This Christmas, we’ll see some marquee matchups around the Association, so I bring you the best betting pick and odds for the Atlantic Division showdown between the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics.
Both teams tipped-off the new season on the right foot. While the Nets recorded an easy victory over the Golden State Warriors, the Celtics barely outlasted the Milwaukee Bucks. Brooklyn and Boston split their last season’s series, but the Celtics have won 13 of their previous 17 meetings with the Nets.
Brooklyn hammered the Warriors in the opener
The Brooklyn Nets showed no mercy on the opening night, thrashing off the Golden State Warriors 125-99 as 7.5-point home favorites. Kevin Durant returned from a one-year absence and had 22 points on 7-for-16 shooting from the field, while Kyrie Irving added 26 points and four assists.
The Nets shot very well from beyond the arc, dropping 15 triples out of 35 attempts, but they also scored a whopping 28 fast break points. Furthermore, the Nets played some tough D and limited the Warriors to just 37.4% shooting from the field.
Steve Nash enjoyed a nice debut as a head coach in the NBA, using all his available players. The Nets proved they possess great depth, so keep your eyes on Caris LeVert, who tallied 20 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in 25 minutes off the bench.
Boston almost blew a 17-point lead against the Bucks
The Boston Celtics started with a 122-121 home win to the Milwaukee Bucks this past Wednesday, but they almost blew a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter. After scoring literally at will through the first three periods, the Celtics accounted for just 21 points in the last 12 minutes.
They shot 47.5% from the field and an excellent 45.0% from beyond the 3-point line. Also, the Celtics committed only seven turnovers while forcing 16 on the other side, but they lost the battle on the glass (52-37) and surrendered 50 points in the paint.
Jayson Tatum made the crucial 3-pointer down the stretch and finished the game with 30 points and seven rebounds. Jaylen Brown had 33 points and four assists, while Jeff Teague added 19 points and four dimes off the bench.
[metabet_core_odds_compare query=”nba/celtics” size=”300×250″ site_id=”atsio” css=”float:right; margin-left:10px”]Trends:
Brooklyn:
- 8-4 ATS in the last 12 games overall
- 7-2 ATS in the last nine road contests
Boston:
- 6-9-1 ATS in the last 16 games at home
- 2-5 ATS in the last seven games against Brooklyn
The Winner Prediction
The Nets have won just one of their last nine games at TD Garden, but they’ve covered five times in that stretch. With healthy Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the Nets are legitimate championship contenders, while the Celtics miss Kemba Walker due to a knee injury, so I’m backing the visitors to win and cover.
However, keep in mind this is the opening week of the season. Both Brooklyn and Boston are still trying to pick up the pieces, so it’s hard to say who’s playing in a better form at the moment.
Pick: Take Brooklyn Nets -3.0 at -110
The Total:
The last four encounters between the Nets and Celtics went in the over, as well as their previous three meetings at TD Garden. Also, the over has hit in Boston’s last five outings, and it is 7-3 in Brooklyn’s last ten showings on the road.
The previous two duels between the Nets and Celtics at TD Garden produced 249 and 264 points in total. I have to stick with betting trends in this one, as it’s still early in the season. Anyway, both teams have so many offensive weapons, and I assume they will need some time to gel things on the defensive end.
Pick: Go over 228.5 points at -110