The Boston Celtics pulled off another impressive win over the Nets in Game 3, leading by as many as 15 points en route to a 109-103 victory in Brooklyn. Boston now holds a commanding 3-0 lead in the series, meaning they can close it out with a win in Game 4.
Don’t expect the final win to come easily, though. The Nets aren’t going to back down, and with their abundance of scoring threats, you can never count them out of a game.
Will Brooklyn be able to do enough to force a Game 5? Or will the Celtics complete the series sweep? Find out how we see Game 4 going in our Celtics vs Nets prediction.
Celtics vs Nets Game 4 Odds
All NBA gameday odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and current as of Sunday, April 24, at 2 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Celtics (-105), Nets (-115)
- Spread: Celtics +1 (-110), Nets -1 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 220 (-110), Under 220 (-110)
- Implied Score: Celtics 109.5, Nets 110.5
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Celtics vs Nets Game 4 Prediction
The Celtics looked unstoppable once again in Game 3 and were led by a superstar performance from Jayson Tatum. The 24-year-old scored a game-high 39 points to go along with six assists, six steals, and five rebounds. Most importantly, he dropped 14 points in the fourth quarter, helping Boston stave off Brooklyn’s final run.
So far, the Nets haven’t had an answer defensively for Tatum. Brooklyn will need to figure out a way to neutralize him if they want to get back in this series.
On the other end of the floor, the Nets need more from Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. They’re both still scoring 20+ points per game in this series, but Durant is shooting just 36.5% from the field, and Irving has struggled to get his three-point shot going.
Fortunately, the Nets have gotten an impressive contribution from Bruce Brown, who led the Nets with 26 points in Game 3. Brooklyn won’t win a game in this series with Brown as its best player, but if Durant and Irving can get going, he can certainly be an x-factor.
However, given the way this series has gone so far, I have a hard time seeing how the Nets can win Game 4. Boston has executed its game plan perfectly, and until we see Brooklyn figure out a way around it, it’s hard to be confident in their chances.
Celtics vs Nets Game 4 Score Pick
Celtics 113, Nets 105
The Celtics will be motivated to sweep this series, and I believe they’ll get it done. Boston has outworked Brooklyn in each game so far, and the Nets simply don’t have what it takes on either end of the floor to stop them.
Celtics vs Nets Game 4 Best Bets
Celtics Moneyline (-105)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Celtics are only a one-point underdog in this contest, and if you’re more comfortable taking that line, you can snag it at (-110) odds at Caesars. However, I’m setting my sights a touch higher and grabbing the moneyline.
Boston has lost just five games since late February, and they’ve carried that level of dominance into the postseason. Meanwhile, the Nets look as though they’re still trying to figure out their identity post-James Harden, and their lack of on-court chemistry is showing.
The Celtics are simply the better team. Back them to win Game 4 with your NBA bet of the day.
UNDER 220 Total Points (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
There’s a lot going for the Under in this game. Not only does Boston play at one of the slowest paces in the league, but they also allow the fewest points per game and have the second-best defensive rating.
- Check out our Celtics vs Nets Game 4 Props.
Brooklyn, on the other hand, simply isn’t getting the offensive punch it needs from Durant and Irving. Boston has figured out how to slow them down, which is one reason why the Nets are averaging 108 points per game in this series — almost five points less than their regular-season average.
Only one game in this series has ended with fewer than 220 points, but the total has also decreased with each game. After combining for 229 points in Game 1, the Celtics and Nets scored 221 and 212 in Games 2 and 3, respectively.
Celtics vs Nets Game 4 Parlay
Best Same-Game Parlay (+273)
- Celtics Moneyline
- UNDER 220 Total Points
WAGER: 1 Unit
For our same-game parlay, we’ll be combining the two picks we made above to get favorable (+273) odds. The only way Brooklyn can win is in a high-scoring game, so the Celtics moneyline and the Under go well together.
Unless we get a shootout in Game 4, this parlay has a great chance of hitting.
PREVIOUSLY: Celtics vs Nets Game 3 Pick
The Boston Celtics pulled off a miraculous comeback in Game 2, rallying from a 17-point deficit just before halftime to defeat the Brooklyn Nets, 114-107. The victory put the Celtics up 2-0 in the series, which will now pivot to Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Boston’s home crowd wasn’t doing the Nets any favors, but will home-court advantage be enough for Brooklyn to claw its way back into this series and avoid falling down 3-0?
Read our Celtics vs Nets Game 3 predictions to find out how we see this crucial contest playing out.
Celtics vs Nets Game 3 Odds
All NBA gameday odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and current as of Friday, April 22, at 1 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Celtics (+150), Nets (-175)
- Spread: Celtics +3.5 (-110), Nets -3.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 223 (-110), Under 223 (-110)
- Implied Score: Celtics 109.75, Nets 113.25
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Celtics vs Nets Game 3 Prediction
The Nets posted a losing record at home this season, but much of that can be attributed to Kyrie Irving being unable to play in Brooklyn for the majority of the year. Not including the play-in, the Nets went 4-2 in home games with Irving in the lineup.
Small sample aside, the Nets will clearly benefit from being in front of a favorable crowd. What remains to be seen, though, is if Kevin Durant will be able to adjust to the Celtics’ smothering defense. The All-Star forward is averaging 25 points per game in the series, but he’s converting just 31.7% of his looks from the field.
On the other side of the floor, Boston has gotten terrific stuff from star wings Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who have combined to average 47.5 points per game. They’ve been at their best in the second half of each game, tallying 58 total points in the third and fourth quarters of each game.
The key to this game for either team will be winning the third quarter. Boston has come out of the half in each game with a purpose, while the Nets have often struggled to find their footing.
That’s consistent with what happened in the regular season as well, as Brooklyn ranked 17th in third-quarter scoring margin, while Boston was second only to the Golden State Warriors.
Celtics vs Nets Game 3 Score Pick
Celtics 112, Nets 108
This should be a closely-contested game all the way through, but I like the Celtics to come out on top. Their defense has looked tremendous so far, and until the Nets can prove that they can beat it, I have to side with Boston.
The Celtics have also gotten terrific contributions from their role players — namely Al Horford and Marcus Smart — while Brooklyn has failed to get that same kind of impact outside of Bruce Brown.
If the Nets do end up winning this game, it’ll be because of Durant. The All-Star forward is one of the most dominant scorers in NBA history, and it’s only a matter of time before he has a scoring outburst. Perhaps that’ll come in Game 3.
Celtics vs Nets Game 3 Best Bets
Celtics Cover +3.5 Spread (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
I like the Celtics to win this game outright, but I’m much more confident that they’ll at least be able to cover the spread. Their defense will keep them within striking distance in any game, and they have enough firepower between Tatum and Brown to keep up with Brooklyn’s high-powered offense.
Even if the Nets win, I like the Celtics to keep this one within a single possession, making this our NBA bet of the day.
Celtics Cover -1.5 3Q Spread (+115)
WAGER: 1 Unit
As mentioned previously, the Celtics have been one of the best teams in the league this season in the third quarter. Boston averages the second-most points in the frame, coming in just behind the first-place Charlotte Hornets at 29.3 points per game. Brooklyn is a distant 12th at 28 points per game.
- Check out our Celtics vs Nets Game 3 Props.
The real discrepancy is in the third-quarter scoring margin, where the Nets posted a -0.1 margin on the season. The Celtics, on the other hand, were +2.8 — a difference of nearly three points.
Seeing as how Boston has been assigned a 1.5-point edge, they should have a good shot to cover this spread.
Celtics vs Nets Game 3 Parlay
Best Same-Game Parlay (+450)
- UNDER 223 Total Points
- Kevin Durant: OVER 3.5 Turnovers
- Celtics Cover +3.5 Spread
WAGER: 1 Unit
For my same-game parlay, I’m going to start with the Under. The Celtics play at a relatively slow pace, and the Nets have struggled to get around their defense thus far. The line does seem a little low at 223 points, but Game 2 ended with 221 total points, so we know that this can hit.
Additionally, I believe Durant will turn the ball over at least four times. He recorded exactly six turnovers in each of the first two games in this series, and he averaged 3.5 per game during the regular season.
Finally, I’m throwing in my spread bet for the game, as well. Should the Celtics go on to lose Game 3, I still feel they’ll keep it close enough to cover as 3.5-point underdogs.
PREVIOUSLY: Celtics vs Nets Game 2
The Nets and Celtics had a thrilling Game 1 in their first-round series that came down to the final play. Jayson Tatum ended up sinking the game-winning shot for the Celtics, who maintained their home-court advantage in the series with the victory.
As we turn our attention toward Game 2, let’s examine some wagers to consider taking a chance on.
Celtics vs Nets Game 2 Odds
All NBA gameday odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and current as of Tuesday, April 19, at 10 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Celtics (-160), Nets (+140)
- Spread: Celtics -3.5 (-110), Nets +3.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 227.5 (-110), Under 227.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: Celtics 115.5, Nets 112
Celtics vs Nets Game 2 Prediction
If Game 1 was any indication, we could be looking at a very exciting series that might get pushed to seven games. Both teams are loaded with talent, and neither is afraid of the other. Like in Game 1, the ultimate winner of the series could be decided by who executes better in the final minutes of each game.
While the Nets almost pulled out the win in Game 1, the Celtics eked out yet another victory at home. They thrived there during the regular season, recording a 28-13 record. Another close game could be coming, but look for the Celtics to get another victory before the series shifts to Brooklyn.
Celtics vs Nets Game 2 Score Pick
Celtics 117, Nets 114
The Nets didn’t win Game 1, although they did cover the spread. The Celtics are only favored by 3.5 points in Game 2, which can mostly be attributed to the success that they have had at home.
While I expect the Celtics to win again, this is another game that could come down to the final seconds. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving live for the clutch moments, and Irving showed that the raucous booing by the Celtics’ fans isn’t going to throw him off of his game.
If anything, they are only going to motivate him further, so look for the Nets’ dynamic duo to help them cover again.
Celtics vs Nets Game 2 Best Bets
Celtics Moneyline (-160)
WAGER: 1 Unit
These two teams were tied at halftime in Game 1, scoring a combined 122 points. The Celtics then stormed ahead in the third quarter, but they only scored 19 points in the fourth quarter despite squeaking out the victory.
The Celtics won Game 1 while shooting 36.4% from behind the arc. They also shot 47.2% from the field, compared to the Nets shooting 53.8%. I expect them to somewhat improve their efficiency in Game 2, while the Nets will struggle to shoot 45.8% from deep again like they did in the Game 1.
OVER 227.5 Total Points (-110)
WAGER: 0.5 Units
These two teams were on pace to blow by the 226.5 total points line in Game 1 before going cold in the second half. Still, they hit the Over, marking the 11th time in their last 13 games that a Celtics games has hit the Over.
- Check out our Celtics vs Nets Game 2 Props.
The Nets haven’t been as prolific at hitting the Over lately. In fact, they have hit the Under in eight of their last 11 games. The thing to keep in mind, though, is that eight of those games had the total line set at 230 points or higher. I’m not going to let the one-point increase from the Game 1 line deter me from taking the Over again.
Celtics vs Nets Game 2 Parlay
Best Same-Game Parlay (+185)
- Celtics Moneyline (-160)
- Marcus Smart OVER 14.5 Points (-125)
WAGER: 1 Unit
I’m adding a player prop to the Celtics moneyline to get this juicy parlay. Marcus Smart scored 20 points in Game 1, attempting 17 shots from the field along the way.
These two teams played each other four times during the regular season, and Smart scored at least 15 points in three of those games. The one time that he failed to reach that threshold, he just missed by scoring 14 points.
Game 1 between the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets tips off this Sunday in what figures to be one of the most exciting first-round matchups. The Nets were widely expected to be one of the best teams in the league this season, but availability concerns put a dent in their plans.
Now, the Celtics will have to go through a tough Nets squad to advance further into the playoffs. Let’s see how they’ll fare in our Game 1 predictions.
Celtics vs Nets Game 1 Odds
All NBA gameday odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and current as of Saturday, April 16, at 2 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Nets (+155), Celtics (-180)
- Spread: Nets +4 (-110), Celtics -4 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 224 (-110), Under 224 (-110)
- Implied Score: Celtics 114, Nets 110
Celtics vs Nets Game 1 Prediction
The Celtics enter Game 1 well-rested since they haven’t played in a week. An argument could also be made that they might be rusty, but playing on their home floor should help with that. They dominated at home this season, compiling a 28-13 record there.
Not having Robert Williams III (knee) for this series is significant, but the Celtics still have Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and they had the best defensive rating in the league during the regular season.
Look for them to come out of the gates strong and earn a win at home.
Celtics vs Nets Game 1 Score Pick
Celtics 115, Nets 109
In terms of the spread, the Celtics came out on top during the season series with the Nets, going 2-1-1. The one time they failed to cover, they shot an uncharacteristic 37.4% from the field.
I’d be surprised if the Nets won this game, but not if they keep it fairly close. Regardless of how good the Celtics are defensively, the duo of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant will be difficult to slow down.
Plan on the Celtics covering the spread, but not by a huge margin.
Celtics vs Nets Game 1 Best Bets
Celtics to Cover -4 Spread (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Celtics ended the regular season by going 7-2 against the spread over their final nine games. They covered against some tough opponents, too, including the Grizzlies, Bucks, Jazz and Timberwolves.
Despite their success at home, they went 0-1-1 against the spread versus the Nets in Boston during the regular season. Still, with the lights shining bright in the playoffs, I like them to come out hot and cover.
Over 224 Points (-110)
WAGER: 0.5 Units
I’m not as confident in the total as I am the spread, but I’ll still lean towards the Over. The Nets are terrible defensively, and they play at the 11th-fastest pace in the league, which should afford the Celtics some additional opportunities to score.
- Check out our Celtics vs Nets Game 1 Props.
During their four regular season meetings, they combined to score more than 224 points three times. The only time they failed to surpass that number was a game that both Durant and Irving didn’t play.
Celtics vs Nets Game 1 Parlay
Best Same-Game Parlay (+264)
- Celtics -4 (-110)
- Over 224 Points (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Celtics don’t want to lose home-court advantage. This should be a hard-fought series, so it will be important for them to set the tone early with a win.
Given that both teams are mostly healthy, they should be able to score enough to hit the Over, too.
One of the marquee first-round series in the 2022 NBA Playoffs will feature the Boston Celtics and the Brooklyn Nets. The Celtics surged to the second seed in the Eastern Conference, while the Nets needed a win over the Cavaliers in the play-in tournament to secure the seventh seed.
Brooklyn entered the season with championship aspirations, but injuries and Kyrie Irving‘s inability to play in most home games have set us up for what initially seemed to be an unlikely first-round matchup.
Celtics vs Nets Odds
All NBA playoff odds are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook and current as of Wednesday, April 13 at 1 p.m. ET.
- Series Winner: Celtics (-140), Nets (+115)
Celtics vs Nets Series Prediction
The Celtics won three of four meetings between these two teams during the regular season, but each game comes with a caveat. Kyrie Irving didn’t play in three of those games, although the Nets’ lone victory came in one of the contests that he missed. Kevin Durant also didn’t feature in two matchups against Boston.
A significant loss for the Celtics in this series will be Robert Williams III, who underwent knee surgery at the end of March. He is expected to be out for at least four weeks, so he likely won’t play in this series.
Celtics vs Nets Series Pick
Celtics in 7 Games
Even with Williams out, the Celtics will be tough to beat. First, they have home-court advantage, which is significant since they had a 28-13 home record during the regular season. Also, Boston is a stellar defensive team, posting the best defensive rating in the league.
This series should be a hard-fought one between two teams with extremely talented players. Marcus Smart will be a crucial player for Boston since he will likely spend a lot of time guarding Irving on the defensive end.
Durant and Irving could still make this series go the distance, but having home-court advantage should ultimately help the Celtics advance.
Celtics vs Nets Best Bets
Game/Series Double: Celtics to Win Game 1 and the Series (+110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Celtics will be well-rested for Game 1, although some could argue that might make them a little rusty. However, Boston still has a favorable chance to prevail based on their dominance at home. Add that to my expectation that the Celtics win the series, and this is an appealing wager at plus odds.
Series to End in 7 Games (+180)
WAGER: 0.5 Units
I don’t see either team making this a short series as they are too evenly matched.
If they go to a Game 7, it’s difficult to envision the Celtics losing at home, so you could make an argument to take them to win the series 4-3 at (+340) odds.
However, I’ve already picked the Celtics to win the series in a couple of spots here, so we’ll hedge things a little and take the series to go seven games, which will cash this bet regardless of who emerges with the victory.
