The Boston Celtics (30-12) will battle a familiar foe tonight when they take on the Brooklyn Nets (27-13) at Barclays Center. These two Atlantic Division behemoths have raced out to the best records in the Eastern Conference, although a recent injury to Kevin Durant changes the calculus for the Nets' longterm lookout as well as this evening's matchup.
The 12-time All-Star sprained the MCL in his right knee in a win over the Miami Heat on Sunday evening and could be out of action for up to six weeks. It's crushing blow for the Nets, as KD had been playing some of the best basketball of his career during the team's 12-game winning streak.
Boston, meanwhile, is finally getting healthy. Center Robert Williams III recently returns from a lengthy rehab and has helped solidify the Celtics' paint presence. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart is also expected back soon after suffering a knee contusion in Saturday's win over the Spurs. He's listed as questionable tonight.
This is the second meeting of the season between the Celtics and Nets. Their first encounter on December 4 resulted in a 103-92 Boston win that was punctuated by a 34-point, 10-rebound performance by Jaylen Brown.
Celtics vs Nets best odds
The Celtics opened as 3.5-point favorites, but that line has since dipped down to 2.5-points at a wide selection of sportsbooks. Boston has gone 23-19 ATS this season, including 13-11 against Eastern Conference teams.
The projected total opened at 227.5 and has since crept up to 228.0. The Celtics rank second in the NBA in scoring and boast the league's second best offensive rating.
View the complete line movement history for Celtics vs. Nets.
How to watch Lakers vs Nuggets tonight
| Location | Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY |
| Date | Thursday, January 12, 2023 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT |
| Stream | NBA League Pass and fuboTV |
View all of tonight's NBA scores and matchups and check out our free NBA picks and predictions before wagering on this evening's action.
Celtics vs Nets key injuries
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Lakers vs Nuggets projected lineups
 Boston Celtics |
 Brooklyn Nets |
| PG: Derrick White | PG: Ben Simmons |
| SG: Jaylen Brown | SG: Kyrie Irving |
| SF: Jayson Tatum | SF: Joe Harris |
| PF: Al Horford | PF: Royce O'Neale |
| C: Robert Williams III | C: Nic Claxton |
Derrick White has risen to the occasion while filling in for injured point guard Marcus Smart. The former Spur posted a season-high 11 assists in Boston's breezy 121-116 win over San Antonio on Saturday.
Joe Harris is expected to start and see extended minutes in place of injured All-Star Kevin Durant. The former 3-point champ has scored just seven points combined in his last three games, but is a deadeye shooter capable of getting hot at a moment's notice.
Celtics vs Nets betting trends
- The Celtics are 5-1 ATS in their last six games against a team with a winning percentage above .600.
- The Nets are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games overall.
- The Under is 9-2 in the Celtics' last 11 road games against a team with a winning home record.
- The Under is 5-1 in the Nets' last six games overall.
