Nets Celtics odds picks prediction spread over/under betting line

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.

Can you survive? New pro and college basketball survivor pools are here at USA TODAY Sports! Free to play; terms and conditions apply. Join now!

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)

Catch the excitement and bet with Tipico

Double Down, Ohio! Deposit $200, Get $250. Bet now!

In Colorado and New Jersey, claim your 100% Deposit Match up to $250 now. Bet now! 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions.

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.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Want action on this NBA game or any other matchups? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in OH, CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @seth_orlemann on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]

Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics Game 2 and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 2 seed Boston Celtics (1-0) host the No. 7 seed Brooklyn Nets (0-1) Wednesday for Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series. Tip-off at TD Garden is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we look at the Nets vs. Celtics odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Boston beat Brooklyn 115-114 Sunday an instant classic thanks to a buzzer-beater layup by Celtics All-Star wing Jayson Tatum as time expired.

Nets G Kyrie Irving was sensational, scoring a game-high 39 points on 60.0% shooting, but Kevin Durant struggled with 23 points on just 37.5% shooting.

Celtics got 20-plus points from starters including an efficient 31 out of Tatum and a throwback performance from veteran big Al Horford.

Nets at Celtics 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 1:10 p.m. ET.

Money line (ML): Nets +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Celtics -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
Against the spread: Nets +3.5 (-112) | Celtics -3.5 (-108)
Over/Under: 226.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

Nets at Celtics key injuries

Nets

PG Ben Simmons (reconditioning) out

Celtics

PF Robert Williams III (knee) out

[tipico]

Nets at Celtics picks and predictions

Prediction

Nets 118, Celtics 113

Money line

SPRINKLE on the NETS (+130) with the plan of hitting their spread harder because the only thing that’s different in Game 2 of this series will be KD’s production.

We cannot expect the Celtics (-160) to have the same success defending KD regardless of how good Boston’s defense has been this season. Durant averaged an efficient 29.0 points in 2 games versus the Celtics this season and 32.6 points in last season’s first-round playoff series with Boston.

Furthermore, I actually think Brooklyn has more depth than Boston, which is a point that hasn’t been made enough by the NBA community when previewing this series. Give me Nets guards Goran Dragic, Seth Curry and Patty Mills over Boston’s backup guards.

Again, only SPRINKLE on the NETS (+130), if at all, because Brooklyn’s spread is the sharper play.

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

Against the spread

Definitely BET the NETS +3.5 (-112) instead of or heavier than their ML because, as we saw in Game 1, these are coin-flip games, and I’ll be tempted to bet either side getting 3 or more points.

Also, Brooklyn has been steamed down by a sharp line movement from being an opening 4-point underdog, and the Nets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games versus teams with a 60.0% or better winning percentage.

The NETS PLUS THE POINTS is my favorite wager in this game.

Over/Under

LEAN OVER 226.5 (-107) because this feels like a trap line since most of the action is on the Over, but the total has been lowered from a 229-point opener down to the current number, according to Pregame.com.

That said, all four referees assigned to this game have officiated more Overs than Unders this season and free-throw attempt rate is my biggest factor in betting totals for NBA playoff games.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics Game 1 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics Game 1 and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 7 seed Brooklyn Nets stop by TD Garden Sunday to start their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series with the No. 2 seed Boston Celtics. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC). Below, we look at the Nets vs. Celtics odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Brooklyn advanced to the postseason by beating the Cavaliers 115-108 in Cleveland Tuesday in the 7- versus 8-seed play-in game but failed to cover as a 9.5-point road favorite. The Nets won four consecutive games to end the regular season.

Boston clinched the 2-seed and won the Atlantic Division on the final day of the season by crushing the Grizzlies 139-110 in Memphis. The Celtics are 34-12 straight up (SU) with the best net rating in the NBA at plus-12.7 since Jan. 1, and the next closest team is the Phoenix Suns with a plus-8.1 net rating.

The Celtics are 3-1 SU and against the spread (ATS) versus the Nets this season, which includes three straight victories, and the total is 4-0 Over/Under (O/U). However, Brooklyn eliminated Boston 4-1 in the first round of the postseason last year and covered in all four victories (4-1 ATS).

Also see: Bet Slippin’ Podcast: NBA April 17 playoff breakdown

Nets at Celtics 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 9:22 a.m. ET.

Money line (ML): Nets +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Celtics -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
Against the spread: Nets +4.5 (-120) | Celtics -4.5 (-105)
Over/Under: 224.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Nets at Celtics key injuries

Nets

PG Ben Simmons (reconditioning) out

Celtics

PF Robert Williams III (knee) out

[tipico]

Nets at Celtics picks and predictions

Prediction

Nets 115, Celtics 111

Money line

LEAN to the NETS (+140) because Brooklyn’s spread is the sharper play. However, there’s some value in betting the Nets to steal Game 1 since PF Kevin Durant is the best player in this series and I expect KD to ball out this postseason.

KD averaged 40.5 points per game (PPG) on 61.4% shooting in the two Nets-Celtics games in Boston during their series last postseason.

Boston likes to run a lot of iso-sets through its two All-Star wings Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown but Brooklyn has two better 1-on-1 players in KD and PG Kyrie Irving.

Kyrie has also always played well versus Celtics PG, and Defensive Player of the Year candidate, Marcus Smart. Kyrie is averaging 24.5 PPG on .513/.403/.904 shooting with 6.1 assists in their 11 head-to-head meetings.

All of Brooklyn’s 5-man lineups with both KD and Kyrie on the floor are scoring 13.2 more points per 100 possessions, which is in the 98th percentile of the NBA for all 5-man units, according to CleaningTheGlass.com.

Granted, Boston’s defense has been far better than Brooklyn’s this season but the Celtics will be without their best defensive player in Williams and I think the Nets’ defense shows up in this series.

Again, it’s more of a LEAN towards the NETS (+140) because I prefer Brooklyn’s spread.

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

Against the spread

Definitely BET the NETS +4.5 (-120) instead of or heavier than their ML because Brooklyn is 10-6-1 ATS as a road favorite with a plus-3.1 ATS margin and 12-9 ATS on the road versus teams with a winning record.

This is also a more profitable price point for the Nets who are 4-3 ATS as 3-to-4.5-point underdogs whereas the Celtics are 4-6 ATS as 3-to-4.5-point favorites.

The NETS PLUS THE POINTS is my favorite wager in this game.

Over/Under

PASS with a “lean” to the Over 224.5 (-110) because the four regular-season Nets-Celtics meetings all went Over the total but there should be fewer possessions and tighter defense in their playoff series.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

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

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

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.

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

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.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

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)

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

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.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

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

Special NBA Playoff Promotion!

Place a $1 bet on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a 3-pointer during the game.

Promotion available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV.

Place all of your legal, online sports bets at BetMGM! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

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.

Play our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

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.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]

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

Special NBA Playoff Promotion!

Place a $1 bet on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a 3-pointer during the game.

Promotion available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV.

Place all of your legal, online sports bets at BetMGM! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

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.

Play our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

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.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]

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

Special Christmas Day Betting Promotion!

Bet $1 on any team’s money line, WIN an additional $100 (in free bets) IF ANY TEAM hits a 3-pointer on December 25th, 2020. Promotion available in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV.

PA residents, don’t miss BetMGM’s risk-free first bet offer! MI residents, BetMGM is coming to your state soon — register early for special promotion. Place your legal, online sports bets at BetMGM! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

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.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Also See

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

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]