The Boston Celtics (42-12) play a home game against the Brooklyn Nets (21-32) tonight. Unfortunately for the visitors, these teams are on opposite sides of the standings. Although both play in the East, only one is looking to compete for a playoff push any time soon. The home team is first and hopes to continue to grow the gap tonight. however, the 11th-seeded team is looking to avoid losing a second game in a row. Winning tonight would be a great sign for the away team. Therefore, because of how these teams are viewed, oddsmakers have the Nets as heavy underdogs.
Additionally, the last time these two met, Boston left the floor with an 18-point victory. Noteworthy, they played last night in Brooklyn. It was a rare back-to-back home and home mini-series. Do you see a similar result playing out tonight?
Boston Celtics vs Brooklyn Nets Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Boston Celtics | -13 -110 |
O 228.5 -105 |
-900 |
| Brooklyn Nets | +13 -110 |
U 228.5 -112.5 |
+600 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook** | |||
Fixture: Brooklyn Nets @ Boston Celtics
Date And Time: February 14, 2024 @ 7:30 p.m. EST
Location: TD Garden in Boston Massachusetts
Key Stats
Boston Celtics (Averages)
Points: 120.4
Points Allowed: 111.0
Field Goal Efficiency: 43.3/90.3 for 48.0%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 16.1/42.6 for 37.8%
Free Throw Efficiency: 17.6/21.8 for 80.8%
Rebounds: 10.7 Offensive, 36.6 Defensive, 47.2 Combined
Assists: 26.1
Steals: 6.4
Blocks: 6.5
Turnovers: 11.9
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 41.7/92.7 for 44.9%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 13.3/37.9 for 35.1%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 14.4/19.1 for 75.4%
Rebounds Against: 11.3 Offensive, 32.9 Defensive, 44.2 Combined
Boston needs to show their dominance tonight. Xavier Tillman stays out with a knee injury and will not make an appearance until after the All-Star Break. However, the rest looks healthy and ready to play tonight. Realistically, this should not be a close game. Also, the Boston Celtics take care of business usually and avoid letdown games to lesser opponents. Therefore tonight should go as planned. However, covering the spread remains a different question to be answered.
Jayson Tatum needs to have another big day. Although he is tremendous, he can’t always be counted on for huge scoring nights. Last night he scored 41 points. But against the Miami Heat, he managed “only” 26 points. Then against the Washington Wizards in the previous game, he knocked in 35 points. In other words, he’s going to get at least 20-something points tonight. But if you feel he can have two great nights in 24 hours then you have to like the Boston Celtics covering against the Brooklyn Nets.
Brooklyn Nets (Averages)
Points: 113.9
Points Allowed: 115.2
Field Goal Efficiency: 42.0/91.0 for 46.2%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 13.9/37.7 for 36.9%
Free Throw Efficiency: 16.0/21.1 for 75.7%
Rebounds: 11.8 Offensive, 32.9 Defensive, 44.7 Combined
Assists: 26.8
Steals: 6.9
Blocks: 5.4
Turnovers: 11.8
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 41.8/89.2 for 46.9%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 13.4/35.2 for 38.0%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 18.2/22.4 for 81.3%
Rebounds Against: 10.5 Offensive, 34.2 Defensive, 44.7 Combined
In order for the Brooklyn Nets to win multiple Boston Celtics players will need to have off nights. However, Ben Simmons reports as out for today’s game with an injury. Therefore, it’s going to be an even more difficult task than originally anticipated. Playing with him gives this team a puncher’s chance. But without Simmons in the lineup, it’s hard to see where the needed replacement will come from.
However, off-nights happen in the NBA. If it’s close at the end, Brooklyn has two slight possibilities to look at. The Boston Celtics give up more three-point opportunities to their opponents. But if Mikal Bridges or Cam Thomas can hit open or semi-contested looks things might get interesting. Also, both earn around the same amount of free throw attempts. But getting key Celtics in foul trouble is the best way to keep things close.
Game Prediction
Realistically, there isn’t a path to see an upset tonight. And even though the spread is so high, I live Boston winning by at least that margin. Between Tatum, Jaylen Brown, or Kristaps Porzingis going off, their offense will prove to be too much,
However, the total is too risky to touch. Especially on a back-to-back against the same team. However, it’s too difficult to say how the matchups and shooting will play out. Look for a little bit of a cat-and-mouse game between the two coaches, but ultimately I see the Boston Celtics continuing to look head-and-shoulders above the Brooklyn Nets.
Final Pick
Boston Celtics -13
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! For more great content, check us out on X @TotalApexSports. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Make sure you follow us on NewsBreak as well.
