Boston Celtics vs Brooklyn Nets Betting Picks, Odds, Lines & Predictions
On Saturday, the Nets will host the Celtics for Game 1 of the First Round series in the East. The Celtics booked their place in the playoffs after beating Washington in the play-in game. It was only their 5th win in the last 15 games as they struggled to find the form lately. They finished the regular season 7th in the conference with a 36-36 record. Against the spread, they were 35-38. The Nets, on the other hand, finished the regular season winning 5 straight and 10 out of the last 15 games. Their overall record was 48-24 which got them the 2nd seed in the East. Their ATS record was 38-34. Boston and Brooklyn meet three times already this season. The Nets came out as winners in all three games.
Boston Celtics vs Brooklyn Nets Betting Odds And Line Movement
The Nets opened as the -7.5 NBA online betting favorites but with most of the early action going their way the line has moved to -8. The total also saw some movement. It moved from the opening 225.5 to 228.5.
Notes On The Boston Celtics
The Celtics had their season derailed by the serious injuries and Covid-19 absences. Most of their key players missed some time during the campaign. They’re now heading to the playoffs without Jaylen Brown who got injured two weeks ago and will miss the rest of the season. It comes as a huge blow to Boston’s ambitions. The young guard was having a career year and earned an All-Star appearance. With Brown out, Tatum and Walker will have to carry even more offensive load. They have proven to be up to the task so far, especially in the play-in win over Washington. Tatum destroyed the Wizards dropping 50 on them, while Walker added 29 points of his own. Both of them seem to be hitting the form just in time for the playoffs. Tatum averages 31.2 ppg in the last 9 games while Kemba put up 29.8 in his last 4 appearances. Still, the Celts will need some of the role players to also step up if they are to be competitive in the series.
Besides Brown, the only other injury worry for coach Stevens is Robert Williams who is listed as questionable.
Notes On The Brooklyn Nets
After adding James Harden to their star duo of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, the Nets are clearly in a “championship or bust” mode. Still, due to the combination of injuries and Covid-19, the trio has rarely played together this season. However, regardless of who’s on the floor, Brooklyn is an offensive force under Steve Nash. They have the best Offensive Rating in non-garbage time minutes in the NBA with 119.4. On the defensive end, the Nets fared much worse. Their defense ranks 21st in the league, allowing opponents 114.07 points per game. The good news is that all three stars are ready for the playoffs. The Nets will be hoping that their defense won’t matter that much as they are clearly capable of outscoring everyone.
On Saturday, the Nets will be without long-term absentee Spencer Dinwiddie. Harden and Joe Harris are day-to-day but should be ready to go.
Boston Celtics vs Brooklyn Nets Betting Pick & Prediction:Brooklyn -8
The three Brooklyn stars may not have had enough time to develop chemistry. Still, their talent alone should be enough for the Celtics without Brown. Also, the Nets feature several quality role players who are ready to step up on any given night. Even without their star trio at full strength, they beat Boston three times this year. Plus, Brooklyn is 6-0 in their last six home games vs Boston.
