Basketball is funny. You look at the standings on January 15, 2026, and you see the Boston Celtics sitting pretty at 24-14, third in the East, while the Washington Wizards are languishing at 10-28. On paper, it’s a slaughter. It’s the varsity team taking lunch money from the freshmen.
But if you’ve actually watched the Washington Wizards vs Boston Celtics games this season, you know there’s a strange, almost frantic energy whenever these two hit the hardwood.
It isn't a rivalry in the "we hate each other" sense. It’s more of a "collision of timelines" sense. You have a Boston squad trying to survive a transition period and a Washington team that has basically turned into a laboratory for high-upside chaos.
The December Massacre and the Reality Check
Let’s talk about that December 4th game. Honestly, it was hard to watch if you’re a Wizards fan. Boston walked into Capital One Arena and hung 146 points on them. 146! Derrick White looked like an All-NBA lock, dropping 30 points and nearly grabbing a triple-double.
The weird part? Jaylen Brown wasn’t even playing.
People think the Celtics are just the "Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown show," but that game proved otherwise. Jordan Walsh, a guy most casual fans wouldn't recognize in a grocery store, put up a career-high 22 points. When your bench players are outscoring the opponent's starters, you’ve reached a level of depth that most GMs would sell their soul for.
Washington, meanwhile, looked lost. They fell to 3-18 after that loss. CJ McCollum, who they brought in to provide some veteran "adult in the room" vibes, had 22, but the defensive rotations were non-existent. It felt like Boston was playing a different sport.
Why Washington Is the NBA’s Most Expensive Science Project
Kinda crazy, right? The Wizards have Trae Young, Khris Middleton, and CJ McCollum. That’s a lot of name recognition. But they are also starting Alex Sarr, a 7-foot specimen who looks like the future of modern defense but still shoots 34% from deep.
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The Wizards aren't trying to win a title in 2026. They are trying to figure out which of these young kids—Sarr, Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George, and Tre Johnson—are actually "the guys."
- Alex Sarr: He’s been a bright spot. He put up 31 points against the Sixers earlier this year. When he's on, he's a terror.
- Kyshawn George: This kid is a 6'8" wing who can actually pass. He had 34 points and 11 rebounds against Dallas.
- Tre Johnson: The #6 pick from the 2025 draft. He’s raw, but the shot-making is there.
When they play Boston, they get a masterclass in what "winning basketball" looks like. Boston doesn't just have talent; they have habits. They share the ball. They don't miss rotations. Washington? They’re still learning how to stay in front of their man for 48 minutes.
Boston's "New" Look Is Working
You’ve probably noticed the roster looks different. No Kristaps Porzingis. No Jrue Holiday. Instead, they’ve got Anfernee Simons coming off the bench—which is wild considering he’s making $27 million this year—and providing instant offense.
Joe Mazzulla has these guys playing a style that is almost mathematical. They lead the league in three-point attempts, but it’s not just "chuck and pray." They hunt for the most efficient shots with a cold, calculated precision that feels very... well, Celtic.
Against the Wizards, this strategy is lethal. Washington’s defensive rating is near the bottom of the league (around 121.8). If you give a team like Boston an inch of space, they will bury ten threes before you can call a timeout.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
Most bettors and casual viewers see Washington Wizards vs Boston Celtics and think: "Easy win for Boston."
Usually, they’re right. But there’s a trap here.
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Washington plays at the 8th fastest pace in the league. They want to run. They want the game to be messy. Sometimes, that messiness catches a disciplined team like Boston off guard. Remember the season opener? Alex Sarr went 4-of-5 from three. If Washington’s young shooters get hot at the same time Trae Young is manipulating the pick-and-roll, they can keep things uncomfortably close for three quarters.
But then the fourth quarter happens.
That’s where the gap shows. Boston has Jayson Tatum, a man who has played in more playoff games by age 27 than most franchises have in a decade. Washington has a lot of "potential." In the NBA, potential gets you a high draft pick; experience gets you the win.
The 2026 Draft Looming Large
The "elephant in the room" for any Wizards talk is the 2026 NBA Draft. Experts like Ethan Weinstein are already calling this one of the best top-three classes in history with guys like Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa.
If you're the Wizards, do you really want to beat Boston?
Sure, the players want to win. Trae Young isn't out there trying to lose. But the front office, led by Michael Winger, is clearly looking at the long game. Every time they lose a close one to a contender like the Celtics, they move closer to a franchise-altering superstar.
Actionable Insights for the Next Matchup
If you’re watching or following the next time these teams meet, keep an eye on these specific things:
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1. The "Derrick White" Effect
White has been the X-factor in this series. He shreds Washington’s backcourt because he’s too big for Trae Young and too fast for their wings. Watch how Boston uses him in the screener role to force mismatches.
2. Alex Sarr vs. Boston's Small Ball
Boston often plays without a traditional "giant" center. Can Sarr punish them on the glass, or will Neemias Queta and Xavier Tillman frustrate him with their physicality? Sarr needs to use his length, not just settle for jumpers.
3. The Three-Point Math
If Washington lets Boston take 45+ threes, the game is over. The Wizards have to run them off the line and force them to play in the mid-range.
4. Rotations
Watch the Wizards' bench. If kids like Will Riley and AJ Johnson are getting heavy minutes, it means Washington is prioritizing development over the final score.
The Washington Wizards vs Boston Celtics game isn't just a game; it's a measuring stick. For Boston, it’s a chance to refine their championship habits. For Washington, it’s a painful but necessary look at how far they still have to go.
If you're following the Wizards' rebuild, pay attention to the point differential. They don't need to win yet, but they need to stop losing by 45. Improvement in the NBA is rarely a straight line, but for Washington, the climb starts with being competitive against the gold standard in the East.