The Portland Trail Blazers are unexpectedly hanging around the play-in race in the fading Western Conference, but a visit to the Boston Celtics tonight isn’t ideal for closing the gap.
That said, Boston has a worrying injury report heading into this contest, and my Trail Blazers vs. Celtics predictions load up on a Portland team that’s shown plenty of fight on the road lately.
Check out my NBA picks and betting angles for this March 5 battle.
Trail Blazers vs Celtics prediction
My best bet
Trail Blazers +10 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
It’s been a slow grind for the Portland Trail Blazers, but they’ve unquestionably found something to build around this season — and this deep, young roster is playing competitive basketball night in, night out.
Portland has taken full advantage of a very friendly schedule to win five of its last six games, with the one loss coming in overtime against the Cavaliers. I’m buying into the belief that’s forming for Chauncey Billups’ men.
Though it’s a big ask to win at TD Garden, a 10-point spread feels too high, and I’m taking the points with a Blazers team that’s on the rise and sits at 36-25-1 ATS this season. The visitors have covered the spread in four straight road contests and cashed the first-half moneyline in 19 of their last 33 outings.
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics have been sleepwalking through portions of this season and their injury list makes me pause. Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday are doubtful, while Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are questionable. That’s a lot of banged-up talent for a team that’s 1-3 ATS in its past four outings.
Portland has leaned into small-ball lineups with Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams sidelined, and that should match up well with the hosts’ rotation, though it would be a massive boost if Jerami Grant can return after missing the last three games.
The Blazers still have plenty to play for over the season's final weeks, and tonight is another chance to showcase the major upside on this roster.
Trail Blazers vs Celtics same-game parlay
Trail Blazers +10
Deni Avdija Over 5.5 rebounds
Derrick White Over 18.5 points
Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe have been the headline acts for this improved Portland team, but Deni Avdija is among the unsung heroes, with contributions all over the box score.
I like the Over on his rebounds prop here. Avdija is averaging 6.4 rpg this year, and he’s capable of some huge totals, with double-digit boards in two of his past four games. Against the Celtics’ array of guards and wings, I see Billups counting on Avdija for heavy minutes tonight.
I’m also adding a prop for Derrick White, who could be the last man standing tonight from Boston’s first-choice starting five. He should be a big factor even if Tatum and Brown suit up.
White provides a tidy floor as a scorer, finishing with 16+ points in each of his last seven games, including a 22-point effort against the Raptors in late February. There’s every chance the Celtics will be shorthanded, and I see White making the most of the extra volume.
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Trail Blazers vs Celtics odds
Trail Blazers vs Celtics live odds
Trail Blazers vs Celtics opening odds
- Spread: Portland +10.5 | Boston -10.5
- Moneyline: Portland +375 | Boston -500
- Over/Under: Over 225.5 | Under 225.5
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Trail Blazers vs Celtics spread and Over/Under analysis
- Boston has won its past four matchups against Portland, but the hosts are just 26-34-1 ATS this season.
- The Celtics are 19-11 at TD Garden this year but have played their best basketball on the road (24-7).
- The Over is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings between these teams, but the Under is 6-2 in the Celtics’ past eight contests.
- Portland has scored 119+ points in five of its last six outings.
Trail Blazers vs Celtics trend
The Cletics have cashed the first-quarter Under in 21 of their last 32 home games. Find more NBA betting trends for Trail Blazers vs. Celtics.
How to watch Trail Blazers vs Celtics
| Location | TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts |
| Date | Wednesday, 3-5-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | KUNP, KATU, NBCS-Boston, |
Trail Blazers vs Celtics latest injuries
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