Game 75 Preview: Celtics at Wizards

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The final month of the regular season starts tonight, and for the Celtics, that means a month closer to the NBA Draft Lottery.

The Celtics (23-51) travel to the nation's capital to take on the Washington Wizards (38-36).

The C's have lost five straight. They've lost 10 of their last 11 games. To say they are in dire need of a win is an understatement.

Avery Bradley hopes to play tonight after leaving Monday's game with a sore Achilles.

The Wizards have won two of their last three games, including a win against the second-seeded Indiana Pacers.

The Wizards will not have their starting center, Nene, who is dealing with a left knee sprain.

This is the third of four meetings between these two teams. They have split the first two games.

Projected lineups:

Celtics:
Rajon Rondo
Avery Bradley
Jeff Green
Brandon Bass
Kris Humphries

Wizards:
John Wall
Bradley Beal
Trevor Ariza
Trevor Booker
Marcin Gortat

Keys to the game:

1. Second chances: The Celtics have been very good on the offensive glass all year long. They have taken advantage of all the second chances they've gotten on the offensive end. That needs to continue tonight in order for them to get off the schneid.

2. Rondo vs. Wall: For the first time this season, the Rajon Rondo-John Wall matchup will take place. This should be quite the show. Rondo usually steps his game up against superior opponents. I expect a big game from Rondo tonight.