The Boston Celtics chase a sixth straight win tonight and enter as double-digit favorites in the NBA odds against the fading Brooklyn Nets.
These teams squared off last night in Brooklyn, with the Celtics riding a 41-point night from Jayson Tatum to claim a 118-110 victory and strengthen their grip on the No.1 seed in the East.
Mikal Bridges and Cam Thomas combined for 53 points for the Nets, but that wasn’t enough to prevent a fourth loss in Brooklyn’s last five contests. Now, the visitors sit 1.5 games from securing a play-in spot.
Get the lowdown on tonight’s rematch with my free NBA picks for Nets vs. Celtics on February 14.
Nets vs Celtics odds
Nets vs Celtics predictions
Even with Kristaps Porzingis in and out of the line-up, the Boston Celtics keep humming along — and their offense continues to deliver, especially at home.
Boston has scored 125 points or more in each of its last three outings at TD Garden, including a 133-129 win over Washington on Friday, and I see home cooking on the menu again tonight.
While the Celtics are averaging 120.4 points per game this season, that jumps to 122.1 ppg on their home floor. Additionally, Porzingis may be available after sitting out yesterday with a back issue, and Jayson Tatum is on a hot streak, leading Boston in scoring in 11 of the past 12 games.
This Celtics’ starting group tends to be so dominant that the bench isn’t asked to do much of the heavy lifting, though Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard might see more minutes here on the second night of a back-to-back.
The Brooklyn Nets’ schedule has been light on road games lately, but they’ve given up more than 120 points in their last two outings away from Barclays Center. It’s also worth noting that Brooklyn is going to be without Ben Simmons’ defensive presence tonight (rest), and Dorian Finney-Smith has been on a minutes restriction.
Though Brooklyn managed to clamp down in the second half last night and hold Boston to just 46 points after half-time, the Celtics still got to 118. Back at TD Garden, I like the Over on the hosts’ Team Total.
My best bet: Celtics team total Over 121.5 points (-115 at FanDuel)
Nets vs Celtics same-game parlay
As tempting as it is to jump on the Tatum points prop, I love his chances of hitting these rebounds Over even more. He pulled down 14 boards against the Nets last night and he’s recorded eight or more boards in his last five contests.
With Boston taking a cautious approach to playing time for Porzingis and Al Horford, the hosts need Tatum to be a force on the glass, and he’s responded by averaging 9.7 rebounds a game so far in February.
I’m also looking to target Mikal Bridges in this SGP. He and Cam Thomas accounted for 40 of Brooklyn’s 79 shots yesterday against this Celtics defense, and I expect Bridges, in particular, to dominate the ball again here.
The Nets small forward had 26 or more points in three of his past four games. While Bridges may not always put up efficient numbers, he’s got a license to let it fly and has knocked down five 3-pointers in three separate games this month.
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Nets vs Celtics spread and Over/Under analysis
It’s tough to argue with the Celtics being 13.5-point favorites given that they’ve won nine of the past 10 meetings and covered the spread in seven of those matchups.
Boston has shown no mercy at home this season, including a 121-107 victory over Brooklyn back in November — and the Nets’ 8-15 road record doesn’t inspire confidence, even with Cam Johnson likely to be back for this clash.
Last night’s battle barely cashed the Over on 227.5, but I’ve already picked the Celtics to pour in at least 122 points. That suggests another Over here, with the total set around 229.5, but the Brooklyn side of the equation is shakier.
The Nets had hit the Under in four straight games prior to yesterday and have been held below 100 points twice already in February.
That’s a worrying sign against this relentless Celtics defense, though Boston’s offense remains the trump card for the Over. The hosts take the most 3-pointers per game in the NBA and they’re making them at a 39% clip.
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Nets vs Celtics betting trend to know
The Celtics have been fast starters under Joe Mazzulla and the first-half moneyline has been a winning ticket in 72 of their last 94 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Nets vs. Celtics.
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Nets vs Celtics game info
Location: | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
Date: | Wednesday, February 14, 2024 |
Tip-off: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
TV: | YES, NBC Sports Boston |
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