The unsightly specter of the Lockout had loomed large over the NBA world until recently. The NBA has effectively tipped off in earnest over Christmas weekend with both the players and the owners finally coming to a contract. The NBA welcoming committee visits to the Verizon Center in Washington D.C. when the Celtics (1-3) face the Washington Wizards (0-3). Both squads enter the competition with unreliable records and a slow beginning to the year. The sports book seems to have the nod on the better team as the line presently stands – Boston (-7) 184 ½ .

NFL betting

As their 56-26 record got them bounced from the Eastern Conference Semifinals 4-1 by the Heat, the Celtics come into the game trying to bounce back from a unsatisfactory year last year. This year signifies a turning point for the Celtics as Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are in the final year of their individual contracts. It’s improbable that the Celtics will be able to resign both players as the “Big 3″ era might come to a close. In this young year, the Celtics are lead by Ray Allen and his typical long distance pyrotechnics. Superstar point guard Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce supply a constant complimentary force behind Allen. Kevin Garnett has gotten off to a slow beginning, but the wear and tear of 15 earlier NBA seasons may be catching up with him. Guard Keyon Dooling has supplied a great shooting spark off of the bench. The Celtics come in averaging 96.3 PPG and permitting 100.8 PPG.

NFL betting

The Wizards enter the competition trying to right the good ship formerly identified as the Bullets. Washington had a sub-par 23-59 year last year but was lifted by the breakout of celebrity shooting guard Nick Young who averaged more than 20 ppg until going down with injury. The Wizards this season are averaging 82.7 PPG, which is among the worst showings in the league. Washington is permitting 97.7 PPG on average, which is slightly a lot better than the Celtics. Guards Nick Young and John Wall level the balanced Wizards attack.