Free NBA Pick: Celtics vs. Nets NBA Odds
Looking for Boston Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets free NBA picks & NBA odds? NBA betting sees the Celtics taking on the Nets on Friday, April 23rd, 2021 at the Barclays Center. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA hoops predictions like this Celtics Nets matchup.
2021 NBA Handicapping
(32-27) Boston Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets (39-20)
Date: Friday, April 23rd
Time: 7:30 PM EST
Venue: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY.
NBA Moneyline Odds: OFF
NBA Betting Odds: Nets -5.5
NBA Betting Total: 232.5
Friday, April 23rd finds the Boston Celtics playing the Brooklyn Nets for the third and final time this season. Brooklyn won both prior matches on December 25th (123-95) and March 11th (121-109).
The Celtics hold the all-time record between the clubs with 131 wins in 202 meetings. Last season, the teams played four times splitting the contests with two wins apiece.
Boston Celtics
After two big wins versus the Bucks and 76ers the Suns arrived in Boston to play the second game of a back-to-back set. The fatigue likely factored in Phoenix’s inability to score at their typical level but also the Celtics defense played a huge factor.
Withtout Jaylen Brown available the Celtics needed to rely on their defense and the services of their other stars to make up for the lacking offense.
Kemba Walker was the key, amassing almost a third of the Celts points (32) while Jayson Tatum collected a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds plus six assists.
Marcus Smart (11) and Payton Pritchard (10) were the only other double-digit contributors although Tristan Thompson was big on the boards pulling down 12 and chipping in nine points.
Brown (shoulder bursitis) is doubtful for Friday. Evan Fournier (health and safety protocols) and Robert Williams (knee) are out.
Brooklyn Nets
Wednesday, the Nets played the Raptors for the second time this season and lost to them again. Granted, Brooklyn didn’t have Kevin Durant or James Harden in the lineup due to injuries but the loss highlighted the issues that could plague Brooklyn in the postseason.
The game wasn’t even as close as the final score indicated. Kyrie Irving led the way coming close to a triple-double with 28 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, and three steals.
Joe Harris started hot scoring 12 points in the initial frame but cooled considerably thereafter finishing with 14 points.
The player who is stepping up and taking advantage of his extended minutes and responsibilities is Bruce Brown who was the only player besides Irving to break 20 points (21). But it was his 14 rebounds and scrappy defense that gave the Nets a bit of an edge.
It also marked the second consecutive double-double for Brown who collected 11 points and 11 rebounds the night prior versus the Pelicans.
Kevin Durant (thigh) is questionable for Friday. Tyler Johnson (knee) is doubtful. James Harden (hamstring), Chris Chiozza (had surgery -third metacarpal fracture),Nicolas Claxton (health, safety protocols), and Spencer Dinwiddie (knee – lost for season) are all out.
NBA Betting Trends:
- The Nets are 6-4 in the teams last 10 meetings.
- The Nets are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings between these clubs
- The over/under is 4-6 in the last 10 contests between the clubs.
- The Celtics are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games.
- The Celtics are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games when playing in Brooklyn.
- The Nets are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games against an Eastern opponent.
Free Boston Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets NBA Prediction:
The Nets have the rest advantage but both teams are missing core contributors. While the Nets are playing .500 through the last 10 games (5-5) the Celtics are 9-2 over their last 11 games and making a run at home court.
If the Celtics bring the same defensive intensity they’ll have the edge but if they get into a track meet up and down battle it favors the Nets.
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