Washington needs more Wizardry against the Celtics

The Washington Wizards found out that they can't finish close NBA Basketball games.

We all saw these in the NBA Playoffs last year. We all saw how the Washington Wizards fumble the basketball in the dying seconds of the game. We all saw how the Washington Wizards miss key free throws when the game is on the line.

And yes, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers seem to find themselves at the sweeter end of the deal.

In a near replica of last spring's thrilling first-round playoff series, the Washington Wizards and Cleveland Cavaliers tipped off their 2006-07 NBA Basketball seasons last Wednesday with a tightly contested game that featured dramatic momentum swings, big shots and, for the Wizards, missed opportunities.

The Cavaliers, who won that memorable series in six games, emerged with a 97-94 win after Washington's Jarvis Hayes and Antawn Jamison each missed an open three-point attempt that would have tied the game and forced overtime.

Been there. Done that. Too bad for the Wizards faithful.

On Saturday, the Boston Celtics will be coming in to visit the Washington Wizards at the MCI Center. The Boston Celtics, after the death of legendary Celtics head coach Red Auerbach, are playing with a purpose.

If the Washington Wizards are not careful, another loss will be dealt to what would be a 0-2 start and the Boston Celtics will leave with the win.

Who will win the 2007 NBA Championship? Here are some odds from Bodog:

Chicago Bulls 7/1

Detroit Pistons 9/1

Dallas Mavericks 7/2

Miami Heat 4/1