The Boston Celtics and the Brooklyn Nets open their respective post-All-Star-break schedule against each other this coming Friday at Barclays Center. The regular-season series is currently tied at 1-1. Who gets to gain the upper hand after this game?
Catch this game live on Friday, February 25, at 8:30 AM, Manila time
Away: Boston Celtics (34-26/14-15 on the road)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Marcus Smart
- SG: Jaylen Brown
- SF: Jayson Tatum
- PF: Al Horford
- C: Robert Williams
The Celtics closed out the first half of the season with a strong 9-1 straight-up record, with the lone blemish being a 112-111 upset loss at home to the Detroit Pistons on Feb 17. Boston also went 6-4 against the spread in that stretch that also included its 126-91 road win against the Nets on Feb. 9. Notwithstanding the loss to the Pistons, the Celtics must be very happy with their recent form, which they hope will continue into the second half of the 2021-22 NBA campaign.
Boston’s newfound success hinged mostly on its stout defense that has snuffed out their opponents’ attacks. In fact, Boston has allowed just an average of 95.9 points in its last 10 games; the best in the NBA in that same span. Brooklyn shot just 38.4 FG% in its 126-91 loss at home to the Celtics on Feb. 9. At the same time, Boston’s offense has absolutely clicked, recording a 57.3 eFG% and 60.3 TS% – both third overall over the same 10-game course. The Celtics are 14-11-0 against the spread this season in games following a loss.
Home: Brooklyn Nets (31-28/13-15 at home)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Patty Mills
- SG: Seth Curry
- SF: Bruce Brown
- PF: Blake Griffin
- C: Andre Drummond
Just like the Celtics, Brooklyn entered the All-Star break following a loss, as the Nets fell prey to the Washington Wizards at home on Feb. 18 to the tune of a 117-103 score. It was an especially disappointing loss for Brooklyn since the team failed to follow up on its sensational come-from-behind victory over the New York Knicks the day before. Nevertheless, there are reasons to like Brooklyn going forward. Take for example rookie 2-guard Cam Thomas, who’s been getting hot.
He has averaged 20.8 points on 47.6 FG% in the last five Nets games, while newcomer Seth Curry is also providing instant offense for the team, having put up 18.3 points in his first three outings in Brooklyn threads. Meanwhile, Andre Drummond is making a huge impact in the rebounding department. Drummond. The Nets own a 23.4 offensive rebound percentage this season, but in the games since Drummond came over via a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn’s ORB% has gone up to 31.4%. His ability to give his team extra possessions will be crucial against Boston’s tough defense. The Nets are 9-1 against the spread in their last 10 home games versus Boston.
PREDICTIONS:
Spread: The Nets are lacking direction at the moment and with KD, Kyrie, and Simmons all absent for this game, it’s the perfect opportunity for the Celtics to snuff Brooklyn anew. Taking the Celtics to cover (-5).
Over/Under:
Boston’s defense and Brooklyn’s improved rebounding conspire to get the total hit the Under (213.5)
