Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics seem unstoppable at this point. After a very interesting off-season filled with a couple of interesting trades, the Celtics have proven that they’re true contenders. They are currently trying to get back to the NBA Finals as they were very close to winning the title in 2021. They’re coming off two consecutive victories.
Jayson Tatum is heating up in the first half 🔥
He’s up to 14 PTS (11 in the 2Q)!
Watch BOS/MIA LIVE on ESPN pic.twitter.com/8M3EuBPHKx
— NBA (@NBA) October 28, 2023
The Washington Wizards also have a revamped roster after acquiring Jordan Poole and Landry Shamet. Poole was one of the biggest stars of the Golden State Warriors over the last two seasons. With great potential under his belt and a hand that can strike from deep range, Poole will soon become a mainstay on the Wizards. They are coming off a victory against the Memphis Grizzlies as Poole led the team with 27 points.
Jayson Tatum is available to start for the Wizards vs. Celtics game
Luckily for the Celtics, they do not have any injured players to worry about. Jayson Tatum is fresh off an MVP-caliber season as he averaged 30.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game last year. The addition of Latvian superstar, Kristaps Porzingis has been working out very well. On opening night, Porzingis recorded an insane 30-point game. In their most recent game, he scored 17 points and grabbed 9 rebounds.
🏀 WEDNESDAY’S FINAL SCORES 🏀
Kristaps Porzingis’ two-way play helps the @celtics get a W in his debut!
Jayson Tatum: 34 PTS (13/22 FGM), 11 REB, 4 AST
Derrick White: 12 PTS, 6 REB
RJ Barrett: 24 PTS pic.twitter.com/ULE7eUkKBZ— NBA (@NBA) October 26, 2023
Unfortunately, the Wizards will not have key role players. Landry Shamet is yet to make his Wizards debut as he suffers from a toe injury. Starting center, Daniel Gafford will also most likely miss out on the game with an ankle injury. Luckily, Poole and Kyle Kuzma are both available for the game as they are the backbone of the Wizards at the moment.
Washington Wizards Injury Report:
- Landry Shamet (Out)
- Daniel Gafford (Questionable)
Washington Wizards Expected Lineup:
- Tyus Jones
- Jordan Poole
- Kyle Kuzma
- Deni Avdija
- Mike Muscala
Boston Celtics Injury Report:
NIL
Boston Celtics Expected Lineup:
- Jrue Holiday
- Derrick White
- Jaylen Brown
- Jayson Tatum
- Kristaps Porzingis
Will the Wizards beat Jayson Tatum and the Celtics?
Considering how powerful the Celtics have become since the off-season, the Wizards may not succeed. Besides their All-Star duo and Porzingis, Jrue Holiday was a pivotal acquisition. Holiday finished with 17 points and 7 rebounds as well as 2 blocks. He had 3 blocks against the Knicks on opening night. Derrick White led the team in scoring against the Miami Heat with 28 points. The Celtics have a very versatile group that can fire from all sides, making them a major threat.
The Wizards will have to play much harder than before to stop the Celtics. Poole will have an opportunity to flourish as a first option for scoring. He’s had several scoring spurts throughout his career making him a lethal weapon. With proper support from Kuzma, the Wizards can easily become a 7th or 6th seed caliber team.