Key matchups for Wizards season opener vs. Celtics

The Washington Wizards are set to open their season with a home matchup against the reigning NBA Champions.

With the Boston Celtics coming to town, the Wizards have a tough task ahead of them if they hope to get their first win of the season. Nonetheless, while it may be a tough matchup, it’s an opportunity for Brian Keefe’s squad to showcase how competitive they can be throughout the long season ahead.

That said, here are a few key matchups to watch during the Eastern Conference showdown.

Jordan Poole vs. the Celtics backcourt

The Celtics backcourt of Derrick White and Jrue Holiday may be one of the best guard duos in the league. Between their defensive tenacity and versatility on offense, both players are tough to defend and can shut down a team’s best player on the other end of the floor.

If Jordan Poole hopes to showcase that he can be the team’s primary guard, there’s no better way than to show out in his first matchup against the elite duo. In saying that, no Poole doesn’t have to drop a 40-bomb to show he can be the Wizards full-time point guard.

However, he can use the opportunity to prove that he can run an offense, and make the correct decision without forcing anything. If he can do the simple things, while having a productive and efficient night on offense, that’s a win for Washington even if they come up short.

Jonas Valanciunas vs. Boston’s undermanned frontcourt

The Wizards signed Jonas Valanciunas in the offseason looking for stability in the frontcourt, especially in terms of rebounding. With increased stability from the rebounding standpoint, it would allow Washington to gain more second-chance opportunities while also securing the boards on the defensive end, something they struggled with last season.

Meanwhile, the Celtics will be without Kristaps Porzingis for the first couple months of the season as the big man recovers from injury. With Boston rolling out a rotation of Al Horford, Luke Kornet, and scattered minutes of Xavier Tillman Sr., the Wizards have to take advantage of the mismatch in order to exploit what big man the Celtics have ready to play.

If Valanciunas can prove to be a mismatch for Boston, he could manage to keep the Wizards in the game on his own between his toughness and presence in the post.

Nonetheless, the Wizards aren’t expected to win this game by any means, but they have the opportunity in front of them to defy the odds from the jump. It all starts with their ability to win key matchups if they want to grab their first victory of the season.