By Ivan Carter
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, January 12, 2008

ATLANTA, Jan. 11 -- Entering Friday's game against the Hawks, the Wizards were fully aware of the importance of getting a win against a division rival. But they also understood what is in store for them on Saturday night when the Boston Celtics make their first visit to Verizon Center this season.

The Wizards will see the Celtics again on Monday night when they visit Boston for the second time this season. On Nov. 2, the Celtics opened their season with a 103-83 win over the Wizards at Boston's TD Banknorth Garden.

Saturday night's game has been sold out for several days and Wizards forward Caron Butler is anticipating a special atmosphere.

"It kind of brings you back to the feeling you had playing college basketball," said Butler, who starred at Connecticut, which will be in town to face Georgetown on Saturday afternoon. "The crowd is going to be into it and you know that there will be extra energy in the building because of what they've been doing. There will be a lot of stars out there on the floor at the same time. It will be fun."

In the Nov. 2 game, Celtics forward Kevin Garnett reminded everyone that he is one of the best players on the planet, finishing with 22 points, 20 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks and 3 steals. Gilbert Arenas led the Wizards with 21 points and Butler added 18 as the Celtics held the Wizards to 35 percent shooting.

The Wizards also went 0 for 16 from three-point range and committed 20 turnovers.

UP NEXT Tonight vs. Boston7:30 p.m. Comcast SportsNet, WTEM-980 Monday at Boston7 p.m. Comcast SportsNet, WTEM-980 UP NEXT Tonight vs. Boston7:30 p.m. Comcast SportsNet, WTEM-980 Monday at Boston7 p.m. Comcast SportsNet, WTEM-980