The NBA Playoffs are here! And after a win in the play-in tournament, so are the Boston Celtics. Their first game begins on Saturday, facing off against the Brooklyn Nets and former Boston point guard Kyrie Irving. The Celtics vs. Nets NBA betting picks preview will give an overview of these teams, the betting odds, trends and give an official prediction for the NBA Playoffs Round 1 series.
Celtics vs. Nets Betting Preview: NBA Picks & Odds for Round 1 Playoffs
Celtics vs. Nets Series Info
Boston Celtics (36-36) vs. Brooklyn Nets (48-24)
Game 1: 5/22, 8 EST, ABC
Game 2: 5/25, 7:30 EST, TNT
Game 3: 5/28, 8:30 EST, ABC
Game 4: 5/30, 7 EST, TNT
Game 5: 6/1, TBD*
Game 6: 6/3, TBD*
Game 7: 6/5, TBD*
*If needed
Celtics vs. Nets NBA Betting Odds
Odds for Celtics vs. Nets NBA Playoffs Round 1 series are from BetMGM Sportsbook.
Series Winner — BOS: (+700) | BKN: (-1100)
Series will end in how many games?
- 4 Games (+275)
- 5 Games (+190)
- 6 Games (+275)
- 7 Games (+325)
What will the correct score of the series be?
Nets:
- 4-0 (+275)
- 4-1 (+190)
- 4-2 (+350)
- 4-3 (+500)
Celtics:
- 4-0 (+8000)
- 4-1 (+4000)
- 4-2 (+1600)
- 4-3 (+1600)
Celtics vs. Nets NBA Playoffs Preview
The Celtics survived against the Washington Wizards in their first play-in game, which immediately punched their ticket to the playoffs. Their season has been filled up ups and downs, with much of their adversity being caused by them unable to put their best players on the floor. Jaylen Brown suffered a season-ending injury, so we know he is out. However, there were more injuries in the Washington game. Marcus Smart injured his ankle, though he played through it. Still, he won’t be 100% for this series. Rim protector and injury-prone big man Robert Williams did not return to the game after re-aggravating a turf toe injury. This is a clear issue, and it would be surprising if he played the full series.
The Nets, on the other hand, appear healthy for the first time. It may be tough to hear for Celtics fans, but it appears this first round will be used to develop chemistry on the Nets side, since they have had few games with their “big three” fully intact. Still, pure talent alone should be enough for them to move on in this NBA Playoffs. The Nets won their final five games of the regular season, and they will attempt to continue this momentum in the postseason.
Celtics vs. Nets NBA Betting Trends
- The total has hit the under in four of Boston’s last five games
- Boston is 1-5 against the spread (ATS) in its last six games against Brooklyn
- Brooklyn is 6-0 ATS in its last six home games against Boston
- Brooklyn is 5-0 ATS in its last five games
Celtics vs. Nets Prediction
The Celtics are less talented than the Nets when healthy, and they aren’t healthy. They don’t have the ability to slow down all three of the Nets stars, and they also have an inconsistent offense. If someone on Brooklyn is having an off game, they have the luxury of having two other stars. We’ll give Boston one game in case James Harden misses a flight back from Vegas or Kyrie Irving decides he needs a break.
Series Prediction: Nets 4, Celtics 1
Celtics vs. Nets Best Bet
Nets to win Game 1 and Nets to win the series (-275) BetMGM
The odds are at least worth betting here, and I do not think it’s any more risky than simply taking the Nets to win the series. Williams likely won’t play for Boston in Game 1, which really damages their interior defense. After the Nets are able to score inside, it’s all over, since it opens up the perimeter.
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