The Boston Celtics hit the road to take on the Portland Trail Blazers for the first time this season on TNT. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Celtics-Blazers prediction and pick.
Boston has won five of its last six and will be coming off a huge comeback win against the Denver Nuggets. Portland has hit a cold streak in April after closing out March on a 7-2 run. In a game that sees two teams looking to climb the standings down the stretch, which one will have the edge on Tuesday?
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Celtics-Blazers odds.
NBA Odds: Celtics-Blazers Odds
Boston Celtics +1 (-115)
Portland Trail Blazers -1 (-105)
Over 228 Points (-110)
Under 228 Points (-110)
Why The Celtics Could Cover The Spread
The Celtics are catching fire at the perfect time. Their only loss in that span came to the Eastern Conference-leading Philadelphia 76ers. Boston was especially impressive in its most recent victory against the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets had been the hottest team in the league and looked unbeatable with a lead. Down 14 at one point, Boston went on a 40-8 run in the fourth quarter to secure the resounding come-from-behind victory against Denver.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown both toughed out injuries in the winning effort. Tatum led the way for the Celtics with 28 points and 10 rebounds. Brown had a quality outing as well, contributing 20 points and eight rebounds. Kemba Walker and Marcus Smart each added 14 points of their own and all five starters scored in double digits for Boston. The Celtics are currently the fourth-best team in the NBA in offensive rebounding, thanks in large part to the improved play of big man Robert Williams. He will need to win the battle in the frontcourt to pull off a victory against one of the best backcourts in the league.
Why The Blazers Could Cover The Spread
The Blazers have had a solid season overall, despite some recent struggles. Portland is currently sliding down the standings during this cold spell, and the last thing this team wants to do is end up in the play-in tournament. The Blazers currently hold the sixth seed in the Western Conference and can't afford to dip anymore down the stretch.
The Blazers are coming off a tough loss against the Miami Heat in their last game. They had pulled off a much-needed win against Detroit in the prior game, but have now dropped three of their last four. Portland will need Damian Lillard to have a bounce-back performance after going for just 12 points on 3-of-10 shooting against Miami. Dame, Norman Powell, and CJ McCollum average a collective 68.5 points per game, which leads me to believe that they will be much improved against Boston. The seventh-best offense in the league won't continue to struggle for long.
Final Celtics-Blazers Prediction & Pick
Despite the recent struggles, Portland still possesses plenty of offensive firepower. The Blazers are in desperation mode and know that they have to pick up the slack on the defensive end to go on a run. The defense actually wasn't the major issue in the recent loss to Miami, though. Portland's offense will find a way to get back on track against a Celtics team that has struggled on the road, going 11-16 away from TD Garden this season. Look for a huge game from the backcourt trio in Portland.
FINAL PICK: Portland Trail Blazers -1 (-105)
Follow Us
Subscribe