The Boston Celtics (54-27) and Brooklyn Nets (28-53) open their Eastern Conference schedules at TD Garden. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, and will air on YES Network.
Boston opened as a 5.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 207 points.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics ATS Prediction
The Nets will be hoping for similar success after topping the Chicago Bulls in their last outing, 114-105. The Nets made 14 of their 15 free throws (93.3 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.610 (above their season average of 0.513). Brooklyn was lifted by Allen Crabbe, who was the game’s leading scorer with 41 points on 12-for-15 shooting.
In the Celtics’ last game, they were beaten by the Washington Wizards, 113-101. Washington’s 0.584 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Boston, who had a mark of 0.454. The Wizards’ mark was above their season average of 0.526, while the Celtics’ was below their season average of 0.519. With 10 points and 14 rebounds, Boston’s Al Horford put together a solid performance.
When considering effective field goal percentage, Boston should have a noteworthy advantage. The Celtics defense ranks second in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.495), while the Brooklyn offense is ranked 17th in effective field goal percentage (0.515). This game should be a showdown of contrasting paces. The fast-paced Nets rank fifth in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Celtics rank 23rd.
Brooklyn has a respectable record against the spread (46-34-1), despite being 28-53 straight up (SU). A little over half of the Nets’ games have finished under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Boston owns records of 54-27 SU and 47-29-4 ATS. Unlike Brooklyn, just over half of Celtics games have finished over the O/U total.
Greg Monroe has averaged 13.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.2 steals over the last five games for Boston.
The Celtics have won all three games against the Nets this season, escaping with a close two-point victory in their last matchup. Boston was unable to cover as a 2.5-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 172 points, which was 35.5 points below the projected point total of 207.5 points. Boston had a much better turnover percentage (3.7 vs. 13.7). Brooklyn, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of converting from the free throw line (19-22; 86.4 percent). Kyrie Irving scored a game-high 21 points.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Nets, ATS Winner – Nets, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Brooklyn is 28-14 ATS with 21 overs and 21 unders.
Boston is 19-17-4 ATS at home with 22 overs and 18 unders.
Boston is 35-5 when they allow under 100 points, while Brooklyn is 13-1.
In games where they reach 100 points, the Nets are 24-35 and the Celtics are 41-13.
Boston ranks fourth in second chance points allowed per game (11.1) while Brooklyn ranks 27th (13.3).
The Celtics rank fifth in blocks allowed per game (4.4) while the Nets rank 25th (5.5).
Boston ranks 11th in rebounds per game (44.2) while Brooklyn ranks 29th in rebounds allowed per game (46.6).
The Nets rank 19th in points in the paint per game (43.8) while the Celtics rank 29th (39.5).
Boston ranks fifth in fast break points allowed per game (10.3) while Brooklyn ranks 15th (11.6).
The Nets rank second in three pointers attempted per game (35.6) while the Celtics rank 10th (30.5).
Boston ranks 22nd in steals per game (7.4) while Brooklyn ranks 29th (6.2).
The Celtics rank 23rd in points off turnovers per game (15.2) while the Nets rank 28th (14.2).
Boston ranks fourth in assists allowed per game (21.2) while Brooklyn ranks seventh (21.7).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Brooklyn is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Boston is 2-2-1 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Nets have outscored opponents by an average of 1.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Brooklyn has lost by an average of 3.6 points.
During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 99.6 points per game (4.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 106.2 points per game (5.7 above their season average).
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