PLAYOFFS

NBA playoff preview: Celtics-Wizards schedule, lineups, keys to victory

AJ Neuharth-Keusch
USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) drives past Washington Wizards point guard John Wall (2) during the fourth quarter at TD Garden.

The Celtics and the Wizards don't like each other, plain and simple. Pregame antics, in-game scuffles and postgame confrontations in recent matchups have led this to become one of the fiercest rivalries in the Eastern Conference, no matter how much both teams downplay it. Add a playoff atmosphere, and NBA fans are in for a treat.

*If necessary. All times Eastern.

  • Game 1 - Sunday, April 30 at Boston, 1 p.m. on ABC
  • Game 2 - Tuesday, May 2 at Boston, 8 p.m. on TNT
  • Game 3 - Thursday, May 4 at Washington, 8 p.m. on ESPN
  • Game 4 - Sunday, May 7 at Washington, 6:30 p.m. on TNT
  • Game 5 - Wednesday, May 10 at Boston, TBD on TNT*
  • Game 6 - Friday, May 12 at Washington, TBD on ESPN*
  • Game 7 - Monday, May 15 at Boston, 8 p.m. on TNT*

​Season series - Tied 2-2

Starting lineups:

(First-round statistics)

  • Celtics - Isaiah Thomas (23 ppg, 5.7 apg), Avery Bradley (16 ppg, 4 rpg), Gerald Green (9 ppg, 2.2 rpg), Jae Crowder (12 ppg, 5.3 rpg), Al Horford (15.3 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 6.5 apg)
  • Wizards - John Wall (29.5 ppg, 10.3 apg), Bradley Beal (25.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg), Otto Porter Jr. (9.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg), Markieff Morris (11.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg), Marcin Gortat (6.5 ppg, 10.7 rpg)

Celtics win if - Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley win the backcourt battle with John Wall and Bradley Beal. Bradley is an elite perimeter defender capable of slowing just about anyone, but Thomas is limited defensively due to his 5-foot-9 frame. While the gritty Marcus Smart will surely cause some trouble off the bench, Boston can't hide Thomas anywhere on defense when he's on the floor, meaning he'll have to match up with Wall, Beal or Otto Porter Jr. often — none of whom are an ideal matchup.

Wizards win if - Wall — who has arguably been the top player of these playoffs, and Beal — who averaged 25.8 points in the first round despite struggling with his jumper — continue their stellar play. It's also crucial that Washington's role players — namely Porter Jr., Markieff Morris, Marcin Gortat and Bojan Bogdanovic — contribute consistently. When Morris or Porter stay aggressive and hit their shots, the Wizards can keep up with anybody. Gortat, on the other hand, needs to pick up his play. The veteran center averaged just 6.5 points (on 46.2% shooting) in the first round.

Need to know:

  • Celtics - Enter the series riding a four-game winning streak.
  • Wizards - Wall and Beal averaged a combined 55.3 points in the first round.

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