Boston Celtics vs. Denver Nuggets Prediction, Lines, and Picks
Although Boston is off to a franchise-record 20-0 SU start in games played at TD Garden, this opponent could be the team’s toughest challenge of the year thus far. Denver has to recover from its subpar defensive effort in the team’s recent 126-121 loss to Philadelphia. Boston has a dominant player inside, unlike the Sixers, so perhaps Denver’s strategy will be more effective this evening. In their last three games, the Celtics’ schedule has also been a little bit simpler. When the opponent’s strength multiplies, as it does in this instance, it will be interesting to see how they respond as a team.Boston Celtics vs. Denver Nuggets Prediction, Lines, and Picks
Denver is 14-5 SU in their past 19 games overall and has won 9 of its last 11 games against teams in the Eastern Conference. They have a lot of incentive to give it their best in this game because they defeated the Celtics 123-111 in their most recent matchup, which was a little over a year ago. I’m excited about Jokic’s matchup with Porzingis. The two-time MVP has three triple-doubles in his previous five games with Boston, so I’ll be watching his stats tonight. Although Aaron Gordon has been troubled by a shoulder ailment for some time, he should be able to play tonight as well, having played 39 minutes on Wednesday.
Only four times this season has Denver been the underdog; the Nuggets have the ability to snap the C’s winning run at home. I would suggest the Nuggets on the money line to those who are daring enough, but I’m going to go with them to cover for added security.
With his 41 points against the Nuggets on Wednesday, Joel Embiid proved to be a dangerous player, demonstrating Denver’s internal weaknesses against top big men. But with an average of just 46.2 paint points per game this season, Boston is only 25th in the league. They have scored the fewest paint points per game in the NBA during their last three games—just 36. In tonight’s game, maybe the Nuggets can capitalize on those figures.
