Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics odds, picks and predictions

Nathan Beighle | Staff Writer

The Boston Celtics (5-2) welcome the Brooklyn Nets (4-4) to TD Garden Friday. Tip for the in-season tournament group stage game is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Nets vs. Celtics odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Season series: Celtics lead 1-0.

The Celtics lost to the Philadelphia 76ers 106-103 on the road Wednesday, failing to cover as a 2.5-point favorite. Boston has lost 2 in a row and is 2-3-2 against the spread (ATS) this season. It beat the Nets 124-114 on the road Nov. 4, pushing as a 10-point favorite. The Celtics are led by F Jayson Tatum, who is averaging 28.4 points per game (PPG).

The Nets beat the Los Angeles Clippers 100-93 at home Wednesday, covering as a 5.5-point underdog. They are 4-2 over their last 6 games and 7-0-1 ATS this season. Brooklyn is 3-1 straight up on the road and 4-0 ATS away from home. The Nets are led by G Cam Thomas, who is averaging 26.9 PPG, but is out with an ankle injury.

Nets at Celtics odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access Paste BN Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 10:12 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Nets +400 (bet $100 to win $400) | Celtics -550 (bet $550 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Nets +10.5 (-110) | Celtics -10.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 224.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Nets at Celtics key injuries

Nets

C Nic Claxton (ankle) out
F Cameron Johnson (calf) probable
G Ben Simmons (hip) questionable
G Cam Thomas (ankle) out

Celtics

None

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Nets at Celtics picks and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 121, Nets 108

Moneyline

PASS.

The Nets are 3-1 on the road but are playing one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, having already lost to Boston by double figures earlier in the season.

The banged-up Nets team won't be worth an underdog play at +400, and neither will be the Celtics as a heavy favorite. Pass here.

Against the spread

BET CELTICS -10.5 (-110).

The Nets are just too injured. They will be without their leading scorer and their best big man. Against a Celtics team with one of the best scorers in the NBA, being short-handed is less than ideal.

Despite the Nets' success at 7-0-1 ATS, that one push was against the Celtics, and they even won the turnover battle by 6 in that game, ultimately losing by 10.

The Celtics rank 7th in true shooting percentage and 3rd in defensive rating. They are elite on both sides of the court. Expect them to dominate a Nets team without many key players.

Take CELTICS -10.5 (-110).

Over/Under

LEAN OVER 224.5 (-110).

If there's one thing both teams have been good at, it is hitting the Over. The Celtics are 5-2 O/U this season, having scored 120-plus points in 3 of their last 5 games.

The Nets are 5-3 O/U and have scored at least 113 in 5 of 8 games. They have allowed 120-plus in 2 of their last 3. Both teams also rank in the top half of the league in pace, so expect a high-tempo game Friday.

Take OVER 224.5 (-110).

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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