NBA Preview, Odds, And Prediction: Boston Celtics vs Golden State Warriors

The Boston Celtics may be bugged by inconsistencies in the shape and health of some of their key players but they have managed to keep themselves afloat in the Eastern Conference. In fact, they just seized their fourth win in five games when they defeated the Miami Heat on the road on Tuesday, 109-101.

As they fly back home to Massachusetts Thursday, the Celtics will look to regain a top three position in the conference when they host the win-starved Golden State Warriors inside the TD Garden.

The Celtics are just half a game behind the Heat for the third spot in the East, trailing by a single win, 32-31. The Warriors, on the other hand, are still the worst team in the NBA, winning only 10 of their 48 games so far.

Celtics

The win on Tuesday was more significant than how it actually looked. Apart from it marking a fourth victory in five games, the win also served the Miami Heat their only third loss at home. It was a statement win per se as the Heat has proven to be a formidable contender in the East, and beating them is a welcome morale boost for Boston.

Missing Jayson Tatum and Enes Kanter, the C’s got a huge lift from Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward who conspired to score 54 markers on an outstanding 67% field goal shooting.

Warriors

With almost 50 games already in, the Warriors could be well on their way to the exits at the end of the regular season. If Tuesday’s loss to the Sixers was any indication, then it could be safe to say that their sights are already on the off-season business.

They chalked up their fourth loss in a row after their visit to Philly. And worse, it was their 14^th defeat in 15 games.

D’Angelo Russell remains the lone bright spot offensively for the Warriors. Draymond Green continues to provide the intangibles but stays a liability on the scoring end.

Odds and Trends

The Celtics are heavy favorites priced with a -12 point spread. The total line is even at 220.5.

The Celtics are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games as an underdog and 13-3 in their last 16 games as a home underdog.

The Warriors are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record and 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.

Over is 5-2 in Celtics' last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400 and 5-0 in Warriors' last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.

Under is 4-0 in Celtics' last 4 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game and 8-0 in Warriors' last 8 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Prediction

Straight-up: Celtics

ATS: Celtics

Total: Over