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Boston Celtics vs Washington Wizards Prediction, Picks, Odds, and Line Movement for December 4 2025

By: Kyle Kargel Published 12/04/2025, 08:34 AM ET

The Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards meet again on Thursday, December 4, with Boston looking to extend a nine-game winning streak in the series after a 29-point blowout last month. Both teams are on equal rest after playing Tuesday, but they enter this matchup in very different situations: the Celtics have covered five straight spreads and continue to grind games down with a slow pace, while the Wizards are short-handed yet have shown recent signs of life with upset wins over the Hawks and Bucks.

With injuries on both sides and Boston’s deliberate style shaping the tempo, this Celtics vs Wizards showdown lines up as a key spot for bettors scanning the midweek board for value alongside other NBA picks.

Quick Picks and Prediction

  • Spread Pick: Celtics -9.5
  • Total Pick: Under 229.5
  • Projected Final Score: Celtics 114, Wizards 102

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Odds and Line Movement

Celtics vs Wizards Opening Odds

Market Boston Washington Total
Spread (Open) -8 (-110) +8 (-110) -
Total (Open) - 229.5 (O/U -110)

Celtics vs Wizards Current Odds

Market Boston Washington Total
Spread (Current) -9.5 (-112) +9.5 (-108) -
Total (Current) - 229.5 (Over -120 / Under -108)

Line Movement - Spread

Date Time Boston Washington Public ($, #)
12/04 07:19:20am -9.5 (-112) +9.5 (-108) -
12/04 07:18:25am -9 (-112) +9 (-108) -
12/04 07:07:52am -8.5 (-110) +8.5 (-110) -
12/04 06:24:06am -9 (-110) +9 (-110) -
12/03 08:08:03pm -9 (-110) +9 (-110) -
12/03 07:19:52pm -8.5 (-110) +8.5 (-110) -
12/03 07:12:56pm -8 (-110) +8 (-110) -

Line Movement - Total

Date Time Over Under Public ($, #)
12/04 07:14:29am 229.5 Over -120 229.5 Under -108 -
12/04 02:40:05am 229.5 Over -109 229.5 Under -111 -
12/04 02:20:28am 227.5 Over -109 227.5 Under -111 -
12/04 02:16:05am 227.5 Over -110 227.5 Under -110 -
12/03 07:42:28pm 228.5 Over -109 228.5 Under -111 -
12/03 07:12:56pm 229.5 Over -110 229.5 Under -110 -

Boston and Washington Key Matchups and Handicap

Breaking Down the Celtics

Boston completely dominated the first meeting this season, rolling to a 29-point home win as part of a current nine-game winning streak over Washington. That result highlighted the talent gap between these rosters and set the tone for how the Celtics want to approach this matchup: grind the game down, lean on half-court execution, and trust their depth even when a star is missing.

The Celtics enter on a surge, having covered the spread in five straight games while playing at a bottom five pace in the league. That slower tempo has allowed their defense to control games, and it has also played a major role in the recent string of lower scoring outcomes, particularly on the road. Boston does not need to push the tempo against a short-handed Wizards squad, especially on the second night of a back to back.

Can the Wizards Show Life?

Washington, on the other hand, has quietly shown some improvement. The Wizards have logged outright upset wins over the Hawks and Bucks and nearly stole another victory in a one point loss to the Bulls. Those results show that, even with a losing record overall, Washington is capable of rising to the occasion when shots fall and the energy is right. However, the prior head to head history is hard to ignore: across the last five meetings, the Wizards have averaged just 98.6 points per game against Boston, repeatedly struggling to solve the Celtics’ physical defense and versatile switchability.

Injuries Pave the Way for an Interesting Matchup

Injuries tilt the matchup in an interesting way. Washington has already ruled out Alex Sarr, Corey Kispert and Bilal Coulibaly, thinning out its rotation and removing important scoring and spacing elements. Boston is likely to be without Jaylen Brown, who is doubtful due to illness, but the Celtics are better equipped to absorb that loss thanks to a deeper cast of wings and guards. If both leading scorers sit, the offenses could devolve into more isolation and late clock heaves, further favoring a slower, defense-first outcome.

The underlying pace and efficiency trends point in the same direction. Boston is comfortable winning games in the low 110s or even below that, and the under is 7-3 in their road contests. Washington’s best recent games have come when they lock in defensively and scrap, not when they try to match firepower with elite offenses. Given the Celtics’ deliberate tempo, their success in taking away primary options, and the combination of absences on both sides, this projects as another game where Boston’s defense dictates terms and the total lands below the lofty number.

  • Boston has won each of the last nine meetings against Washington.
  • The Celtics have covered the spread in five straight games.
  • In the last five head to head matchups, the Wizards have averaged just 98.6 points per game versus Boston.
  • The under is 7-3 in Celtics road games this season.
  • Washington has recently notched upset wins over the Hawks and Bucks and a one point loss to the Bulls.

BOS vs WAS Key Injuries and Notes

  • Boston: Jaylen Brown is doubtful due to illness, removing a primary scoring option and wing defender if he cannot go.
  • Washington: Alex Sarr, Corey Kispert and Bilal Coulibaly have been ruled out, leaving the Wizards short-handed in both size and perimeter shooting.
  • Both teams played on Tuesday, so they are on equal rest entering this contest.

Celtics and Wizards ATS and Total Picks

  • Against the Spread: Lean to Celtics -9.5. Boston’s nine game winning streak in the series, recent five game ATS surge, and defensive edge suggest they can separate over four quarters even without Brown.
  • Total: Lean to Under 229.5. The Celtics’ bottom tier pace, strong defensive metrics, and the potential absence of top scorers on both sides favor a slower, lower scoring contest.

Boston vs Washington Final Score Prediction

Factoring in Boston’s dominance in the matchup, Washington’s depleted roster, and the Celtics’ commitment to a slower, defense-driven style, the most likely script is a methodical road win where Boston controls the tempo from the opening tip. Washington’s recent improved play suggests they can hang around for stretches, but sustaining efficient offense for four quarters against this defense without several key contributors is a tall order.

Projected Final Score: Celtics 114, Wizards 102

Stats To Know for Celtics vs Wizards

  • Boston has covered five straight spreads heading into this matchup.
  • The Celtics have played at a bottom five pace in the league, contributing to an under heavy profile, especially away from home.
  • Washington has posted upset victories over the Hawks and Bucks and a narrow one point loss to the Bulls in recent weeks, showing an ability to punch above its weight on the right night.
  • Across the last five head to head meetings, the Wizards have failed to crack 100 points per game on average against Boston.
  • Both teams could be without their leading scorers (Brown for Boston, Sarr for Washington), which would place even more emphasis on secondary options and defensive execution.
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