Washington Wizards: 3 matchups to watch on Christmas Day game against Celtics

3. Washington Wizards’ bench vs. Boston Celtics’ bench

It wouldn’t be too farfetched for this game to come down to the play of both teams benches. Their benches have been quite the roller coaster as well, although the Celtics have gotten more out of theirs, given their 26-9 record.

The Washington Wizards bench has largely been led by forward Mike Scott of late. Scott has put up double-figures in scoring in four of the past five contests for the Wizards. He’s averaging 18.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 steals in the last five games for Washington, showing his ability to be a spark on offense when needed. Next to Scott, there’s also Kelly Oubre Jr., a 3-and-D player in the making. He’s had three straight games of scoring in double figures for the Wizards entering Monday’s game.

On the other side, the Boston Celtics bench is led by Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier. Smart is the tone-setter on both ends while Rozier is a scrappy defender who the Wizards don’t want to get hot. Rozier got a game-winning steal and dunk to seal a 112-111 victory over the Indiana Pacers last Monday night.

Bench play will be a big emphasis going in as Boston looks to flex its muscles as the best team in the East.