Conference Semi Final Preview- Boston vs Washington

The 1^st placed Washington Wizards continue their redemption quest as they come up against the 4^th placed Boston Celtics. The Wizards arrive in the second round after a 4-2 victory over another young and inexperienced outfit, the Brooklyn Nets. It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Eastern Conference favourite, as the series was squared 2-2 after four, however the cream rose to the top as expected and the seasoned GM, Joshua found a way to advance.

The Celtics reach the second round for the first time in franchise history (I believe) as GM Toby’s boys continued to mature on a game-to-game basis. Tatum led the charge as this talented young Celtics outfit ended the Cavaliers’ postseason hopes in an entertaining 4-2 series.

 

Series Storylines

The Wizards have built a quality roster throughout 2023-24 and could’ve been the league favourite to take out the title had Zach Lavine stayed healthy through to the post-season. Somehow his absence has felt inconsequential as the Wizards have looked formidable through the back end of the regular season and through round 1. If GM Joshua can steer this team to a Conference Finals or even an eventual title, it will prove him as one of the very best GMs in the league, if he wasn’t already considered in that conversation. There’s plenty at stake for the Wizards with an aging roster and title hopes. Last year they fell one game short of the ultimate glory, this year it feels like it’s their time. It’s advance or bust for GM Joshua and his star studded squad.

The league has been waiting for Boston to arrive on this stage as their young core has patiently developed into one of the most exciting in the league. GM Toby has continued to add future assets throughout this season, however it appears the time to contend starts now for Boston. It feels like a win-win for Celtics, if they take out the series it will feel like a premature success and if they lose it will be a great learning experience for the players and GM alike.

Lebron James Vs Tatum

The two best players in the series, one at the end of their career, the other at the beginning of their prime. Does Lebron have it in him to set the tone and be ‘the guy’ once again or is it time to pass the torch to Tatum as the next generation’s superstar. Since landing in Washington, the Wizards have looked as dangerous as any team as their duo of Lebron and Booker have fit seamlessly together. Lebron will be faced with the defensive assignment on Tatum and will have to push his 39-year-old body to its limits, while Tatum will try to test his skills against one of the all-time greats.

Has the future of the East arrived early?

This series will show us a clear picture of the Eastern Conference going forward. If Boston win, the Wizards will have some serious reflecting to do. Have they missed their window? Will the East no-longer go through them and now go through a younger, hungrier foe? Or will Washington put their foot down as the big dog of the East and declare they are here to stay? If the result of the series is emphatic, it will feel like Washington still dictate the future of conference, any wavering from that and the competition might see cracks in the armour.

 

Key Matchups

We have already touched on Lebron and Tatum which is where most eyes will be, however both teams boast incredible talent outside of their superstars.

Booker vs Garland

Booker is the better player and 2k guy, however Garland seems to complete this Boston build. One is a playmaker first while the other is a human torch who has the ability to win games on command. Booker will more than likely guard Garland to start the series which will give Garland a chance to be assertive with his offensive game. He will probably need to find 20+ points and 5+ assists per game to give his team any chance at winning. Booker will eat, he is going to get 20+ shots per game and will need to be assertive with his shot which will free up plays for his teammates as the game wears on. Expect Booker to average 25 points per game this series if he can break the shackles of RJ Barett’s improving perimeter defence.

 

Predictions

At the time of writing this the series is 1-0 in Washington’s favour after an epic 2-point win at home for GM Joshua’s boys. This is a fair indicator as to how the series can go. Boston will throw everything at the next game and try to steal one on the road to take away home court advantage from the defending Eastern Conference Champions. If they can’t steal game 2, this writer feels the outlook for Boston is grim. Washington have proven to have a number of tricks behind the controls and are not one to mess with as a series drags on. Anything over 5 games will force you to become creative.

In a hard-fought series, Boston will find their first win at home after losing the first two in Washington. The Wizards will assert dominance on the road in game 4, behind a Booker masterclass, and cruise to an insurmountable 3-1 lead. In a do-or-die affair, Sengun will deliver one of his best performances to rally to underdog Celtics back from the grave as the series becomes 3-2. After some minor tweaks, Washington will deliver a knockout blow in game 6 as some obscure bench player will prove to be a difference maker, ultimately undoing a strategy Boston had in place. The seasoned Wizards will advance, however the Boston Celtics will come out of the series with great hopes for their future in the Eastern Conference.

Predicted series score- Washington defeat Boston 4-2

Player of the series- Lebron James- 32 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists averages