In game 5 of the eastern conference semi-finals match-up of the Boston Celtics and the Washington Wizards tonight, expect to see a dogfight between two teams eager to advance to the Eastern Conference finals to face the well-rested Cleveland Cavaliers.
In games one and two, the Celtics were able to sneak away with wins due to Washington's second-half letdowns. The Wizards, led by their explosive backcourt in John Wall and Bradley Beal, posted great numbers in games three and four to even the series 2-2.
Tonight, with Isaiah Thomas having mediocre games in both games three and four, the Celtics look to their star guard to carry the team to a commanding 3-2 leading in the best of seven series.
John Wall and Bradley Beal
The Wizards are starting a backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal have played outstanding basketball throughout the 2017 NBA playoffs. After a disappointing 2015-16 season plagued by injuries, the Washington Wizards have bounced back a season later with the continued growth of their starting backcourt.
Wall had another great performance in game four scoring 27 points and dishing out ten dimes. Bradley Beal also contributed with 29 points while shooting 3-6 from downtown. If the Wizards expect to get a much-needed game five victory, they will have to have even greater performances tonight's game possibly.
Isaiah Thomas and the Celtics
For the 5'9 Isaiah Thomas, game five will be held on his team's home floor which has been a huge advantage so far in the series.
However, Thomas has had terrible outings in the last two games in Washington combining for just 34 points in both of those games.
After his epic game two 53 point performance in Boston, the Wizards have done a good job since with throwing different defenders at Thomas harassing him the entire match. With the tragic death of his younger sister in the Celtics first round series, the team has fed off of Isaiah's energy like they've done the entire season.
If the Celtics are going to have any chance at winning game 5, Isaiah's going to need his team's energy to match his.
Game 5 tonight
Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals between the Washington Wizards and the Boston Celtics will be aired tonight on TNT at 8 pm. Expect to see the return of Wizards forward Kelly Oubre. Oubre was suspended for game four after charging into Celtics forward Kelly Olynyk and pushing him to the ground.
Oubre was ejected and served a one-game suspension. The incident and Oubre's return could showcase another intense battle between the two young franchises in a suspected game five thrillers.
