggling Wizards, they cannot afford to slip up. We expect a comfortable win for the Celtics.

Pick: Celtics, Spread -15 (bet365)