Celtics vs Nuggets Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds, Picks & Predictions

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Red-Hot Tatum Leading Celtics Charge

The Boston Celtics have won 18 of their last 21 games, and much of that has to do with the play of All-Star forward Jayson Tatum. The 24-year-old had 32 points in the Celtics’ win over the Sacramento Kings on Friday night, his 24th game with 30 or more points.

“We’re much more upbeat,” Tatum said of the Celtics after Friday’s victory. “We’re having a lot more fun, and we’re winning. Once you’re winning, that cures a lot of things. It’s always fun playing that way.”

Tatum is eighth in the NBA in scoring at 26.8 points per game, while also averaging 8.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists.

But Tatum isn’t the only scoring star for Boston, as Jaylen Brown is putting up 23.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. Brown had 30 points in Friday’s win, and the duo is hard to stop when they get going.

Guard Marcus Smart has also been playing well on both ends of the floor, providing veteran leadership. Smart is leading the team with 5.7 assists per game while also ranking third on the team with 12.2 points per contest. Smart also ranks fourth in the NBA with 1.8 steals per game.

Jokic Making Another MVP Run?

Nikola Jokic continues to do Nikola Jokic things. The reigning NBA MVP has been filling up the box score for the Denver Nuggets once again, helping the team a spot among the top Western Conference contenders.

Heading into this game, Jokic is ninth in the league in scoring (26.1 points), second in rebounding (13.7) and seventh in assists (8.1). He’s been even better of late, averaging 30.0 points, 13.2 rebounds and 8.3 assists over his last nine games.

But, Jokic needs help if the Nuggets are going to be successful, and he’s been getting it. Rookie guard Bones Hyland has emerged as a solid scorer, and his role with the team continues to grow. Hyland is averaging 9.4 points per game on the season, but over his last four games, he’s scoring 18.0 points.

Forward Will Barton ranks second on the Nuggets in scoring at 14.7 points per game, but he’s been a bit inconsistent. Barton has scored a total of 14 points over the last two games, so Denver is hoping he can up his production in this one.

Boston Celtics vs Denver Nuggets Head-to-Head

The Boston Celtics took the first meeting between these two teams this season, winning by six points on their home floor in early February. It was the fourth straight win over the Denver Nuggets for Boston, including a sweep of last season’s series.

Prior to the current streak, Denver had won three in a row over Boston. The Nuggets have taken two of the last three games played in Denver between the two teams, though the NBA lines are giving the Celtics the edge in this one.

Boston Celtics vs Denver Nuggets Game Information

• Game: Boston Celtics (43-28) at Denver Nuggets (42-29)
• Location: Ball Arena
• Day/Time: Sunday, 8 p.m. ET
• Stream: NBA League Pass

Boston Celtics vs Denver Nuggets Betting Lines

Boston Celtics vs Denver Nuggets Prediction

The Denver Nuggets have one of the top players in the league in Jokic, but they remain a little inconsistent due to the play of the players around him. The Boston Celtics have a solid 19-16 record on the road this season, and they should improve on that with a win against the Nuggets in this one.

When doing your NBA betting, take Boston to win and cover on the road.

Pick: Boston Celtics -3½ (-110)