On Tuesday, 03/18, the Boston Celtics (49-19) will host the Brooklyn Nets(23-45) in an Eastern Conference Regular-Season match-up. The Celtics are comfortably seated at the second spot in the East while the Nets have slipped all the way down to the 13th spot. Will this be a walk in the park for the defending champs, Celts? Read about the preview, total predictions, and player props here.
Celtics: A bit shaky but resolute
The Boston Celtics will come into this game after a 2-point win against the Brooklyn Nets as Kristaps Porzingis scooped up 24 points in a back-to-back situation. They have won two in a row and hold a 17-4 record since late January. While this record is worthy of a defending champ, the Celts have some issues to comb out, especially with Kristaps Porzingis in and out of the lineup. The play of Jrue Holiday and Al Horford has declined significantly while Jaylen Brown has also been inefficient compared to last season(2.1 made threes per on 35.1% FG last season, compared to 1.8 triples per game on 31.6% this season). However, their defense is still elite, conceding 108.2 points per game(3rd), almost similar to last season. Meanwhile, they lead the league with 17.8 triples per game. Overall, the Celtics remain title favorites despite some minor issues here and there.
Expected Starting Lineup
PG/SG: Jrue Holiday | SG: Derrick White | SF: Sam Hauser | SF/PF: Jayson Tatum | C: Kristaps Porzingis
Key Injuries/Updates: The status of Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and Al Horford is UNCLEAR.
Nets: Shows great fight but still heading to the lottery
The Brooklyn Nets will come into this affair after an 8-point win against the Atlanta Hawks behind an impressive 28-point, 8-rebound, and 7-assist performance by Cameron Johnson. The victory helped erase a three-game losing streak but the squad has lost 10 of their last 12 games. Their last five losses have been within 6 points, indicating their gutsy nature but also an inability to close out matches. They don’t have enough offensive firepower and a specialist point guard who can guide the offense. They shut down their leading scorer Cam Thomas(24 PPG) for the season, signaling that they are looking ahead at the 2025 draft. The Nets lack a franchise face as of now and the draft can provide them answers.
Expected Starting Lineup
PG: D’Angelo Russell | SG: Keon Johnson. | SG/SF: Ziarie Williams | SF: Cameron Johnson | C: Nic Claxton
Key Injuries/Updates: Cam Thomas has been ruled OUT for the season. The status of Noah Clowney, D’Angelo Russell, and Ziaire Williams is UNCLEAR.
The Celtics have mostly scored in the 111–115 range lately, however, I expect them to go over the 120-point mark here. As for the Nets, their offense has improved lately but the absence of Cam Thomas can hit them badly on that end again. On the other hand, the Celts’ defense is brilliant and is likely to contain the Nets below the 105-point mark. The overall score may not go past 225 but perhaps climb above the 214-point mark where the bookmakers have settled for almost equal odds.
Projected Predictions:
Jayson Tatum to score over 30.5 points: The Celtics Swingman was limited to 20 points by the Nets during their latest clash. He has accumulated 28.7 PPG in March thus far, a mark I expect him to pass in this match.
Kristaps Porzingis to score over 20.5 points: The Celtics center has played in just one game during March. He has tallied 19.1 PPG this season, and I expect him to cross the 20-point mark here.
Cameron Johnson to score under 19.5 points: The Nets Wing is the focal point of the offense due to the season-ending injury to Cam Thomas. He has scored 20+ in two straight games but I expect him to be limited here by the Celts’ defense under the 18-point mark.
Keon Johnson to score over 13.5 points: The athletic guard has put up 10 PPG on inefficient shooting numbers this season but has stitched together two 20-point performances. I expect him to be in the 14-16 range here.
The Celtics are clear-cut favorites here. They have the home-court advantage against a squad that has been unable to close out games throughout the season. The Nets did give them trouble a couple of days ago, but that was a back-to-back situation, now they have enjoyed a two-day rest. Thus, I expect the fresh Celts to finish off the visitors by a 15+ points margin here.
Safe Spread Pick: Celtics -15.5 for +105 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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