The unsightly specter of the Lockout had loomed big over the NBA landscape until earlier this month. The NBA has successfully tipped off in earnest over Christmas weekend with both the players and the owners at last arriving at a contract. The NBA welcoming committee goes to the Verizon Center in Washington D.C. when the Celtics (1-3) battle against the Washington Wizards (0-3). Both teams come into play with shaky records and a slow start to the year. The sports book appears to have the nod on the better squad as the line now stands – Boston (-7) 184 ½ .

College football odds

The Celtics come into the game trying to rebound from a discouraging year a year ago as their 56-26 record got them bounced from the Eastern Conference Semifinals 4-1 by the Heat. As Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are in the final year of their particular contracts, this year symbolizes a turning point for the Celtics. It’s not likely that the Celtics will have the ability to resign both players as the “Big 3″ era could come to a close. In this young year, the Celtics are lead by Ray Allen and his regular long-distance pyrotechnics. Star point guard Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce supply a constant complimentary force behind Allen. Kevin Garnett has gotten off to a slow start, however the damage of 15 prior NBA seasons might be catching up with him. Guard Keyon Dooling has provided a great shooting spark off of the bench. The Celtics come in averaging 96.3 PPG and allowing 100.8 PPG.

College football odds

The Washington Wizards come into play trying to right the good ship formerly identified as the Bullets. The breakout of superstar shooting guard Nick Young who averaged more than 20 points per game until going down with injury had buoyed Washington’s sub-par year a year ago, when they went 23-59. The Washington Wizards this season are averaging 82.7 PPG, which is among the worst showings in the league. Washington is allowing 97.7 PPG on average, which is somewhat a lot better than the Celtics. Guards Nick Young and John Wall pace the balanced Washington Wizards attack.