Boston gets to finish up an absolutely brutal back-to-back with a potential first round preview on Friday, as it takes on the Brooklyn Nets a night after hosting the Phoenix Suns. The Celtics have had to navigate injuries in addition to a difficult schedule this week, but at least they can count on their Friday foes to share injury concerns, as Brooklyn continues to miss Kevin Durant and James Harden.
Can Kyrie Irving lead his squad to victory as they host Boston? Here are our best NBA betting free picks and predictions for Celtics vs. Nets on April 23 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
(Editor's Note: This preview was published prior to Friday afternoon's news that Kemba Walker and Jaylen Brown would both miss tonight's game vs. Brooklyn.)
Celtics vs Nets odds
Odds via the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.
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NBA sharp money and line movement report
By Patrick EversonBrooklyn went from -4.5 to -5 a couple of times today at PointsBet USA, but the line is down to -3.5 as of 4:30 p.m. ET, with the Nets minus Kevin Durant and James Harden, among others. The Celtics are taking 60 percent of spread bets, while the Nets are getting 62 percent of spread money. The total initially rose from 228.5 to 230, then dropped to 224.5, with 62 percent of bets on the Over, but 78 percent of money on the Under.
Check out the full line movement for this gameCeltics at Nets betting preview
Injuries
Celtics: Robert Williams III C (Out), Kemba Walker PG (Out), Jaylen Brown SG (Out).
Nets: Nick Claxton PF (Out), Chris Chiozza PG (Out), Kevin Durant SF (Out), Reggie Perry PF (Questionable), James Harden SG (Out), Tyler Johnson SG (Out).
Find our latest NBA injury reports.
Betting trend to know
Nets are 13-6 in their last 19 games vs. a team with a winning straight-up record. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Nets.
Against the spread (ATS) pick
Both the Celtics and Nets have been around .500 against the spread this season, with Boston 28-29-1 ATS and the Nets 29-30. Though they have not consistently covered, Brooklyn has remained a lethal offensive team regardless of what combination of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving is suiting up that night. Recently, it has just been Irving, but Durant's return is close as he's questionable heading into Friday, with a return tonight or Sunday looking likely.
The ability of all three superstars — in the case of this game, Irving — to attack and put pressure on the rim, before finishing at an elite level or kicking it out to shooters, has ensured the Nets' offense remains efficient despite the injuries. That effectiveness will be heightened in this one, with the Celtics down their best rim protector in Robert Williams.
At their best and fully healthy, Brooklyn sees some sizable spreads to try and cover. Down Harden and with Durant on a minutes limit if he plays at all, it's a much smaller number in this spot. With Boston having played a tough game on Thursday night, we like the Nets to cover.
PREDICTION: Nets -4.5 (-110)
Over/Under pick
Even with an ever-changing lineup, the Nets have remained an excellent Over bet, sitting 35-24 O/U on the season and 6-4 in their last 10. In addition to always having at least one All-NBA force to count on, Brooklyn's team defense has rarely left the basement, as it currently ranks 26th in defensive rating.
The Celtics, meanwhile, have seen their defense take a big jump in recent weeks, thanks to Marcus Smart's return and Robert Williams' insertion into the starting lineup following the trade deadline. Unfortunately for Boston, Williams has been out all week with knee soreness. Plus, they are on the second night of a back-to-back.
With the only good defense in this matchup unlikely to play to its usual standard, as they head on the road on tired legs, we are going Over.
PREDICTION: Over 227.5 (-110)
Player prop pick
While the Nets' superstar trio of Durant, Harden and Irving — and the injuries that have plagued them — have rightfully taken up the majority of the conversation around the team, a constant in Brooklyn's lineup has quietly been outstanding.
Already one of the best shooters in the NBA, Joe Harris has ascended to another level in 2021. Harris is knocking down a career-high 48 percent of his three-pointers this season, on a career-high 6.5 attempts per game. Whether he gets to benefit from the gravitational pull of one, two, or all three of his superstar teammates, he is a consistent threat on the perimeter.
Against a Celtics team in the bottom half of the league in opponent three-point makes and three-point percentage, Harris should clear his game total.
PREDICTION: Joe Harris Over 2.5 3-pointers (-129)
Celtics vs Nets betting card
- Nets -4.5 (-110)
- Over 227.5 (-110)
- Joe Harris Over 2.5 3-pointers (-129)
Picks made on 4/23/2021 at 9:45 a.m. ET
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