A heavyweight showdown is on the horizon in Sunday’s clash between the Boston Celtics and the OKC Thunder. The defending champion Celtics enter the game as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, while the Thunder, atop the Western Conference, are riding a franchise-record 14-game winning streak.
Here’s a detailed review Boston Celtics vs. OKC Thunder game, which is scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM ET at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma.
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Boston Celtics vs OKC Thunder Prediction, overview and odds
Moneyline: Celtics (+105) vs Thunder (-130)
Spread: Celtics +2 (-110) vs Thunder +2 (+110)
Total (O/U): Celtics o221.5 (-110) vs Thunder u221.5 (-110)
Editor’s note: Odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were according to information available at the time of writing.
Boston Celtics vs OKC Thunder preview
This much-anticipated matchup brings together the two dominant powers from their respective conferences.
The Celtics (26-9) enter the contest on a three-game winning streak, including two convincing victories – a 54-point rout of the Toronto Raptors and a 23-point win over the Houston Rockets. They boast the second best offense in the league, trailing only by Cleveland Cavalierswho holds the NBA’s greatest record.
In addition, Boston has the third-best net rating behind the Thunder and Cavaliers, with all three teams being the only ones to have a double-digit net rating.
Meanwhile, Thunder (29-5) recently pulled off a comeback win against the New York Knicks, overcoming a 14-point deficit to post a 117-107 victory and extend its winning streak to 14 games — a franchise record.
OKC’s success was led by the brilliance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had 33 points and seven assists in their latest win. The Thunder lead the league in net rating (12.1), bolstered by their best defense (102.9 defensive rating), and remain undefeated against Eastern Conference opponents.
Boston Celtics vs OKC Thunder predicted initial lineups
For thunder, Alex Caruso (hip), Ajay Mitchell (toe), Chet Holmgren (hip) and Nikola Topic (ACL) are out. Ousmane Dieng and Dillon Jones are out as they have been assigned to the G League, while Branden Carlson is likely also on G League assignment.
For the Celtics, Jaylen Brown is questionable due to a shoulder injury. JD Davidson, Drew Peterson, Baylor Schelerman and Anton Watson are all out as they have been assigned to the G League.
Thunder
G – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | G – Cason Wallace | F – Lou Dort. | F – Jalen Williams | C – Isaiah Hartenstein
The Celtics
G – Derrick White | G – Jrue holiday | F – Sam Hauser | F – Jayson Tatum | C – Kristaps Porzingis
Editor’s note: These are projected lineups and may change depending on player availability.
Boston Celtics vs OKC Thunder betting tips
- Jayson Tatum scoring over 25.5 points is -105 on DraftKings. Expect him to hit this target.
- Isaiah Hartenstein who scores more than 11.5 points is -120 on FanDuel. Expect them to clear this up.
Boston Celtics vs OKC Thunder prediction
This showdown is expected to be a close fight. While the Celtics could be without Jaylen Brown and the Thunder will be missing key players Alex Caruso and rookie Ajay Mitchell, OKC’s depth and home court advantage could prove decisive.
Expect the Thunder to pull out a close win, with Jalen Williams going up against Boston’s defense. While the Celtics’ defensive efforts may limit Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams has the potential to take charge and lead the Thunder to another impressive win.
Edited by John Ezekiel Hirro
