Oklahoma City Thunder at Boston Celtics Free Prediction

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The Boston Celtics (47-23), the NBA’s top shooting defense, will meet the Oklahoma City Thunder (43-29) at TD Garden. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, and will air on TNT.

Oklahoma City Thunder at Boston Celtics Betting Odds

In their last outing, the Celtics got blown out by the New Orleans Pelicans, 108-89, while the Thunder were victorious over the Toronto Raptors, 132-125.

Oklahoma City dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 37.8 (above their season average of 27.8) and a free throw rate of 0.273 (above their season average of 0.188). Toronto was 24.2 and 0.222, respectively, for those same stats. Boston, meanwhile, held New Orleans to an offensive rebounding percentage of 12.5 (below their season average of 19.9). Boston’s Jayson Tatum had a good game, recording 23 points and five rebounds. Russell Westbrook led the way for Oklahoma City with 37 points, 14 assists and 13 rebounds to notch his fourth consecutive triple-double (22nd of the year).

From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Boston figures to have a noteworthy edge. The Celtics defense ranks first in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.491), while the Oklahoma City offense is ranked 18th in effective field goal percentage (0.516).

Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Thunder games, with 38 unders compared to 34 overs. Oklahoma City heads into the contest with records of 43-29 straight up (SU) and 30-41-1 against the spread (ATS).

Contrary to Oklahoma City, Celtics games have a slight tendency to go over the O/U total (50.0 percent). Further, Boston owns records of 47-23 SU and 41-26-3 ATS.

Terry Rozier and Marcus Morris have been playing well over the last five games for Boston. Rozier has averaged 16.0 points and 4.8 assists, while Morris has recorded 14.8 points and 6.8 rebounds a game during that span.

In their first matchup this season, Kyrie Irving led the Celtics to a 101-94 win. He recorded 25 points, six assists and five rebounds. The two teams combined to put up 195 points, which was under the projected point total of 207, and Boston covered as a 7-point underdog. Boston’s free throw rate was their largest advantage over Oklahoma City. The Celtics had a rate of 0.190, while the Thunder posted a mark of 0.126.

Oklahoma City Thunder at Boston Celtics ATS Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – Thunder, ATS Winner – Thunder, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • The Celtics rank fourth in assists allowed per game (21.0) while the Thunder rank 17th (23.3).
  • Oklahoma City ranks first in points off turnovers per game (18.8) while Boston ranks 25th (14.9).
  • The Celtics average 31.3 three pointers per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. The Thunder rank 24th in three pointers allowed per game (30.5).
  • Oklahoma City ranks first in second chance points per game (15.1) while Boston ranks 17th (12.2).
  • Oklahoma City ranks 14th in points in the paint per game (44.3) while Boston ranks 29th (39.2).
  • The Thunder rank third in fast break points per game (14.9) while the Celtics rank 24th (9.7).
  • The Thunder rank fourth in rebounds allowed per game (41.7) while the Celtics rank 20th (43.9).
  • Oklahoma City ranks first in steals per game (9.0) while Boston ranks 21st (7.2).
  • In games where they hold opponents below 100 points, Oklahoma City is 20-5 and Boston is 30-4.
  • The Celtics are 35-10 when they score above 100 points, while the Thunder are 39-15.
  • Boston is 17-16-3 ATS at home, while Oklahoma City is 15-21 ATS on the road.
  • The Thunder have 18 overs and 18 unders in 36 road games.
  • The Celtics have 19 overs and 17 unders in 36 home games.

Bettings Trends:

  • The Thunder are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Celtics are 3-2.
  • In their last five games, Oklahoma City has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Boston has 3 unders and 2 overs.
  • The Thunder’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.4, up from 3.3 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 103.8 points per game (0.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 104.8 points per game (4.4 above their season average).