Open Thread: Game 2

Regular Season Game 2
Celtics (0-2) at Wizards (0-1)
Verizon Center
7 PM
NBA TV

It may be hard to believe, but one of the Wizards' most difficult opponents last season were the Celtics. The Wizards won the season series 2-1, but each game went down to the wire. Gilbert Arenas hit game-winning free throws twice--once with 3.5 seconds left and the other time with 1.7 seconds left--to lead the Wizards to two close wins over Boston in January. On March 7, the Celtics returned the favor, as Paul Pierce hit a game-winning three-pointer to give Boston a 116-115 victory. If thise year is any indication, this game will be pretty close.

Celtics Blogs: Celticsblog, Celtics 17, Celticsstuff Live, LOY's Palace, and many more.

I'm a bit conflicted on this one. On the one hand, the Celtics are in the second night of a back-to-back. On the other hand, they may be playing much harder to redeem themselves from an embarrasing 17 point loss to Detroit. In addition, last year's games were all close ones, and the Celtics arguably have more pieces this year. Still, with the Wizards at home, where they've dominated the past couple years, I can't see them losing.

Keep an eye on: Antawn Jamison. He's a tough matchup for either Al Jefferson or Ryan Gomes, because he's quick enough to beat Jefferson off the dribble, but big enough to get plenty of rebounds on Gomes. I expect him to have a big game tonight.

As a sidenote, I'm going to see Borat tonight, so I don't think I'll be watching. If you are watching, let's get a discussion going up here. In the meantime, you'll get a Borat recap along with a game recap.

Prediction: Wizards 106, Celtics 92