The unsightly specter of the Lockout had loomed huge over the NBA world until earlier this month. The NBA has successfully tipped off in earnest over Christmas weekend with both the competitors and the owners at last arriving at a contract. The NBA welcoming committee travels to the Verizon Center in Washington D.C. when the Celtics (1-3) take on the Washington Wizards (0-3). Both teams come into play with unstable records and a slow beginning to the year. The sportsbook appears to have the nod on the greater squad as the line currently stands – Boston (-7) 184 ½ .

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As their 56-26 record got them bounced from the Eastern Conference Semifinals 4-1 by the Miami Heat, the Celtics come into the game trying to bounce back from a discouraging year a year ago. As Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are in the final year of their particular contracts, this year symbolizes a turning point for the Celtics. It’s unlikely that the Celtics will have the ability to resign both competitors as the “Big 3″ era might come to a close. In this youthful year, the Celtics are lead by Ray Allen and his standard long-distance pyrotechnics. Celebrity point guard Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce offer a dependable complimentary force behind Allen. The damage of 15 prior NBA seasons may be catching up with Kevin Garnett, who has gotten off to a slow beginning. Guard Keyon Dooling has furnished a great shooting spark off of the bench. The Celtics come in averaging 96.3 PPG and giving up 100.8 PPG.

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The Washington Wizards come into play trying to right the good ship previously referred to as the Bullets. Washington had a sub-par 23-59 year a year ago but was buoyed by the breakout of superstar shooting guard Nick Young who averaged over 20 points per game until going down with injury. The Washington Wizards this year are averaging 82.7 PPG, which is one of the worst showings in the league. Washington is giving up 97.7 PPG on average, which is slightly a lot better than the Celtics. Guards Nick Young and John Wall pace the balanced Washington Wizards attack.