I would probably take the Wizards for the minor upset if Bradley Beal was 100 percent, but the NBA's second-leading scorer clearly is not after shooting 8-for-27 on Sunday in a win over Charlotte in his return from a hamstring injury. The Wizards also are the worst defensive team in the NBA. Boston is of course without Jaylen Brown (Evan Fournier has been playing quite well in his spot of late) but will have everyone else on hand. That should be enough for a close victory at home.

The play-in game is a reward for the Wizards' remarkable late-season turnaround, while it's an unlikely fate for the underachieving Celtics. Even so, Boston should have the edge in this one-and-done scenario. It still has an upper-echelon scoring defense at 111 points per game, while Washington remains dead last (118.5). What's more, star Bradley Beal, who has averaged 41 points in the three meetings this season, is banged up and likely won't be at 100 percent. The better defense and home-court advantage should be enough for the Celtics to momentarily salvage what has been an otherwise disappointing campaign.

The Wizards have the momentum heading into this game, closing out the season on a 15-5 run. However, all five of their losses came against playoff teams. Six of their 15 wins came against playoff teams, but of those six wins, two of them were against the injury-riddled Pacers. The Celtics are missing a key player in Jaylen Brown (wrist), who will be difficult to replace. On the bright side, Evan Fournier stepped up to average 19.7 points over his final seven games. Add in the home court advantage, and I think the Celtics can earn the victory.

We have a gimpy Bradley Beal, but he’s going to play for the Wizards, who defied all logic and odds and found their way to the play-in tournament. They’re really good. Every player is giving and sacrificing for the team, especially Russell Westbrook. They have momentum. I see the Celtics as a train wreck. Daily headlines asking for coach Brad Stevens to be fired. They’ve lost five of their last six in the most important games of their season. Boston is healthy, except for Jaylen Brown who is a huge part of their flow. I took the points with the Wizards.