Play-in Preview: The 3 keys to victory for the Washington Wizards

Washington Wizards keys to victory: Push the pace/early offense

Washington has lived in transition all year, ranking second in frequency (17.8 percent of plays) and first in overall pace of play (104.1 possessions per game). Meanwhile, Brad Stevens teams always get back. Will the Wizards — who haven’t had two consecutive off-days since the middle of March — have the energy to push the ball versus a well-rested Boston group? Running off misses would help Beal obtain those juicy cross-matches; he has a history of cooking both Walker and Evan Fournier off-the-bounce.

If not, I could see them having trouble against a set Boston defense. Since the Thomas Bryant injury on Game 10, the Wizards are just 19th in the league in half-court offense (0.957 PPP per Cleaning the Glass). Most of their lineups include multiple non-shooters; surely, the Celtics will hone in on this by gapping and shrinking the floor. I also wouldn’t recommend Beal trying to exert himself with Marcus Smart in his jersey.

Of course, all of this is probably for naught if Bradley Beal looks anything like he did in the first half against Charlotte. The Wizards have executed the game-plan night-after-night during this 17-6 run, and I expect them to be fully prepared and motivated tonight. Boston has more talent — with or without Jaylen Brown — but I could see them packing it in for the season should Washington punch them in the mouth first.