Nets vs Celtics Prediction & Odds: Boston Favored After Tight Game 1 Win

The Boston Celtics (52-31 SU, 43-38-2 ATS) will look to take a two-game lead in their series against Brooklyn (45-39, 33-48-3) when they welcome the Nets to TD Garden on Wednesday. The hosts go into Game 2 as a small favorite after eking out a one-point win in Game 1. Can Brooklyn even the series tonight? Find out in our Nets vs Celtics prediction.

Nets vs Celtics Odds & Analysis

Sportsbook Odds

The Celtics opened as a 4-point favorite for Game 2 with the total set at 228 points. The UNDER is 6-2 in Brooklyn’s last eight games while the OVER is 11-2 in Boston’s last 13 outings. After dropping the first game of the season series, Boston has won each of the last four meetings against Brooklyn – a trend that favors the hosts in our Nets vs Celtics prediction.

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Irving Scores 39 But Nets Lose At Buzzer

The Nets put forth a strong effort in Game 1 but fell 115-114 to the Celtics as Jayson Tatum scored a buzzer-beating layup to steal the win for Boston. It was a back-and-forth contest through the first half, tied 61-61 at the break, until Boston rallied to an 11-point lead in the third quarter. The Nets outscored the Celtics 29-19 in the final frame, but the final possession made all the difference.

Kyrie Irving had a statement game, dropping 39 points to lead all scorers, while Kevin Durant was relatively quiet with just 23 points on 9-of-24 shooting.

Although he may not make an appearance in this series, Ben Simmons was cleared for contact on Tuesday. Brooklyn’s big trade deadline acquisition has not suited up for the team yet due to a back injury.

Tatum Helps Celtics Grab Game 1 Win

The playoffs got off to a dramatic start for the Celtics, who required their first postseason buzzer-beater since 2010 to beat the Nets in Game 1. Tatum, who sank the game-winning shot, led Boston with 31 points while Jaylen Brown (23 points), Marcus Smart (20 points) and Al Horford (20 points, 15 rebounds) all scored 20-plus in the win.

While Boston was of course happy to win, it’s somewhat worrying that the Celtics barely managed to eke out the victory on an off-night for Durant. The counterpoint, of course, is that the Celtics did a good job of defending Durant and forcing him into bad shots, but you’ve got to think that the former MVP will find a way to get his in Game 2.

Nets vs Celtics Pick & Insights

Nets: Keys To Cover

Brooklyn was outscored 56-32 in the paint during Game 1 – something the Nets will need to remedy moving forward to get back into the series. Durant in particular will need to have a bigger impact in Game 2; if he and Irving can both have big games, Brooklyn could certainly even up the series.

Celtics: Keys To Cover

The Celtics outrebounded the Nets 43-29, mostly thanks to Horford’s 15-rebound performance. It’s hard to predict what the 35-year-old will give them in Game 2 but his presence in the paint could be an X factor in this series. If Boston can limit Durant again in Game 2, they should pick up another win.

Odds Shark’s Computer Nets vs Celtics Prediction: Nets +3.5

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