The Boston Celtics are set to take on the Washington Wizards in a regular season matchup at TD Garden on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 7:30 PM ET. This game marks the first of three meetings between the two teams this season, with subsequent games scheduled for December 4 in Washington and March 14 back in Boston. The Celtics have had a strong history against the Wizards, winning all four encounters last season and boasting an impressive 206-120 all-time record against them, including a 108-44 record on home turf. Furthermore, the Celtics have won their last eight games against Washington, looking to extend that streak.
The Wizards have undergone significant roster changes this offseason. They acquired CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and Cam Whitmore in a trade that sent Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, and Micah Peavy in the opposite direction. Jones treaded further by moving Olynyk to San Antonio in exchange for Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley. Famously, they let go of Malcolm Brogdon, Richaun Holmes, and Marcus Smart. As of now, the Wizards will miss Khris Middleton due to an elbow contusion and knee soreness.
As the game approaches, the Celtics are primarily concerned with the absence of Jayson Tatum, who is recovering from an Achilles injury sustained in the playoffs. Despite his absence, Boston’s lineup has potential, having won three of its last five games. They are likely to maintain their starting lineup that has produced solid results.
Key matchups for the game include Celtics’ Josh Minott facing off against Wizards’ Kyshawn George, who has been contributing significantly with averages of 17.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. Another critical battle will feature Neemias Queta from Boston and Alex Sarr of Washington, both of whom are showcasing promising performances this season. Sarr, with an average of 17.3 points and 8.4 rebounds, will demand attentive defense from Queta.
The Celtics will need to focus on a few critical aspects to secure a win. Defense remains a primary concern; Boston currently ranks 14th in defensive rating, a drop from their earlier performance. Additionally, rebounding is pivotal, as they sit 14th in that category, compared to the Wizards’ 8th. The ability to clean the boards could dictate the outcome of this match.
Shooting from beyond the arc has also been a challenge for the Celtics, as they rank 27th in the league with a mere 32.6% from three-point range. Improving their shooting efficiency is essential, and they may need to lean on mid-range and interior scoring if they do not find their rhythm early.
The game presents an opportunity for the Celtics to reclaim their home-court advantage against a struggling Wizards side, which has faced challenges this season and seeks to bounce back. The home crowd’s energy could prove to be vital for the Celtics as they aim to defend their turf effectively.
With a mix of strategic defense, aggressive rebounding, and offensive execution, the Celtics have the tools to prevail in this upcoming contest while capitalizing on the Wizards’ vulnerabilities. The excitement surrounding the matchup is palpable, with both teams looking to establish their identities as the season progresses.