Boston Celtics Favored To Get Back On Track Against Unpredictable Oklahoma City Thunder

The Boston Celtics are expected to get back on track when they visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, January 3 at the Paycom Center.

The Celtics are coming off a 111-123 loss to the Denver Nuggets, a game that was delayed after one of the basketball rims had to be fixed following a monstrous dunk from Robert Williams III last Sunday, January 1.

The Thunder are also entering Tuesday's matchup coming off a loss as they fell short in their assignment against the Philadelphia 76ers, 96-115, on Saturday, December 31.

It was the second consecutive game that they dropped after also previously losing to the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday, December 29, 113-121.

Before the loss to the Nuggets, the Celtics were on a four-game winning streak with wins over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers.

Heading into Tuesday's encounter, the Celtics are -8.5 spread favorites. Meanwhile, the Thunder are at +8.5.

The Celtics are expected to lean on Jayson Tatum anew, averaging 30.9 points per game on 47.3% shooting from the field.

Overall, the Celtics have been efficient, showing that they can sink shots from anywhere on the floor, including from beyond the arc where they own the eighth-highest three-point shooting percentage in the league (37.3%).

They are also getting it done defensively, allowing their opponents only 112.4 points and shooting only 46.8% from the floor against them.

As far as player availability, only Blake Griffin has been listed as questionable due to an illness.

For the Thunder, they can make it tough on the C's since they are playing at home. However, they need to get more players involved to provide Shai Gilgeous-Alexander some help.

Gilgeous-Alexander continues to lead the offense for Oklahoma City, norming 30.8 points per game on 49.9% shooting.

The Thunder have been more efficient attacking the basket and getting points inside the paint.

But given the defense that the Celtics are expected to put up, the Thunder's best chance is to improve on their outside shooting.

Oklahoma City is averaging only 34.6% from the three-point region but improving on that could raise their chances of winning.

The Celtics-Thunder matchup is scheduled to tip off at 8:10 PM ET, and it can be watched via NBA League Pass.

The game will also be available via live stream on fubo TV.