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The Boston Celtics and the Brooklyn Nets will square off in a crucial Game 4 affair at the TD Garden. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Nets-Celtics prediction and pick.
Brooklyn dominated the first two games of this series at the Barclays Center. The series shifted to Boston for Game 3 and the Celtics were able to rally around their home crowd to secure a crucial victory. Jayson Tatum put up 50 points in the win and is the sole reason why we now have a series. The Nets certainly don't want to sweat this series and will look to take a commanding 3-1 lead in Game 4.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Nets-Celtics odds.
NBA Odds: Nets-Celtics Odds
Brooklyn Nets -7.5 (-110)
Boston Celtics +7.5 (-110)
Over 228.5 Points (-110)
Under 228.5 Points (-110)
Why The Nets Could Cover The Spread
The Brooklyn Nets took the first two games of this series by a combined 33 points. Brooklyn is clearly the more talented team and certainly looked like it at the Barclays Center. They let up in Game 3 and allowed Jayson Tatum to absolutely torch them. Brooklyn had their backs against the wall right from the opening tip as Kyrie Irving was mercilessly booed by Celtics fans. Game 4 should only be louder as Boston is now back in this series and has a chance to take the Nets the distance with a win.
The beauty of this Nets team is the depth that they possess at the top. Irving struggled from the field, but was picked up by his running mates. James Harden and Kevin Durant dropped 41 and 39 points in the loss, respectively. Harden also continued to run the point as he added 10 assists as well. With another Tatum 50-point outing unlikely in Game 4, the Nets should continue to stay the course and stay true to their winning ways. Milwaukee just completed the sweep and Brooklyn would certainly like to earn some rest before the next round as well.
Why The Celtics Could Cover The Spread
The Boston Celtics have had their backs against the wall all season long, which should actually serve them well in this spot. The Celtics put together a huge comeback victory in Game 3 behind Jayson Tatum's brilliant 50-point performance. Tatum is a superstar in this league and has shown several times this season that he's capable of dropping 50+. He went 16-30 from the field and 5 of 11 from deep. He also made 13 of his 15 free throw attempts in an all-around efficient shooting night. Tatum added six rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and a block in a hero-ball performance.
Truthfully speaking, the Celtics will need an exact duplicate of this performance in Game 4 if they want to even the series. Boston doesn't have enough depth around Tatum without Jaylen Brown and can't depend on anyone else to pick up the slack if Tatum struggles. Tristan Thompson did a great job in the paint with 19 points and 13 rebounds and his success will also be crucial for this club. Marcus Smart and Evan Fournier each had great shooting nights in Game 3, but can't be trusted to consistently perform at this level. Kemba Walker has the ability to take over a game and if he can manage to do so in Game 4, the Celtics very well could even this series.
Final Nets-Celtics Prediction & Pick
I actually have faith in the Boston Celtics to come close to their production in Game 3. Boston came into this season with high hopes and certainly won't back down to the pressure. They have been in this spot before and have the talent to stick around with the Nets and their poor defense. Brooklyn will certainly score the ball and if Boston can keep up on that end, they should be able to keep this one close and cover the spread.
FINAL PICK: Boston Celtics +7.5 (-110)
