Boston Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets Game 3 Predictions

Boston Celtics (53-31 SU, 44-37-3 ATS) vs. Brooklyn Nets (45-40 SU, 33-50-2 ATS)

When: Saturday April 23 2022, 07:30 PM (ET)

Where: Barclays Center, Brookyln, New York

TV: NBCSB

Point Spread: BOS +3.5/BRO -3.5 (Opened BRO -3.5 at Bovada – Check out their live betting platform! It’s the BEST!)

Total: 223.5 (Opened at 223.5)

Money Line: Boston Celtics +141/Brooklyn Nets -173

Power Rating: BRO -4

Probable Starting Lineups

Brooklyn Nets PG Kyrie Irving, SG Seth Curry, SF Bruce Brown, PF Kevin Durant, C Andre Drummond

Boston Celtics PG Marcus Smart, SG Jaylen Brown, SF Jayson Tatum, PF Al Horford, C Daniel Theis

Key Injuries

Boston Celtics
Robert Williams III: Knee (PROBABLE)
Nik Stauskas: Ankle (OUT)

Brooklyn Nets
Blake Griffin: Ankle (QUESTIONABLE)
Ben Simmons: Back (OUT)
Joe Harris: Ankle (OUT)

The Brooklyn Nets host the Boston Celtics in an Eastern-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 07:30 PM ET at the Barclays Center.

Recent Form

The Boston Celtics come into this game with an overall record of 51-31, placing them 4th in the Eastern Conference. So far, Boston is above .500 on the road, holding a record of 23-18. Over their last five games, the Celtics have played well, picking up 4 wins. During this stretch, Boston is averaging 121.0 points per game, 9.0 points more than their season average of 111.8. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 112.0 points per contest. Even though Boston has been picking up wins, their opponents have had no trouble scoring the ball, averaging 110.0 points per game, up from the Celtics’ usual rate of 104.6. In the Boston Celtics’ most recent game, Boston took down Brooklyn by a score of 114-107

The Brooklyn Nets come into this game with an overall record of 44-38, placing them 8th in the Eastern Conference. On the season, Boston has won exactly half of their 42 home matchups, sitting at 21-21. The Nets have played well over their last five games, picking up 3 wins. During this stretch, Brooklyn is averaging 118.0 points per game, 5.0 points more than their season average of 112.9. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 107.0 points per contest. The Nets have been picking up victories while holding opponents to an average of 114.0 points per game, similar to their season average of 112.1. In the Brooklyn Nets’ most recent game, the team fell to Boston by a score of 114-107.

Individual Player Analysis

As Boston travels to take on the Brooklyn Nets, the Celtics’ leading scorer is Jayson Tatum. Through 76 games, Tatum is averaging 26 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 47.0% of his games. Against the Nets, Tatum will need to be on top of his game as Brooklyn is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their average in 30.0% of their games, placing them in the top 10. On the other side, Kevin Durant leads the Nets in scoring, averaging 29 points across his 55 games. Throughout the season, Durant has outscored his season average in 45.0% of his outings. Given that Boston’s defense has struggled to slow down their opponent’s top scorers, Kevin Durant should be in line for a big performance. So far, the Celtics have allowed their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 51.67% of their games, giving them a rank of 22nd among NBA defenses.

Matchup Analysis

Heading into this matchup, the Boston Celtics are the more efficient team on both ends of the court. This scenario has taken place in 34 of Boston’s 41 games, leading to a winning percentage of 65%. So far, the Brooklyn Nets have played 51 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost 51 times, by an average margin of -14.0 points.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets have met up for 6 games. In their last meeting, Boston picked up a 114-107 win.

How the Public is Betting the Celtics vs Nets

67% are betting the Nets against the spread.
52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 223.5

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Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Celtics are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 2 days rest.
• Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games.
• Nets are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 Conference Quarterfinals games.
• Nets are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

The Brooklyn Nets will be hoping their fortunes improve at home as they return to Brooklyn down 2-0. In game 2, the Nets squandered a first-half lead, only putting up 17 points in the 4th quarter. This was an especially disappointing loss as the team hit 47% of their three-point shots while also winning the free-throw battle. However, the Celtics were able to win the battle inside, scoring 44 points in the paint compared to 34 for Brooklyn. As Brooklyn returns home, they are the 3.5-point favorites. At times in this series, the Nets have played like a team that can compete for a trip to the finals. However, these moments have not come with the consistency needd to take down a strong Boston unit. Although a majority of the bets are coming in on Brooklyn to pick up the win, I see Boston pulling off the upset and covering the spread. Bet your Celtics/Nets pick for free by taking advantage of a 100% REAL CASH bonus on your first deposit up to $500 at Betnow Sportsbook when you use bonus code PREDICTEM.