The Boston Celtics faced off against the Washington Wizards on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at TD Garden, looking to extend their winning streak after a recent victory against the Phoenix Suns. The Celtics, boasting a 57-20 record, have been a dominant force this season, while the Wizards, languishing at 17-60, have shown signs of improvement since the trade deadline, winning eight games since February 6.
Despite their poor record, the Wizards have been competitive lately, and this matchup promised to be intriguing with several former Celtics now on the Washington roster. Among them are Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon, both of whom were key players for Boston in previous seasons. Their presence added a layer of narrative to the game that fans were eager to see unfold.
However, the Wizards came into this game severely undermanned, with key players sidelined due to injuries. Notably, Khris Middleton was ruled out due to a right knee contusion, having not played since March 27. Middleton, a three-time All-Star, had previously excelled against the Celtics, averaging 24.7 points per game during the 2018 NBA Playoffs, shooting nearly 60% from the field and 61% from beyond the arc. Although he may not be the same player at 33, his absence was a significant blow to the Wizards' chances.
On the Celtics' side, Jayson Tatum was also ruled out for the game, creating uncertainty about their offensive strategy. Initially listed as questionable, Tatum's absence meant that the Celtics would rely heavily on the remaining core, including Jaylen Brown, who was upgraded to available despite his own knee concerns. With Tatum out, the Celtics needed to find additional scoring from their bench players.
As the game unfolded, the Celtics showcased their depth and skill, logging a season-high 62 rebounds, including 25 offensive boards. This dominance on the glass was critical in establishing control over the game. Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard were standout performers off the bench, contributing 18 and 20 points, respectively. Their efforts exemplified the Celtics' strength in depth, allowing them to maintain a high level of performance despite the absence of their star player.
Throughout the game, the Celtics maintained a commanding lead, with seven players scoring in double figures. This balanced offensive attack made it difficult for the Wizards to keep pace, even with their recent improvements. The Celtics' ability to outscore opponents by an average of nine points per game this season was evident as they executed their game plan effectively.
As the clock ticked down, the Wizards struggled to find their rhythm without Middleton and faced challenges in their lineup adjustments. Smart and Brogdon attempted to rally their team, but the Celtics' defense proved too formidable. The Wizards, despite their recent successes, could not capitalize on the opportunity to exploit the Celtics' weakened lineup.
Looking ahead, the Celtics were set to face the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night, April 8, 2025. This upcoming matchup would be crucial as the Celtics aimed to solidify their position in the playoffs and continue their momentum. Meanwhile, the Wizards were left to regroup and consider their future as they looked to rebuild for the next season.
The game served as a reminder of the competitive nature of the NBA, where even teams at the bottom of the standings can surprise with their resilience. For the Celtics, the victory reinforced their status as a championship contender, while the Wizards were left to ponder their next steps in a season that has been filled with ups and downs.
