Celtics Nets odds picks prediction spread over/under betting line

Boston Celtics at Brooklyn Nets odds, picks and predictions

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

The Boston Celtics (30-12) will go up against the Brooklyn Nets (27-13) on Thursday at Barclays Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Celtics vs. Nets odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The Celtics defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 125-114 on Wednesday to cover as 9-point favorites at home. Boston is on a 4-game winning streak and has won 8 of its last 10 games.

The Nets secured a 102-101 victory over the Miami Heat on Sunday despite not covering as 2-point favorites on the road. Brooklyn has won 9 of its last 10 games, but F Kevin Durant is expected to miss multiple weeks with a knee injury.

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Celtics at Nets odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:01 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Celtics -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Nets +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
Against the spread (ATS): Celtics -2.5 (-118) | Nets +2.5 (-102)
Over/Under (O/U): 227.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Celtics at Nets key injuries

Celtics

Not yet submitted

Nets

C Nic Claxton (shoulder) probable
F Kevin Durant (knee) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Celtics at Nets picks and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 122, Nets 112

Moneyline

At the moment, I’d try to get the CELTICS (-145) moneyline before the odds get worse. I would only play this at -150 or better, so if it gets closer to -200, then I’d only consider taking Boston to win in parlays.

Against the spread

CELTICS -2.5 (-118) is an intriguing wager as it feels like this should be a bigger spread with Durant sidelined for the Nets. There’s a chance Boston rests some players on the 2nd leg of a back-to-back, but the Celtics are still the superior team.

The Celtics are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 0 days of rest. Boston is also 5-0 ATS in its last 5 road meetings against Brooklyn and 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings overall.

Over/Under

Even with Durant out, OVER 227.5 (-115) is where I’m leaning in this game. Both of these teams are top 5 in offensive rating this season.

The Nets are 5-0 to the Over in their last 5 games playing on 3 or more days of rest. The Over is also 9-4 in the last 13 meetings between the Celtics and the Nets.

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

Analyzing Monday’s Boston Celtics at Brooklyn Nets Game 4 lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 7 seed Brooklyn Nets (0-3) try to prevent a sweep when they host the No. 2 seed Boston Celtics (3-0) Monday at Barclays Center. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET and airs on TNT. Below, we look at the Celtics vs. Nets Game 4 odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Boston took Game 4 109-103 thanks to an awesome game by Celtics wing Jayson Tatum and duds by Nets leaders PF Kevin Durant and PG Kyrie Irving.

Tatum scored a game-high 39 points with 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 steals while KD and Kyrie each scored 16 points and Irving went 0-for-7 from 3-point range.

Game 4 went Under the 223-point total by 11 points despite both teams shooting around 50.0% from the field because Celtics-Nets played at a snail’s pace.

Celtics at Nets odds 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 11:10 a.m. ET.

Money line (ML): Celtics +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Nets -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
Against the spread: Celtics +1.5 (-110) | Nets -1.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 220.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Celtics at Nets key injuries

Celtics

None

Nets

PG Ben Simmons (reconditioning) out

[tipico]

Celtics at Nets picks and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 111, Nets 107

Money line

LEAN CELTICS (+100) because I prefer to take whatever points I can get with Boston’s spread. The Celtics had more continuity entering the series but there was always a feeling that the KD and Kyrie combo would be too good to lose in the first round.

However, Boston wings Jaylen Brown and Tatum are outplaying them and the Celtics are winning the battle of possessions in this series. Boston has better turnover and rebounding rates than Brooklyn, which tells us the Celtics are playing with more focus and effort. The “eye test” confirms this as well.

Boston’s ML has also been steamed up from plus-money to the current price by sharp line movement. The “wiseguys” understand that Brooklyn’s only case for winning this game is “KD and Kyrie won’t get swept”. That’s not rooted in any basketball logic though.

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Against the spread

LEAN CELTICS +1.5 (-110) since their ML should also cash and I’d bet Boston up to -130 ML favorites if the spread goes through zero. Kyrie mentioned Brooklyn’s lack of continuity in the Game 3 postgame press conference, which pretty much sums up the Nets’ season.

Brooklyn has struggled due to on-court and off-court turmoil and has been overrated by the market despite these public issues. The Nets are 3-24 ATS in their last 27 games as home favorites. Furthermore, oddsmakers are trying to bait bettors with reverse line movement (RLM) towards Boston.

Most of the action is on the Nets -1.5 (-110) according to pregame.com, but they’ve gone from 2.5-point opening favorites down to the current price. RLM should be a red flag for any sports bettor since you have to ask yourself why the sportsbooks would make the more popular team cheaper. Hmmm.

The CELTICS PLUS POINTS is my favorite wager in this game.

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 220.5 (-112) because this is the third-slowest paced first-round series, which trumps the elite shooting and scorers both teams have.

Or at least that’s been the case in Games 2 and 3 where both teams had impressive shooting percentages but each game went Under the total.

There’s also a line freeze in the betting market as most of the money and public is on the Over (per Pregame) but the total hasn’t budged.

It’s only a LEAN to the UNDER 220.5 (-112) because if the Nets pick up the pace to try and keep their season alive then the scoring in Game 4 will increase.

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

Analyzing Saturday’s Boston Celtics at Brooklyn Nets Game 3 lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 2 seed Boston Celtics (2-0) head to Barclays Center Saturday for Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series with the No. 7 seed Brooklyn Nets (0-2). Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET and the game airs on ESPN. Below, we look at the Celtics vs. Nets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Boston held serve at home in Game 2 by rallying back from a double-digit deficit to beat Brooklyn 114-107 Wednesday.

The difference-maker in this series thus far has been the Celtics’ defense for Nets All-Star PF Kevin Durant who’s averaging an inefficient 25.0 points on 31.7% shooting (28.6% from behind the arc).

Boston is also getting a vintage performance out of C Al Horford who’s putting up 18.0 points on 72.7% true shooting (.609/.625/.750) with 10.5 rebounds and a plus-37 net rating.

There’s an outside chance of Celtics PF Robert Williams III returns in Game 3 from a knee injury and Williams’ presence makes Boston’s defense even stronger.

Celtics at Nets odds 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 11:25 a.m. ET.

Money line (ML): Celtics +133 (bet $100 to win $133) | Nets -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
Against the spread: Celtics +3.5 (-110) | Nets -3.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 221.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Celtics at Nets key injuries

Celtics

PF Robert Williams III (knee) questionable

Nets

PG Ben Simmons (reconditioning) out

[tipico]

Celtics at Nets picks and predictions

Prediction

Nets 113, Celtics 111

Money line

PASS.

Brooklyn should win Game 3 and get back into this series but the Nets (-165) are too expensive considering how evenly matched these teams are. Instead of betting Brooklyn’s Game 3 ML, I’d entertain sprinkling on the Nets (+270) adjusted series price.

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Against the spread

LEAN CELTICS +3.5 (-110) because I think the Nets win this game outright and generally the team that wins the game also covers the spread. Also, you could make a credible case that the Nets could be 2-0 with this series headed back to Brooklyn.

However, ultimately, the Nets aren’t 3.5 points better than the Celtics before Williams returned and, if Williams plays, Boston’s defense is the best in the NBA.

The Celtics score 5.9 more points per 100 possessions when Williams is on the floor and their offensive rebounding rate improves by 3.3%, according to CleaningTheGlass.com.

Boston is already grabbing nearly 10% more rebounds than Brooklyn in this series and if that gap widens when Williams plays then it’s impossible to pass on the Celtics getting points.

On top of that, nearly 70% of the money is on the Nets (according to Pregame.com) but the line hasn’t budged off the opener and is even ticking down at some sportsbooks.

This line freeze tells me the oddsmakers are confident in their number and want more pro-Brooklyn action. Obviously, we don’t want to play into the House’s hand.

This is also a much more profitable spot for Boston than Brooklyn. The Celtics are 16-4 ATS on the road versus teams with a winning record. Whereas the Nets are 6-14-1 ATS at home versus teams above-.500 and 5-27-1 ATS as home favorites with a minus-7.6 ATS margin.

It’s only a LEAN to the CELTICS +3.5 (-110) because I cannot see Boston wrapping this series up this weekend and that’s what will effectively happen if the Celtics go up 3-0.

Over/Under

BET the OVER 221.5 (-112).

Both teams have a top-5 free-throw attempt rate in the playoffs, Brooklyn is fifth in effective field goal shooting and Boston is 10-7-1 O/U as a road underdog with a plus-6.2 total margin.

The assigned officiating crew for Game 3 also has a combined 130-106 O/U record, which provides even more support for an Over bet since each team gets to the charity stripe.

The Nets would be scoring more points if they attempted fewer long 2-pointers and hoisted more 3-pointers. Brooklyn head coach Steve Nash should have the Nets chucking more 3-pointers because that would extend Brooklyn’s defense and open space for KD to operate.

The OVER 221.5 (-112) is my favorite wager in this game.

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Boston Celtics at Brooklyn Nets odds, picks and prediction

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

Coming out of the All-Star break, the Brooklyn Nets (31-28) host the Boston Celtics (34-26) at Barclays Center Thursday. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET as both teams look to stay in the thick of the Eastern playoff race. Below, we look at the Celtics vs. Nets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Celtics finished the first part of the season eight games above .500, but their record on the road was subpar at 14-15. They’ve struggled from 3-point land, shooting just 34.4% from deep, which ranks them 21st in the NBA. The Celtics have been carried by their defense, which has allowed the third-fewest points per game (103.5) in the league.

The Nets traded SG James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers Feb. 10, landing PG Ben Simmons, SG Seth Curry and C Andre Drummond. Simmons has yet to suit up and won’t be ready for this game, either, as he continues to get in game shape after not playing at all for the Sixers this season. He won’t help the Nets’ struggles from deep – they are shooting just 35.1% from the 3-point line this season. Curry has shot well in his three games since the trade, however, making 12 of 23 attempts from 3 and averaging 18.3 points per game.

Celtics at Nets 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 2:07 p.m. ET.

Money line: Celtics -450 (bet $450 to win $100) | Nets +330 (bet $100 to win $330)
Against the spread (ATS): Celtics -8.5 (-115) | Nets +8.5 (-107)
Over/Under (O/U): 213.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Celtics at Nets key injuries

Celtics

None

Nets

PF Kevin Durant (knee) out
SF Joe Harris (ankle) out
PG Kyrie Irving (ineligible) out
PG Ben Simmons (reconditioning) out

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Celtics at Nets odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 116, Nets 105

Money line

PASS.

The Celtics have finally gotten back on track and will be at full strength against the struggling Nets. They’ve won nine of their last 10 games, though they did go into the All-Star break with a terrible 112-111 loss to the Pistons as 12-point home favorites.

Boston (-450) will win here, but the price is too expensive – and risky. We’ll get much better value betting the Celtics to cover the spread.

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Against the spread

BET CELTICS -8.5 (-115). They are 6-4 ATS in their last 10 games, while the Nets are only 3-6-1 ATS in their last 10. In the last meeting between these teams, the Celtics blew out the Nets 126-91 in Brooklyn, easily covering the 10.5-point spread.

The Celtics are favored by 8.5 points this time around and the Nets are without Durant, again. Brooklyn has lost 13 of its last 17 games without Durant, including eight losses by at least 10 points.

CELTICS -8.5 (-115) is the way to go here.

Over/Under

The total has gone Over in five of the last six games between the Celtics and Nets, and the Over is 6-1 in the Nets’ last seven games against teams with a winning record.

Brooklyn could struggle to score without Durant and Irving, but the Celtics are playing well right now and should make up for it with another solid showing offensively to help push the total OVER 213.5 (-115).

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Boston Celtics at Brooklyn Nets odds, picks and predictions

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

The Boston Celtics (30-25) travel to Barclays Center Tuesday to take on the Brooklyn Nets (29-24). Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Celtics vs. Nets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Nets have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA. F Kevin Durant has played well this season, but his injury has been debilitating to Brooklyn and has aided in its current eight-game losing streak.

Brooklyn has only covered the spread one time in its last eight games. The Nets are now 20-32-1 against the spread (ATS) on the season. It could be another tough night against a rested and talented Celtics team with two members of their Big 3 sidelined.

Boston started off the season slow but has now won five games in a row, covering in three of those five outings. The Celtics are led by F Jayson Tatum and G Jaylen Brown who respectively rank 10th and 14th in points per game.

Celtics at Nets 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 10:43 a.m. ET.

Money line: Celtics -320 (bet $320 to win $100) | Nets +250 (bet $100 to win $250)
Against the spread (ATS): Celtics -7.5 (-102) | Nets +7.5 (-122)
Over/Under (O/U): 214.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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Celtics at Nets key injuries

Celtics

None

Nets

C LaMarcus Aldridge (ankle) out
C Nic Claxton (hamstring) questionable
F Kevin Durant (knee) out
G James Harden (hamstring) questionable
F Paul Millsap (personal) out
G Kyrie Irving (ineligible) out

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Celtics at Nets odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 110, Nets 102

Money line

PASS on the money line.

The -320 line on Boston as a road favorite is too much since we don’t know the status of former MVP G James Harden.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to the CELTICS -7.5 (-102).

This becomes a full-unit play if Harden is ruled out, but I suspect Harden playing is priced into the action. This could continue to blossom to an 8-point spread if he’s ruled out, but it’s a line I’d still be comfortable in taking.

The main reason for that is that Brooklyn is down too many key players.

It’s not just Durant and Irving sidelined. The Nets will have just two of their top seven scorers if Harden is unable to suit up. The Nets have lost their last two games by 20 or more points, both against playoff-contending teams.

Meanwhile, the Celtics are loaded with size and speed.

Even if Harden does play, he’ll be hounded by defensive-minded G Marcus Smart. All things point to Boston coming out big on top here, especially if Harden opts out of this battle.

Over/Under

BET the UNDER 214.5 (-107). This will likely be a fade by the public as well.

The Under has been the better play recently for both teams.

The Nets are 4-5-1 O/U in their last 10 games but just 1-3-1 O/U in their last five, and they haven’t topped 105 points in their last three outings. They’re 24-28-1 O/U on the season.

Boston’s defensive play has led the way as the Celtics have held four of their last five opponents to fewer than 100 points (the only one that went over the Hornets who lead the league in scoring). The Celtics are 2-8 O/U in their last 10 games and 22-32-1 O/U on the season.

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Boston Celtics at Brooklyn Nets Game 5 odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Tuesday’s Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics Game 5 NBA odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The 7-seed Boston Celtics and 2-seed Brooklyn Nets play Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round series Tuesday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn; the Nets hold a 3-1 series lead. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Celtics vs. Nets odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.

The Celtics head to Brooklyn with their backs up against the wall down 3-1 in the series. After a 50-point effort from Jayson Tatum in Game 3, the C’s were back to their losing ways falling by double digits for the third time in four outings.

The Nets have not only won three of the first four games in this series to push the Celtics to the brink of elimination, but they have covered three times by 8.5 or more points in this series. In its three wins, Brooklyn has an average winning margin of 16.0 PPG.

Celtics at Nets: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

Money line: Celtics +550 (bet $100 to win $550) | Nets -800 (bet $800 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Celtics +12.5 (-110) | Nets -12.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 231.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Celtics at Nets: Key injuries

Celtics

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

Nets

SF Alize Johnson (ankle) out

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Celtics at Nets: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Nets 131, Celtics 113

Money line (ML)

Nets (-800) will cost you eight times your potential return. Any self-respecting bettor won’t ever even consider a wager so nonsensical.

AVOID.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The NETS -12.5 (-110) is much better play, as the home side looks to close out the Celtics +12.5 (-110). Kemba Walker is doubtful to play in this one, and that makes it all the more difficult for the road side. After a surprising Game 3 win, Boston was helpless against the powerful Brooklyn offense. Game 5 will be no different as the C’s are sent packing.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 231.5 (-110) is the way to go. After an Under result in Game 1, we’ve had three straight Over results. Brooklyn has scored 130 or more points in two of those outings, and Boston has 125 or more in each of the previous two games. Defensive hasn’t exactly been sharp in this series.

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Boston Celtics at Brooklyn Nets odds, picks and prediction

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

The Brooklyn Nets (39-20) host the red-hot Boston Celtics (32-27) Friday at Barclays Center for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we analyze the Celtics-Nets odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.

Boston bounced back from a 106-92 loss to the Chicago Bulls as 4.5-point home favorites Tuesday to trounce the Phoenix Suns 99-86 Thursday and cover as 1.5-point home dogs.

Before their loss to the Bulls, the Celtics won six in a row (4-1-1 against the spread) and now have the same record as the 5-seed Atlanta Hawks.

Brooklyn has alternated between winning and losing over the last eight games (5-3 ATS) with the latest being a 114-103 loss to the Toronto Raptors Wednesday.

The Nets have won and covered their first two meetings this season with the Celtics and Kyrie Irving lit up Boston in both games.

Kyrie averaged 38.5 points per game on 80.3% true shooting (.636/.667/1.000) with 7.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists in both Celtics-Nets games this season.

Celtics at Nets: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:05 a.m. ET.

Money line: Celtics +175 (bet $100 to win $175) | Nets -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Celtics +4.5 (-110) | Nets -4.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 229.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Celtics at Nets: Key injuries

Celtics

SF Jaylen Brown (illness) questionable
C Robert Williams (knee) questionable
SG Evan Fournier (health and safety protocols) out

Nets

PF Kevin Durant (thigh) questionable
SG James Harden (hamstring) out
C Nicolas Claxton (health and safety protocols) out

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Celtics at Nets: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Celtics 119, Nets 113

Money line (ML)

Slight “LEAN” to the CELTICS (+175) for a quarter unit because this is a “double-revenge” spot for them, and Boston’s chances of winning are higher than the 36.4% implied probability of its money line price.

The Nets had their way with the Celtics in both meetings earlier this season, but that was a different Boston team.

The Celtics are one of the hotter teams in the Association and are clearly motivated because they are jostling for playoff positioning.

Most importantly, Brooklyn is pretty banged up, and even if KD can play tonight, he’ll probably be on some sort of minutes restriction.

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Against the spread (ATS)

Definitely BET CELTICS +4.5 (-110) heavier than or instead of Boston’s money line.

Brooklyn gets up for big games, but does it consider this a big game?

It’s for sure a “big game” for the Celtics, who are just 1 game ahead of the Miami Heat for the coveted 6-seed since seeds 7-10 from each conference participate in postseason play-in.

Also, Brooklyn has been a bad bet this season as a favorite (17-24 ATS) and as a home favorite (9-14 ATS).

Over/Under (O/U)

There are a few trendy reasons why I “LEAN” to the OVER 229.5 (-110) for a quarter unit.

The Celtics are 11-4 O/U as a road dog and 7-4 O/U on the second of a back-to-back while the Nets are 13-5 O/U as a home favorite.

Furthermore, the Nets’ rotation is stacked with good offensive players that aren’t really bringing it on the defensive end.

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Boston Celtics at Brooklyn Nets odds, picks and prediction

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

The Brooklyn Nets (24-13) host the Boston Celtics (19-17) Thursday at Barclays Center for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we analyze the Celtics-Nets odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.

The Celtics started to trend up before the All-Star break, sweeping a 4-game homestand following a 3-game losing skid on the road (2-5 ATS). Injury issues with its backcourt and All-Star wing Jayson Tatum missing time with COVID-19 were the major factors to Boston’s disappointing first half.

Brooklyn has won 10 of its previous 11 games (10-1 ATS), which included an impressive 5-game win streak on a West Coast road trip against the class of the Western Conference. What’s even more impressive is PF Kevin Durant missed 10 of those 11 games.

The Nets beat the brakes off of the Celtics 123-95 on Christmas, outscoring Boston 72-41 in the second half thanks to Durant and SG Kyrie Irving combining for 40 points on 15-for-21 shooting after halftime.

Celtics at Nets: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:12 a.m. ET.

Money line: Celtics +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Nets -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Celtics +3.5 (-115) | Nets -3.5 (-105)
Over/Under: 233.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Celtics at Nets: Key injuries

Celtics

None

Nets

SF Kevin Durant (hamstring) out
PF Jeff Green (shoulder) questionable
PF Blake Griffin (knee) out

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Celtics at Nets: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Celtics 124, Nets 116

Money line (ML)

Slight lean on the CELTICS (+125) for a half-unit because the return of SG Marcus Smart is huge for Boston.

Also, I don’t see Brooklyn making up for KD’s absence against a Celtics team that seemed to be turning a corner before the All-Star break.

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Against the spread (ATS)

BET CELTICS +3.5 (-115) for 1 unit since the return of Smart is exactly what Boston needs in hopes of minimizing the damage Brooklyn’s backcourt does in this game.

Smart has played good defense against Nets PG James Harden in their head-to-head history: Harden has averaged 30.4 points on 37.3% shooting (34.8% from 3) and 5.7 turnovers per game in his 12 career games vs. Smart.

Obviously, Smart doesn’t exactly “shut Harden down,” but his presence gives Boston hope it can make stops at the end of quarters and restores the depth of the Celtics’ roster.

Over/Under (O/U)

Granted, Smart’s defensive intensity changes things a little for Boston, but both offenses should have success in this spot.

No one stops the Nets from scoring. The Celtics attempt the 7th-highest rate of mid-range shots, according to CleaningTheGlass.com, and Brooklyn has the 4th-worst defensive mid-range shooting percentage.

Also, there are several Over-friendly trends such as Boston’s 7-2 O/U record as a road dog, Brooklyn’s 19-6 O/U record as a favorite and a combined 19-9 O/U record vs. winning teams.

The OVER 233.5 (-110) is my favorite play in Celtics-Nets.

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Also see:

Report: Boston interested in Kings’ Barnes (Celtics Wire)
Griffin doesn’t shut down idea of catching lobs in Brooklyn (Nets Wire)

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