The Oklahoma City Thunder (0-3) seek their first win when they challenge the Boston Celtics (2-2) at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The game can be seen on TNT at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, October 25, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 211 points with Oklahoma City opening as a 1.5-point favorite.
Boston Celtics vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Prediction
In the Celtics’ last game, they were 11-point favorites and were defeated by the Orlando Magic, 93-90. The combined points for the game (183) came in well under the projected point total of 211.5. Orlando’s 8.5 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Boston, who had a mark of 11.2. The Magic’s mark was better than their season average of 11.8. Kyrie Irving was Boston’s leading scorer with 22 points on 10-for-19 shooting.
The Thunder were beaten by the Sacramento Kings in their last outing, 131-120, despite being 10.5-point favorites. The combined points for the game (251) were well over the O/U total of 222.5. Sacramento’s free throw rate was their largest advantage over Oklahoma City. The Kings had a rate of 0.231, while the Thunder posted a mark of 0.183. Russell Westbrook had a good performance for Oklahoma City, leading both teams in scoring with 32 points on 13-for-23 shooting.
The offense of Oklahoma City will battle against the top-notch defense of Boston. Since last season, the Thunder rank 14th in offensive efficiency, while the Celtics are second in defensive efficiency. The Celtics figure to have the edge on that side of the ball.
Since last season, the Celtics are 57-29 straight up (SU) and 52-50-2 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Boston games since last season with 51 unders compared to 47 overs.
The Thunder, on the other hand, have records of 48-37 SU and 48-41-1 ATS since last season. Oklahoma City’s games have had a tendency to go under the projected point total over that same time frame (55.6 percent).
The Celtics won both meetings against the Thunder last season. In the most recent matchup, Boston won 100-99. The Celtics’ offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over the Thunder. Boston had a rate of 23.4, while Oklahoma City posted a mark of 16.3.
Boston Celtics vs. Oklahoma City Thunder ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Thunder, ATS Winner – Thunder, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
In games where they hold opponents below 100 points, Oklahoma City is 23-6 and Boston is 43-8.
In games where they reach 100 points, the Celtics are 53-16 and the Thunder are 46-21.
Oklahoma City ranks first in points off turnovers per game (18.9) while Boston ranks 25th (15.0).
The Thunder rank fourth in fast break points per game (15.0) while the Celtics rank 26th (9.7).
Oklahoma City ranks first in steals per game (9.0) while Boston ranks 21st (7.2).
The Thunder rank first in second chance points per game (15.3) while the Celtics rank 16th (12.3).
Oklahoma City averages 45.1 rebounds per game, which ranks fifth in the league. Boston ranks 20th in rebounds allowed per game (43.8).
The Celtics rank ninth in three pointers attempted per game (30.6) while the Thunder rank 21st in three pointers allowed per game (30.4).
Boston ranks fourth in assists allowed per game (21.3) while Oklahoma City ranks 14th (23.2).
The Thunder rank 20th in points in the paint per game (43.7) while the Celtics rank 29th (40.0).
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