NBA Betting: Star-Studded Lineup Powers Celtics to Rout of Wizards

Paul Pierce threw down 28 points for the revamped Celtics. (AI Wire photo)

The new-look Boston Celtics sure have the appearance of a winner.

Kevin Garnett scored 22 points and hauled in 20 rebounds in his first game for Boston as the Celtics beat the Washington Wizards, 103-83, Friday night. Ray Allen, who was also acquired in the offseason, recorded 17 points in Boston’s season debut at the TD Banknorth Garden. Paul Pierce, the third member of Boston’s superstar triumvirate, led all scorers with 28 points.

The Celtics, who had a 58-36 lead at halftime, were favored by 7.5 against the point spread and easily covered. The betting total was under 203 points.

Even point guard Rajon Rondo scored in double figures, adding 15. The Celtics’ starters sat out most of the fourth quarter as they had the win in hand. Gilbert Arenas scored 21 to lead the Wizards, who are 0-2.

In other early NBA games on Friday:

Cleveland 110, New York Knicks 106: LeBron James poured in 45 points, to make up for a bad outing in the season-opener, and the Cavaliers won at home, but failed to cover the six-point spread.

Toronto 106, New Jersey 69: The Raptors got a bit of revenge on Vince Carter and the team that knocked them out of the playoffs last season. Andrea Bargnani scored 21 points as underdog Toronto beat a four-point spread in New Jersey.

Atlanta 101, Dallas 94: Joe Johnson had 28 points as the Hawks pulled off the upset as six-point home underdogs.

New Orleans 113, Portland 93: Chris Paul’s 19 points led the Hornets, who were favored by 7.5 against the point spread and covered.

Denver 99, Minnesota 91: The Nuggets’ dynamic duo powered them to a 2-0 start as Carmelo Anthony scored 33 points and Allen Iverson chipped in with 24 at Minnesota. The game was a push.

Detroit 116, Orlando 92: The Pistons got 18 points from Chauncey Billups to win on the road as 3.5-point underdogs.

Indiana 87, Miami 85: Kareem Rush hit two big three-pointers down the stretch and Danny Granger netted 25 points to lead the Pacers to a home victory. The Heat beat the point spread, which favored Indiana by six.

Charlotte 102, Milwaukee 99: Raymond Felton knocked down two crucial free throws with less than a second to play as the Bobcats hung on for a home win. Felton scored 26 points and dished 12 assists, but Charlotte failed to cover the four-point spread.

For NBA odds for Saturday, rock the rim with the Bodog Sportsbook.