The Boston Celtics (26-10) battle the Denver Nuggets (23-12) in the Mile High City Sunday. Tip from Ball Arena is set for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Celtics vs. Nuggets odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Celtics beat the LA Clippers 116-110 on Thursday, failing to cover as a 7-point home favorite. Boston has a 20-15-1 record against the spread (ATS). It is just 3-6-1 ATS over its last 10, but has covered 3 of its last 4. Boston ranks No. 1 in the league in points per game (118.8).
The Nuggets have also covered 3 of their last 4 and are 6-4 ATS in their last 10. They beat the Heat 124-119 on Friday, covering as a 4-point home favorite. Denver ranks 1st in 3-point FG percentage (30.4%) and 2nd in FG percentage (50.8%), so this game should have the firepower to be an entertaining battle.
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Celtics at Nuggets odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:04 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Celtics -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Nuggets +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
- Against the spread (ATS): Celtics -1.5 (-116) | Nuggets +1.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 234.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
Celtics at Nuggets key injuries
Celtics
- None
Nuggets
- G Bruce Brown (ankle) probable
- F Aaron Gordon (shoulder) probable
- G Jamal Murray (questionable) knee
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Celtics at Nuggets picks and predictions
Prediction
Nuggets 116, Celtics 112
Moneyline
BET NUGGETS (+105).
The Nuggets come into this game 13-3 at home with 7 straight wins and should get most of their players in action.
I would wait to make this play until the official word on Murray, but Denver’s 3rd-best Western Conference home record proves how difficult it is to win in the Mile High City. Denver has won 6 of its last 7 overall.
Denver is 1 of the few teams with the creativity and firepower offensively to stay with Boston. The Celtics are 11-5 on the road and are 4-3 in their last 7. Denver’s strength at home is a key reason I’d back the NUGGETS (+105).
Against the spread
PASS.
I’ll take Denver to win outright here instead of playing the 1.5-point spread.
Over/Under
LEAN UNDER 234.5 (-115).
Boston has gone Under in 2 straight games and is 4-6 O/U in its last 10. Denver is also 4-6 O/U in its last 10 games.
The Celtics recently brought back C Robert Williams, and his presence should help their season-long defensive numbers improve. He should be able to at least somewhat limit 2-time MVP C Nikola Jokic.
Despite the efficiencies, this sky-high total should be relatively difficult to hit. Considering Williams’ impact and recent trends, back the UNDER 234.5 (-115).
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