The Washington Wizards are set for another rematch with the defending champions on Sunday night in the second of two added games following the team's elimination from the NBA Cup.
Washington has yet to defeat the Boston Celtics this season, but in the NBA, any team can win on any given night. Nonetheless, through their first two matchups, Boston has outscored the Wizards 262-226.
That said, if Brian Keefe and the Wizards hope to pull off the upset and protect home court, they'll have to play their best ball and win key matchups to compete with the Celtics' talented squad.
Limit Kristaps Porzingis' impact on both sides of the floor
When the Celtics landed Kristaps Porzingis it seemingly elevated their play on the court to a completely different level. The Latvian star has become the floor stretcher the team desperately needed to exploit opposing defenses, especially zone schemes used to slow down the C's star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Not only does he completely alter how dangerous they can be on offense, but his rim protection and versatility on defense truly make the Celtics a two-way monster as a team. They're hard to score on and even harder to defend.
If the Wizards want any chance to knock off the C's, they'll have to do everything they can to limit Porzingis impact.
Slow down or match the Celtics bench output (Payton Pritchard)
The Celtics are off to a 20-5 start to the season, and one of the biggest keys to their success has been their production off the bench, and more specfically Payton Pritchard. The Oregon product has been a huge boost for the Celtics this season in the midst of a career-year.
Pritchard is averaging 16.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists, while shooting 48.8% from field goal range and 43.2% from three. As a front runner for the Sixth Man of the Year award, what he adds to the C's on the floor, especially when they start off slow is invaluable.
If Washington can alter his production, they can take away the spark that allows the Celtics to fire on all cylinders.
Jordan Poole has to have a big game
Jordan Poole started his season off strong with a 26-point game against the Celtics. He's shown he can compete against Boston's backcourt and if the Wizards hope to win, they'll without a doubt need their starting point guard to put up a big performance.
The Michigan product has had multiple big games against the C's in the past dating back to his days with the Warriors, If he can put together another solid game tonight, the Wizards chances at home will only increase.