The Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards have been taking care of their home court in this series, with each team being extremely dominant at home. In Games 1, 2, and 5, Boston’s offense was sizzling especially from beyond the arc. In Games 3 and 4, the Wizards ran the Celtics off the court with fast break points. Facing elimination, Washington hopes it can extend the series to seven games.
Washington’s role players
After getting demolished in Game 5, it’s evident that John Wall and Bradley Beal need more offensive help. Otto Porter Jr. and Kelly Oubre Jr.
both provided some aid, but the others were extremely ineffective.
The Wizards acquired Brandon Jennings and Bojan Bogdanovic before the trade deadline so they could provide a spark off the bench, but they have both been inconsistent. Jennings only had three points on Wednesday, while Bogdanovic scored just six on 1-of-7 shooting. Marcin Gortat was also quiet, as was Markieff Morris, scoring seven and nine points, respectively. The role players for Washington usually play better at home, which is a good sign, but they need more consistency out of every single one.
Boston needs to take notes from the Spurs
The Celtics should take notes from the San Antonio Spurs, who finished out their series in a blowout fashion last night in Houston without Kawhi Leonard.
Boston must come out with plenty of energy to take the crowd out of the game and take control early to bury the Wizards. Washington is going to be extremely desperate and much energized to start the game. It’s up to the Celtics to demoralize them just like the Spurs did to the Rockets Thursday night.
The physicality will be present
These two teams have shown true hatred towards one another, playing incredibly physical and dirty. The same level of physicality should continue in Game 6. Since the Wizards are going to be desperate for a win, they are going to come in with the mindset of committing hard fouls and playing dirty ball to set the tone.
They’re a team fighting for their season right now, so they should play with some intensity.
The stars will be the deciding factor
The stars on both teams will be the ultimate deciding factor in this series. Wall and Beal must have strong performances to keep their team’s season alive, while Isaiah Thomas will look to finish off the Wizards. Down the stretch, if it’s a close game, Wall and Beal will decide whether the Wizards live to see another day or not. They will try their best to carry the team in the fourth period but have to contain Thomas from scoring on the other end.
Game 6 is set for 8 pm ET on ESPN and will take place at the Verizon Center. If the Celtics win, they will advance to the Conference Finals to play the Cleveland Cavaliers.
