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The Brooklyn Nets will host the Boston Celtics for the fifth game of this first-round playoff series. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Celtics-Nets prediction and pick.
Brooklyn took a commanding 3-1 series lead behind an impressive all-around performance in Game 4. Jayson Tatum was able to will his team to victory in Game 3 at home and came out strong in Game 4 as well, but Brooklyn ultimately showed why it is the most talented team in the Eastern Conference. With this series back in Brooklyn, it's hard to imagine that Celtics fans will get another chance to see their club at home this season.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the Celtics-Nets odds.
NBA Odds: Celtics-Nets Odds
Boston Celtics +12.5 (-108)
Brooklyn Nets -12.5 (-112)
Over 232.5 Points (-110)
Under 232.5 Points (-110)
Why The Celtics Could Cover The Spread
The Celtics fell victim to bad luck in Game 4 as Kemba Walker and Robert Williams were both ruled out. Following a 50-point performance in Game 3, the Celtics were forced to ask for more from Jayson Tatum in the loss. With limited options around him and a juggernaut on the other end, it would've been hard for anyone to replicate that same outcome twice in a row.
Tatum was able to deliver a solid all-around outing with 40 points, seven boards, five assists, a steal, and two blocks. The young superstar was upset with the officiating all night long and was luckily able to maintain his composure long enough to fight until the end with his club. I'm not sure if it was the lack of calls or the lack of scoring elsewhere that really riled him up, though. Marcus Smart and Evan Fournier were the only other effective contributors with 16 points each in the loss.
Why The Nets Could Cover The Spread
The Nets are clearly the three-headed monster that everyone predicted they'd be come playoff time. Although we didn't get to see the Big Three on the court together much this season, we all knew what they were capable of. Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving are exceeding expectations through the first four games of the postseason together.
At one point in Game 4, the elite trio had accounted for 84 of the Nets' 107 points scored, which was more than the entire Celtics team. Durant led the way with 42 points on 70% shooting from the floor. He was 3-3 from deep and 11-11 from the charity stripe as well.
Irving added 39 points and 11 boards, while James Harden ran the point with 18 assists in the win. The Big Three ended up accounting for 104 of Brooklyn's 141 points, and not much else will be needed from the supporting cast in Game 5. The ball will be in the trio's hands for the majority of the night. The game plan will be simple: here we are, stop us if you can.
Final Celtics-Nets Prediction & Pick
With Kemba Walker and Robert Williams being listed as doubtful again for Game 5, it is safe to assume that at least one of the two will not suit up. Boston will need to throw everything it has at Brooklyn to keep this game within striking distance. If these two are not on the court, the Celtics simply do not have enough. Although a spread of 12.5 points is a big one for a playoff game, expect that number to go up when Williams and/or Walker are officially ruled out. It's certainly hard to associate this number with good value, but that is what we have here with this spread.
FINAL PICK: Brooklyn Nets -12.5 (-112)