Celtics vs Nets Odds & Picks: Celtics Look To Keep Rolling vs Undermanned Nets

The Boston Celtics (34-26 SU, 29-30-1 ATS) and Brooklyn Nets (31-28, 22-35-2) collide Thursday at Barclays Center in their first game back since the all-star break. The Celtics had their nine-game win streak snapped in their final game before the break, while the Nets are 2-1 in their last three outings. Can Boston fire up another win streak? Find out in our Celtics vs Nets prediction.

Celtics vs Nets Odds & Analysis

Sportsbook Odds

The Celtics opened as a 5-point home favorite over the Nets with the total set at 213.5 points. The UNDER is 9-4 in Boston’s last 13 games while the OVER is 6-1 in Brooklyn’s last seven. The Nets have enjoyed playing the Celtics in recent years, winning eight of the last 10 meetings. If you believe that Brooklyn still has Boston’s number, you may consider siding with the underdog in your Celtics vs Nets prediction.

Get the best Celtics vs Nets odds and lines available from our recommended sportsbooks for your favorite picks of the night.

Celtics Look To Stay Hot After All-Star Break

Boston had its nine-game win streak snapped last Wednesday prior to the all-star break, falling 112-111 to the Detroit Pistons, who claimed just their 13th victory of the season. Both Jaylen Brown (31 points) and Jayson Tatum (22 points) had chances to win the game for the Celtics in the dying seconds, but neither could get their shots to fall.

Tatum was named as a starter to Team Durant for the all-star game, taking the place of the injured Kevin Durant and finishing the contest with 21 points.

The Celtics, who sit sixth in the Eastern Conference, now look forward to the home stretch of the season where they will aim to move into the top four and claim home-court advantage going into the playoffs.

Marcus Smart (ankle) and Robert Williams III (calf) are probable.

Nets Hope To Bounce Back After Simmons Trade

The Nets dropped their final game before the break, losing 117-103 to the Washington Wizards. Patty Mills (22 points) and Cameron Thomas (20 points) led a depleted Brooklyn squad in a losing effort.

Along with the Kyrie Irving saga early on, the story of Brooklyn’s season has been their injury woes. Durant has played in 36 of the team’s 59 contests while Irving has suited up just 14 times due to his vaccination status.

While Durant (knee) remains out for the foreseeable future, the Nets do have some hope on the horizon with the injection of Ben Simmons, who was acquired in exchange for James Harden at the February 10 trade deadline. Simmons remains out for the time being as he ramps up into game shape.

Along with Durant and Simmons, Irving (eligibility) and Goran Dragic (conditioning) are also out for Thursday’s game while James Johnson (wrist) is questionable.

Celtics vs Nets Pick & Insights

Celtics: Keys To Cover

Boston relied on its excellent defense during its nine-game run and ranks third in the NBA, allowing 103.5 points per game. With no Durant or Irving to worry about, the Celtics should be able to lock down the Nets offense with relative ease and get back into the win column.

Nets: Keys To Cover

The Nets will be in tough without any star power in their lineup on Thursday, so they’ll need some big performances from depth players. Thomas and Mills were good in Brooklyn’s last outing but they’ll need more from Seth Curry and LaMarcus Aldridge if they have any hope of even keeping this one close.

Odds Shark’s Computer Celtics vs Nets Prediction: Celtics -7

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