Bodog Beat

Caron Butler showed why he’s an All-Star. (AP Images)

Maybe the Boston Celtics have gotten caught up in watching the New England Patriots' Super Bowl run. Or maybe they’re just eager for the All-Star break.

How else to explain what’s happened to them lately?

For the third time in five games, the Celtics dropped a home game, losing to the Washington Wizards 88-83 on Monday night. After a torrid start to the season that threatened league and franchise records, Boston fell to 30-6 overall with the loss, which followed a shocking defeat to Charlotte last week. It was the first time this year the Celtics lost back-to-back home games.

The Celtics were favored by 12 on the point spread, but were outscored 25-6 in the final 6:24. Caron Butler finished with 21 points, including nine in that decisive run, and Antawn Jamison put up 20 points and 10 boards for Washington.

The Wizards are one team that seems to have the Celtics’ number. They improved to 5-1 in their last six against Boston, including a victory in the nation's capital on Saturday.

In other NBA action on Monday night:

Charlotte 119, Denver 116: The Bobcats continue to reward their backers as they pulled out the upset on home court behind 40 points from the red-hot Gerald Wallace. The Nuggets were favored by 4.5.

Portland 99, New Jersey 73: The Trail Blazers can do it on the East Coast, too, and oddsmakers are sure to pay attention before making them an underdog again. LaMarcus Aldridge scored 20 points as the Blazers upset the host Nets, who were 4.5-point favorites.

San Antonio 89, Philadelphia 82: Manu Ginobili had 20 points in the win, but the Spurs failed to cover the spread, which was 11.5 at the AT&T Center.

Utah 98, Milwaukee 87: Deron Williams put up 37 points and dished 10 assists to lead the Jazz in Salt Lake City. The result was a push against the point spread.

For NBA odds for the rest of the week, check in with the Bodog Sportsbook.