Celtics (12-9) at Wizards (3-17) Game #22 12/4/25

[Phantom255x]

I expect CLE + ORL to rise in the standings, while TOR and probably also MIA slip a little. PHI and ATL are hard to tell, really depends on health/injuries (Trae, Embiid, Porzingis, etc.).

I still think the Top-4 in some order will be NY-DET-CLE-ORL, and then 5-6 could be a battle between the Celtics, Hawks, Sixers and Heat. But I feel safe to say those 4 will be seeds 5-8 (two playoff, two play-in teams). And yeah, I'm not entirely sold on Toronto, they feel Chicago-esque and they've also played an easy schedule so far if you go by SOS %. The C's also play them twice over the next two weeks so we'll see.

[vjcsmoke]

Jordan Walsh had himself a game! Over 20 points and super efficient shooting.

Kid is coming on strong and his efficiency numbers these season are great. .635 eFG, 56.4% 2pt shooting, 39.3% 3 point shooting, and 80% from the stripe.

He took a couple of years to develop but he might turn into a very solid starter for us at PF.

I expect his numbers to only go up as he develops further as a starter. Maybe that level of efficiency can't be sustained once he's playing a regular 30 minutes per game but he's a bright spot for sure.

Also how about the rookie Hugo Gonzalez? He's only 19 but he is definitely flashing talent. To me he is ahead of both Scheierman and Walsh at this stage of their Celtics careers.

He could turn into a good player soon for us which is a good thing.

And lots not forget Minott. That youngster had a fine game as well.

I know we're playing against the bottom dwelling Wizards but we went on the ROAD and put up 80 points on them in the second half! That's pretty crazy.

Anyways it was a great win and definitely makes me feel optimistic about our future. When the end of your bench shows promise like that, it means we can go at least 9 deep heading into the playoffs and when Tatum comes back he'll have a supporting cast and we can even go 10 deep. Any additional moves that Brad Stevens makes is going to be just gravy.

Maybe we move Simons and a pick in a move for a quality big man to share minutes with Queta? Simons is a fine offensive player but it looks like we have plenty of good shooters already.