The Boston Celtics just swept the Miami Heat in their regular season series, and now hope to move up 3-0 against the Brooklyn Nets.

Catch the game tomorrow at 8:30 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Boston Celtics (41-12, 16-9 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

  • Jrue Holiday
  • Derrick White
  • Jaylen Brown
  • Jayson Tatum
  • Kristaps Porzingis (day-to-day)

The Celtics continue to stand tall as the team with the record in the NBA. They also come in as winners of four in a row with an average winning margin of 14 points. Adding to that is their 2-0 slate against the Nets on the season. They’ve beaten them 121-107 and 124-114 in previous meetings. Oh, and they also have a five-game winning streak on the road.

The 1-2 punch of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are sure to lead the way with their 20, 25-plus points, but the other guys from the finely tuned starting lineup should provide quite the damage as well. 

Kristaps Porzingis has 29.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks over his last four, while Jrue Holiday is basically averaging a triple double vs. Brooklyn on the season: 15.5 points, 10.5 boards, and 9.5 dimes.

Boston is top five in points (120.4 PPG), offensive rating, points allowed (111.1), defensive rating, and net rating (+9.5).

Advertisement

HOME: Brooklyn Nets (21-31, 13-16 HOME)

Projected starting five:

  • Dennis Schroder
  • Mikal Bridges
  • Cam Johnson
  • Dorian Finney-Smith
  • Nic Claxton

The Nets snapped their three-game skid on Sunday with a 123-103 win over the San Antonio Spurs. It was only their fourth win in 10 games, but it’s nonetheless good, especially as a precursor to hosting the top-ranked team in the league.

Mikal Bridges and Cam Thomas aren’t on Tatum and Brown’s level, but they can sure score, especially when they get it going. Bridges is coming off a quiet game (14 pts, 4/10 FGs vs. SAS) and may be hungry to redeem himself.

Ex-Celtic Dennis Schroder is now Brooklyn’s starting point guard. He may have some trick up his sleeve facing his former teammates. Rim-running center and aggressive interior presence Nic Claxton, meanwhile, will be in an interesting match with Porzingis. 

PREDICTIONS:

Handicap: The Celtics (-8.5) cover the spread.

Over/Under: The total goes over 228.

Advertisement