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Celtics at Nets: Game Preview, Odds, Picks & Predictions

Red-Hot Boston Riding Five-Game Win Streak

Nets Mired in Major Slide

Division rivals trending in different directions collide when the Boston Celtics visit the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, with the winner potentially moving into the top-six of the Eastern conference. The Celtics will be sizable favorites on the NBA betting odds as the Nets desperately need a win after having dropped eight straight.

Boston Celtics at Brooklyn Nets Game Information

  • Game: Boston Celtics (30-25) at Brooklyn Nets (29-24)
  • Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
  • Day/Time: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. ET
  • Television: TNT

Celtics vs Nets: Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds, Picks & Predictions
ADAM GLANZMAN / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

Celtics Flashing Defensive Prowess

It’s taken them most of the season, but the Boston Celtics are back. Since the New Year, the Celtics have the NBA’s top defense. Before we point out that Boston is padding its stats by beating up on losing teams, the Celtics also have wins over Miami and Atlanta. The former is the top team in the East and the latter ended Phoenix’s 11-game win streak.

In the last eight games, Boston has a whopping defensive rating of 94.6. The next closest team? Cleveland at 104.4, while the Golden State Warriors have the best average for the season is at 109.4.

Boston has held six of its last eight opponents to under 100 points. This team’s slow and methodical defense-first approach is why it’s a hot bet online and why the under has cashed in seven of its last eight games.

The Brooklyn Nets

We can’t blame NBA trade rumors swirling around James Harden and the Brooklyn Nets. That’s what’s expected when your team loses eight straight and goes 1-7 against the spread (ATS). Injuries are partly to blame but Brooklyn has lost by double digits in six of these games.

Harden continues to be hampered by a hamstring injury and has done more harm than good in the four games he’s played. He’s shot just 34.3 percent from the field and committed 5.5 turnovers while being -11 or worse in every game.

The online sports betting odds may still have Brooklyn as one of the NBA title favorites but with all its injuries, most notably to Kevin Durant, Brooklyn is an also-ran. The Nets have the worst defense in the NBA and a bottom-10 offense. This team may just go below .500 if this keeps up.

Boston Celtics at Brooklyn Nets Head-to-Head

The Brooklyn Nets blew out the Boston Celtics in their last meeting on Nov. 24 despite what appeared to be a close matchup. Brooklyn has won three straight against Boston and is 9-0 ATS in its last nine games at Barclays Center.

Boston Celtics at Brooklyn Nets Prediction

The last meeting feels like an eternity ago. The Boston Celtics were struggling and inconsistent and the Brooklyn Nets, while not dominating, were cruising. Now, six of Brooklyn’s top seven scorers are out, and we’re left with G-League players and journeymen, with Patty Mills as their leading scorer.

The Celtics are much healthier and Jayson Tatum has been on a tear. The three-time All-Star is putting up almost 28 points on a 500/400/844 shooting line in his last eight games. Most notably, he is plus-20 on average in these games.

The Celtics are 8-4 ATS as a road favorite, so bet on them confidently as the depleted Nets are no match. Additionally, take the under, as Brooklyn will be held under 100 points.

Parlay: Boston Celtics -7½ and Under 216½ at +264

Pick: Under 216½

Pick: Boston Celtics -7½

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