The NBA Playoffs are finally here! After coming out of the play-in tournament, the Boston Celtics were “awarded” with the opportunity to play against the Brooklyn Nets in the first round. This NBA betting preview for the Celtics vs Nets NBA Playoffs Game 1 matchup will provide game info, betting trends, odds and a prediction for the game.
Celtics vs Nets Betting Preview and Prediction | NBA Playoffs Game 1
Boston Celtics (36-36, 15-21 Away) vs. Brooklyn Nets (48-24, 28-8 Home)
Date: Saturday, May 22, 2021
Time: 8 pm EST
Venue: Barclays Center – Brooklyn, NY
Coverage: ABC
The Celtics survived against the Washington Wizards in their first play-in game, which immediately punched their ticket to the playoffs. Their season has been filled with ups and downs, with much of their adversity being caused by them unable to put their best players on the floor. Jaylen Brown suffered a season-ending injury, so we know he is out. However, there were more injuries in the Washington game. Marcus Smart injured his ankle, though he played through it. Still, he won’t be 100% for this series. Rim protector and injury-prone big man Robert Williams did not return to the game after re-aggravating a turf toe injury. This is a clear issue, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he was out.
The Nets, on the other hand, appear healthy for the first time. It may be tough to hear for Celtics fans, but it appears this first round will be used to develop chemistry on the Nets side, since they have had few games with their “big three” fully intact. Still, pure talent alone should be enough for them to move on in this NBA Playoffs. The Nets won their final five games of the regular season, and they will attempt to continue this momentum in the postseason.
Celtics vs Nets NBA Betting Odds
Moneyline: BOS: (+300) | BKN: (-375)
Spread: BOS: +8 (-110) | BKN: -8 (-110)
Total: 229.5 – Over: (-108) I Under: (-112)
To Win Series: BOS (+790) | BKN: (-1500)
RELATED | Printable 2021 NBA Playoffs Bracket and Schedule
Celtics vs Nets Betting Trends
- The total has hit the under in four of Boston’s last five games
- Boston is 1-5 against the spread (ATS) in its last six games against Brooklyn
- Brooklyn is 6-0 ATS in its last six home games against Boston
- Brooklyn is 5-0 ATS in its last five games
Celtics vs Nets Prediction
The Nets seem to be a lock to win this series, and they should start the series off on a good note. If Boston doesn’t have Williams, their interior defense takes a big hit. As soon as Brooklyn is able to score in the paint, the game is over. It opens up the perimeter, where the Nets will feast.
Brooklyn is 5-0 ATS in its last five games and 6-0 in its last six home games against Boston. I don’t expect their record to be tarnished today.
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