The record shows the Celtics to have the best mark in the NBA at 39-12 and the sixth-best defense. But Boston hasn't been that sharp going 13-6 since the calendar turned to 2024.

If you discount holding the injury-ravaged Grizzlies to 91 points, the Celtics have allowed their last three opponents to average 118.3 points.

I point these things out not to nitpick Boston, but to make a case for this being too many points for the Wizards to be receiving.

Washington was blown out by the Suns this past Sunday. The Wizards didn't have Kyle Kuzma, their best player, in that game, though. Kuzma returned for the Wizards' last game this past Wednesday against Cleveland. The Wizards covered as 11 1/2-point home 'dogs to the hot Cavaliers in a 114-106 loss. Cleveland is 16-1 in its last 17 games.

The Celtics can easily look past the Wizards. This is their finale of a seven-game homestand. They have a bigger game on deck against the Heat in Miami on Sunday. So Boston's focus and concentration could be off.

Boston also might be without shooting guard Jrue Holiday, who missed the Celtics' last game with an elbow injury.

The Celtics have been less than stellar in the role of a big favorite going 2-7 ATS the past nine times when laying more than seven points. Boston is just 1-5 ATS in its last six games, too.

(Editor's note: Stephen Nover is 32-18 on his last 50 NBA premium plays and has two Friday NBA premium plays in addition to this free selection, including his Game of the Week. Stephen also is 51-33-1 on his last 85 premium/free college basketball plays and has a Max Unit CBB play today.)