On Sunday, 03/02, the Boston Celtics (42-18) will host the Denver Nuggets (39-21) in an inter-conference Regular-Season match-up. The Celtics are second in the East, whereas the Nuggets have a loose hold on the second spot in the West. Who will come on top in this battle against the last two NBA champions? Read about the preview, total predictions, and player props here.
Celtics: Are the reigning champions vulnerable?
The Celtics will come into this game after an 8-point loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers despite a 46-point performance by Jayson Tatum. It was an appalling loss because the team had built a hefty 25-3 lead in the first quarter but squandered the huge advantage. It was their second straight loss after a 20-point defeat to the Detroit Pistons. It has cut into a six-game winning streak and has exposed the defending champs a little. However, their long-range game continues to be impressive as the Celts have nailed 17.8 triples per game(1st)
Expected Starting Lineup
SG: Derrick White | SG: Jaylen Brown | SF: Jayson Tatum | SF/PF: Jayson Tatum | C: Kristaps Porzingis
Injuries: Information to be updated later.
Nuggets: Looking solid but need to iron out some issues
The Nuggets enter the affair after an impressive 15-point win against the Detroit Pistons as Jamal Murray erupted for 31 points. The win helped them finish February with a terrific 10-2 record, giving wings to seize the top-three see for the third straight season. The team is blessed with incredible scorers from top to bottom, spearheaded by 3x MVP Nikola Jokic. The elite offensive team has tallied 121.3 points per game(3rd), but their defense has been a bit of a problem as they have given up 116.1 PPG(8th worst).
Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Jamal Murray | SG: Christian Braun | SF: Michael Porter Jr. | PF: Aaron Gordon | C: Nikola Jokic
Injuries: Will be updated later
Many Nuggets games often cross the 235 points mark, whereas the Celtics tussles usually hover in the 220-ish range. The Nuggets have scored 120+ points more frequently than the Celts, whereas the latter has limited opponents to below 110 points more often. I believe this game will be more in the Nuggets’ trajectory than the Celtics’ trajectory and will probably be in the 231-241 points range.
Projected Predictions:
Jayson Tatum to score at least 28 points: Tatum tallied 26.5 PPG in February, a bit lower than his season average of 27 PPG. However, he did cross his season average six times. During his last game against the Nuggets, he scored 29 points and can be in the hunt for another such effort.
Derrick White to make at least 4 triples: White made 4.1 triples per game in February and hit 5 or more triples five times during the month. I believe the Celtics guard will be in the 5-6 three-point range here.
Nikola Jokic to grab at least 14 rebounds: The perennial MVP frontrunner has grabbed 12.7 rebounds per game this season. He has clapped 13 or more rebounds in four of the last five games. I believe he will be in the hunt for a 14-17 rebounds range here.
Michael Porter Jr. to hit the 20-point mark: MPJ tallied 22 PPG in February, scoring 28 or more in four games.I believe the Nuggets forward will be in the 19-24 points range here.
The Nuggets’ confidence will be sky-high after beating the Pistons, who beat the Celtics a few days ago. However, the defending champs must be seething after their embarrassing loss against the Cavs and will be hungry to quell their two-game skid. I give the home team the advantage here, but Jokic and Co. can give them a hiccup or two, making for a close game. I am a bit hesitant to put a stake on a big spread, but I think the Celtics will win in the 5-8 points range.
Safe Spread Pick: Celtics -4.5 for +105 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy- Imagn Images
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