The unpleasant specter of the Lockout had loomed big over the NBA world until earlier this year. The NBA has successfully tipped off in earnest over Christmas weekend with both the competitors and the owners at last coming to a deal. The NBA welcoming committee travels to the Verizon Center in Washington D.C. when the Boston Celtics (1-3) take on the Washington Wizards (0-3). Both squads enter the competition with shaky records and a slow start to the year. The sports book seems to have the nod on the greater team as the line now stands – Boston (-7) 184 ½ .

Super Bowl betting

The Celtics come into the game attempting to rebound from a disappointing year a year ago as their 56-26 record got them bounced from the Eastern Conference Semifinals 4-1 by the Heat. This year marks 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 manage to resign both competitors as the “Big 3″ era may come to a close. In this young year, the Celtics are lead by Ray Allen and his standard long distance pyrotechnics. Celebrity point guard Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce supply a regular complimentary force behind Allen. Kevin Garnett has gotten off to a slow start, but the damage of 15 prior NBA seasons might be catching up with him. Guard Keyon Dooling has furnished an awesome shooting spark off of the bench. The Celtics come in averaging 96.3 PPG and giving up 100.8 PPG.

Football odds

The Wizards enter the competition attempting to right the good ship previously identified as the Bullets. Washington had a sub-par 23-59 year a year ago but was buoyed by the breakout of celebrity shooting guard Nick Young who averaged over 20 points per game until going down with injury. The Wizards this year are averaging 82.7 PPG, which is one of the worst showings in the league. Washington is giving up 97.7 PPG on average, which is slightly better than the Celtics. Guards Nick Young and John Wall steady the balanced Wizards attack.