Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics odds predictions pick betting line spread

Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Brooklyn Nets (34-28) visit the Boston Celtics (45-18) on Friday. Tip from TD Garden is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Nets vs. Celtics odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The Nets fell 142-118 to the New York Knicks Wednesday, failing to cover as 7.5-point road underdogs. They have now lost 4 in a row and are just 2-8 in their last 10 games. Brooklyn is 5-5 against the spread (ATS) over that span to stay even at 30-30-2 ATS on the season.

The Celtics took down the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-113 on Wednesday but failed to cover as 4.5-point home favorites. They are 8-2 in their last 10 games and 7-3 ATS in that span. Boston is 33-29-1 ATS this season.

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Nets at Celtics odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:45 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Nets +440 (bet $100 to win $440) | Celtics -575 (bet $575 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Nets +10.5 (-102) | Celtics -10.5 (-118)
Over/Under (O/U): 227.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Nets at Celtics key injuries

Nets

G Ben Simmons (knee) out

Celtics

G Jaylen Brown (face) available

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Nets at Celtics picks and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 123, Nets 111

Moneyline

PASS.

There is no value on either side of the moneyline in this matchup.

Against the spread

LEAN CELTICS -10.5 (-118).

The Nets are just 2-5 ATS in their previous 7 games including 1-3 ATS on the road. The Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Friday games and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.

Boston has the edge on offense, ranking 4th in the league in points per game (117.7) while the Nets rank 18th (113.7) in the same category, and on defense ranking 9th in the league in opponent points per game (112) while the Nets rank 15th (113.4).

The Nets are also 0-6 ATS in the last 6 meetings between these 2 franchises.

Over/Under

BET OVER 227.5 (-112).

The Over is 6-0 in the Nets’ last 6 games following an ATS loss, 4-0 in their last 4 games following an outright loss of more than 10 points, 5-1-1 in their last 7 road games and 4-1 in their last 5 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.

The Over is 4-0 in the Celtics’ last 4 home games, 4-1 in their last 5 Friday games and 6-2 in their last 8 games overall.

The Over is also 6-1 in the last 7 meetings between these 2 in Boston.

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Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Brooklyn Nets (31-19) meet the Boston Celtics (36-15) Wednesday. Tip-off from TD Garden is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Nets vs. Celtics odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The Nets have picked up a pair of wins and covers in the past 2 outings after a stunning loss to the Detroit Pistons last Thursday as an 8-point favorite. The Under (232) against the Los Angeles Lakers last time out snapped a 3-0-1 Over run.

The Celtics have been forced to overtime in consecutive games, including a 125-121 win over the Los Angeles Lakers Saturday in a game that received a lot of attention due to the officiating. The Over cashed in those 2 outings, but the Under is 4-0 in the last 4 games for Boston which ended in regulation.

This is the 3rd of 4 regular-season meetings. The Celtics won 103-92 in Brooklyn as the Under (229) cashed on Dec. 4 and they also won 109-98 at Barclays on Jan. 12 in another Under (224.5) result.

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Nets at Celtics odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:27 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Nets +300 (bet $100 to win $300) | Celtics -400 (bet $400 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Nets +7.5 (-102) | Celtics -7.5 (-118)
Over/Under (O/U): 226.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Nets at Celtics key injuries

Nets

F Kevin Durant (knee) out
G Ben Simmons (knee) out
F TJ Warren (shin) out
F Yuta Watanabe (back) probable

Celtics

G Marcus Smart (ankle) out
C Robert Williams III (ankle) questionable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Nets at Celtics picks and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 117, Nets 110

Moneyline

The Celtics (-400) will cost you nearly 4 times your potential return, and that’s quite a bit of risk for very little return.

The Nets (+300) are actually worth a roll of the dice if you absolutely want action, as you have the potential to nearly triple up with an upset win. Still, I don’t feel strongly about that happening.

PASS.

Against the spread

The NETS +7.5 (-102) have failed to cover the past 5 meetings against the Celtics, but they’re 5-1 ATS in the past 6 games overall. Brooklyn is also 7-2 ATS in the past 9 against teams with a winning overall record.

On the flip side, the Celtics have failed to cover in 6 straight games and are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home outings.

Over/Under

OVER 226.5 (-110) is the lean, but it’s only worth a half-unit at best.

The Over has connected in 5 of the past 6 meetings between these teams in Boston.

Boston is also well rested, last playing on Saturday. The C’s have cashed the Over in 7 of the past 9 games overall while hitting at a 15-7 clip in the past 22 games at home. The Over is also 3-1-1 in the past 5 games for the Nets, too.

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Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Brooklyn Nets (32-32) visit TD Garden Sunday to take on the Boston Celtics (38-27). Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET (ABC). Below, we look at the Nets vs. Celtics odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Celtics will play their third straight home game, looking for a third straight home win. They took down the Grizzlies, currently second in the Western Conference, 120-107 Thursday in their most recent outing.

The Celtics have covered six of their last 10 and are averaging the 17th-most points per game (109.3). Their strength lies in their defensive identity, ranking first in opponents’ field-goal percentage (43.0%).

As for the Nets, they’ll welcome back PG Kyrie Irving as he should be available to play in Boston. Irving is averaging 25.1 points per game in 15 games played this season.

Brooklyn is 25-37-2 against the spread (ATS), but it is just 2-4 ATS over its last six. However, the Nets are 5-4-1 ATS in their last 10, so it’s been a mixed bag of performances as of late.

Nets at Celtics odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:03 a.m. ET.

Money line: Nets +133 (bet $100 to win $133) | Celtics -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
Against the spread: Nets +3.5 (-108) | Celtics -3.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 227.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Nets at Celtics key injuries

Nets

SG Seth Curry (ankle) probable
PG Ben Simmons (reconditioning) out

Celtics

SG Jaylen Brown (ankle) questionable

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Nets at Celtics odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 117, Nets 112

Money line

PASS.

I don’t love playing the -165 money line when Irving is going to be playing. The last time Irving took the court, the Nets defeated the reigning champion Milwaukee Bucks. I still favor Boston but prefer the points.

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Against the spread

LEAN to the CELTICS -3.5 (-112).

For starters, wait until Brown’s playing status is officially announced. This is the play if he’s available as he’s a huge difference-maker as the team’s second-leading scorer.

Nonetheless, the Celtics have the best defense in the NBA efficiency wise, and their strength comes from their defensive backcourt with lockdown defenders PG Marcus Smart and PG Derrick White.

That should bode well for Boston considering Brooklyn’s two top threats, Curry and Irving, are guards.

The Celtics rank eighth in opponent’s fast-break points per game, whereas the Nets find strength in transition, ranking 13th in fast-break points. Lastly, the Nets are just 16-22-1 ATS in conference games.

Over/Under

BET OVER 227.5 (-108).

The Celtics are 6-4-1 O/U over their last 10 games. The Nets are 7-3 O/U over their last 10.

While Boston has played well defensively this season, despite how good a team is defensively, Irving can be better offensively.

The Nets rank 12th in pace and the Celtics sit 11th in true-shooting rate. So, Brooklyn should bring more shots, while Boston is better at knocking it down.

However, with Irving, Brooklyn’s offense should look much better, putting 126 on the Bucks the last time he took the court.

Combine it all, and I like the Over here.

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Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Brooklyn Nets (13-5) travel to TD Garden Wednesday to take on the Boston Celtics (10-8). Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Nets at Celtics odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

With no Kyrie Irving, the Nets have been led by former MVPs Kevin Durant and James Harden. After a sluggish start to the season, the Nets have won eight of their last 10 games.

The Nets have done it on the defensive end. They’ve managed the eighth-best defensive rating. Brooklyn is 8-10 ATS and 8-10 O/U.

The Celtics have a similar story as they currently rank sixth in defensive rating. F Jaylen Brown is questionable and that will be a huge game-time decision in terms of betting for or against the Celtics.

Boston has won seven of their last 10 and is 11-7 ATS and 7-10-1 O/U.

Nets at Celtics odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:23 p.m. ET.

Money line: Nets -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Celtics -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Nets -1.5 (-105) | Celtics +1.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 216.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Nets at Celtics key injuries

Nets

G Bruce Brown (hamstring) out
C Nicolas Claxton (conditioning) out
G Joe Harris (ankle) out
G Kyrie Irving (personal) out

Celtics

F Jaylen Brown (conditioning) questionable
G Josh Richardson (illness) questionable

Nets at Celtics odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Nets 109, Celtics 104

Money line

PASS on the money line. At just a 1.5-point spread, I’d rather look to that for value in this one. Neither team has had a game end via a one-point difference this season.

Against the spread

BET on the NETS -1.5 (-105) as the best value. The Nets have a top-ten defense and the third-best true shooting percentage.

With Brooklyn missing Harris and Brown, their line is a tad discounted. However, I wouldn’t bet against the two MVPs, especially as everything is clicking for them.

Brooklyn is also better on the road with a 7-2 record. The Celtics thrive off limiting second chance opportunities, ranking fifth in opponents second-chance scoring.

However, the Nets don’t need multiple attempts as they shoot such a high clip. Given their strength on the road and their high-level talent, I’m siding with the hotter Nets in this one.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 216.5 (-110) as both teams thrive defensively. Also, if the Nets do manage to have a reasonably poor shooting performance, they’ll struggle to get those extra efforts.

Neither team is great at offensive rebounding, and both actually rank outside the top ten in offensive rating.

Both are also in the top half of the league in turnover rate, so they know how to keep the ball and limit unnecessary errors. With that in mind, the Under, as it has been in the NBA throughout the season, is the better play.

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Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics Game 4 odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics Game 4 NBA odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The 2-seed Brooklyn Nets and 7-seed Boston Celtics play Game 4 of their Eastern Conference first-round series Sunday at TD Garden in Boston. The Nets hold a 2-1 lead in the best-of-7 series. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Nets vs. Celtics odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.

The Nets picked up a pair of wins and covers at home in the first two games, but they were dumped 125-119 as seven-point favorites in Boston for Game 3.

The Celtics stayed alive in the series, and SF Jayson Tatum was a giant reason. He dropped 50 points on 16-for-30 shooting, hitting five triples while adding six rebounds, seven assists, two steals and a blocked shot.

Nets at Celtics: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:56 a.m. ET.

Money line: Nets -350 (bet $350 to win $100) | Celtics +260 (bet $100 to win $260)
Against the spread/ATS: Nets -7.5 (-110) | Celtics +7.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 228.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Nets at Celtics: Key injuries

Nets

SF Jeff Green (foot) out

Celtics

PG Kemba Walker (knee) questionable
C Robert Williams III (ankle) doubtful

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Nets at Celtics: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Nets 122, Celtics 111

Money line (ML)

The Nets (-350) will cost you three and a half times your potential return. That’s just not a recommended play. While Brooklyn should win this one, let Game 3 serve as a fresh, cautionary tale why you never play huge favorites. It’s a losing proposition over the long term.

AVOID.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The NETS -7.5 (-110) are still the play laying the points, despite Game 3’s debacle. Brooklyn was 5-0 SU/ATS vs. the Celtics in the first two playoff games and three regular-season meetings. It took a historic performance by Tatum for the Celtics to win one in this series. It isn’t happening again.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 228.5 (-110) is worth a look as I expect the Nets to shoot much better than 45% (38-for-84) from the field, and 42% (16-for-38) from behind the 3-point line. The Over is 4-1 in the past five meetings in Beantown between these teams, and Game 4 won’t be any different.

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Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics Game 3 odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics Game 3 NBA odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The 2-seed Brooklyn Nets and 7-seed Boston Celtics play Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round series Friday at TD Garden in Boston; the Nets hold a 2-0 series lead. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Nets vs. Celtics odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.

The Nets picked up rather easy victories in the first two games of this series at Barclays Center where they covered spreads of 8.5 and 9 points. Both of Brooklyn’s victories have been by at least 11 points.

Boston has struggled putting points on the board this series, averaging just 100.5 PPG in the two games in Brooklyn. The Celts also turned the ball over 12 times in Game 1 and 15 times in Game 2 while shooting 37% or worse from long distance in both games – a bad combination.

Nets at Celtics: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:49 a.m. ET.

Money line: Nets -335 (bet $335 to win $100) | Celtics +260 (bet $100 to win $260)
Against the spread/ATS: Nets -7.5 (-110) | Celtics +7.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 226.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Nets at Celtics: Key injuries

Nets

SF Jeff Green (foot) out

Celtics

PG Kemba Walker (knee) questionable

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Nets at Celtics: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Nets 119, Celtics 107

Money line (ML)

Nets (-335) will cost you over three times your potential return, and that’s just not a good long-term betting strategy, even if the Celtics (+260) do not match well and are likely headed for a third straight loss in the series.

AVOID.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The NETS -7.5 (-110) are a much better play laying the four buckets in Game 3. The Celtics +7.5 (-110) haven’t been able to keep it within single digits yet in the series and there is no reason to believe a move to New England will suddenly awaken their offense.

Brooklyn is not only 5-0 SU in the three regular-season meetings and two playoff games against Boston this season, they’re also 5-0 ATS, too.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 226.5 (-110) is the lean here, ever so slightly. The Under had connected in the first four meetings this season before a Game 2 Over result. Brooklyn isn’t likely to drop a 130 on Boston on the road like they did against them in Game 2 at home.

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Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Christmas Day’s Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Brooklyn Nets (1-0) head to TD Garden to visit the Boston Celtics (1-0) in the third game of the NBA Christmas slate. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Nets-Celtics NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Nets at Celtics: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 6:31 p.m. ET.

Money line: Nets -150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Celtics +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
Against the spread/ATS: Nets -3.5 (-105) | Celtics +3.5 (-115)
Over/Under: 227.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Nets at Celtics: Key Injuries

Celtics

PG Kemba Walker (knee) out

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Nets at Celtics: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Celtics 113, Nets 109

Money line (ML)

I “LEAN” CELTICS (+125) for a quarter-unit to pull off an upset, but also because I like Boston plus the points. Generally, I’ll sprinkle some coin on an underdogs’ money line if I’m betting them to cover the spread. If it’s either-or, take the spread instead of the money line.

Against the spread (ATS)

The Celtics took down last season’s 1-seed Milwaukee Bucks 122-121 Wednesday in their first game of the season. It took a go-ahead, 28-foot bank 3-point shot from SF Jayson Tatum and a missed free throw by reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo with 0.5 seconds remaining for Boston to pull off the upset as a 4.5-point underdog.

Brooklyn put on a show in the NBA’s first game of the season and smoked the Golden State Warriors 125-99 as a 7.5-point home favorite Tuesday. PF Kevin Durant had a ho-hum 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, and PG Kyrie Irving went off for 26 points on 10-for-16 shooting, 24 of which came in the first half.

The last time these teams met was in the NBA bubble back in August and they were headed in opposite directions. Boston rolled Brooklyn 149-115, but the Nets did win and cover in two of the four meetings last season.

Irving didn’t play in any of the four games against his former team and the matchup between him and Celtics PG Marcus Smart will be key. Smart is a defensive hound and is a perfect counter stylistically for Irving. If Smart can pester Irving effectively, hindering the Nets’ offense, then the Celtics should get an upset.

Finally, since 2017 (Tatum’s rookie campaign and SG Jaylen Brown’s second season), Boston is the best team against the spread at 157-117-8 ATS and it’s an NBA-best 16-3 ATS with an 8.8-point ATS margin as a home underdog. The Celtics hold down the home court when playing good teams. It starts with coach Brad Stevens, who’s young talent has a real chance to show out this season.

BET CELTICS +3.5 (-115) for 1.5 units.

Over/Under (O/U)

PASS. There’s a lot of offensive firepower on both sides and there is a crowd-less arena so this could be a shootout.

However, it is a Christmas game, which is one of the most-hyped games of the regular season and there could be a playoff-like atmosphere. If there ever was a spot for Brooklyn’s lack of familiarity to be a factor, it would be against a Stevens coached Celtics team.

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Also See

Irving done playing ‘hero basketball’ (Nets Hype)
Tatum banks in game-winning 3 vs. Bucks (Celtics Wire)

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