Inside The Wizards

Celtics vs. Wizards Preview: Defending Champs Back in Town

The Washington Wizards host the Boston Celtics for the third time this season.

Jeremy Brener

Nov 22, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington (8) dribbles the ball as Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (30) defends in the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Nov 22, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington (8) dribbles the ball as Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (30) defends in the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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For the third time this season, the Washington Wizards are hosting the defending champion Boston Celtics at Capital One Arena.

The Wizards had the Celtics in town for the season opener back in mid-October, where Boston walked away with an easy win. Things were more competitive in November when the two teams met for the NBA Cup, but the Celtics stayed on top and extended the Wizards' losing streak.

But now, the Wizards get another shot at the Celtics in front of their home fans.

The game was scheduled as a result of both the Celtics and the Wizards failing to qualify for the knockout stage of the NBA Cup out of East Group C. The Atlanta Hawks ultimately won the group and advanced to the Las Vegas semifinals after upsetting the New York Knicks, but they fell to Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks.

In order for the Wizards to reverse their fortunes and beat the Celtics, they will have to be pretty close to perfect against one of the best teams in the NBA.

Here's a look at everything you need to know ahead of tonight's game:

Celtics vs. Wizards Information

  • Date, Location: Sunday, December 15 - Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
  • Time: 6:00 p.m. ET

Celtics vs. Wizards Injury Report

Boston Celtics

  • PF Al Horford (OUT - rest)

Washington Wizards

  • PF Kyshawn George (OUT - ankle)
  • SG Corey Kispert (OUT - ankle)
  • SF Saddiq Bey (OUT - knee)
  • PF Kyle Kuzma (OUT - rib)
  • PG Malcolm Brogdon (OUT - hamstring)

Celtics vs. Wizards Projected Starting Lineups

Boston Celtics

  • PG Jrue Holiday
  • SG Derrick White
  • SF Jaylen Brown
  • PF Jayson Tatum
  • C Kristaps Porzingis

Washington Wizards

  • PG Bub Carrington
  • SG Jordan Poole
  • SF Bilal Coulibaly
  • PF Alex Sarr
  • C Jonas Valanciunas

Make sure you bookmark Washington Wizards on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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