Sunday's Boston Celtics vs. OKC Thunder showdown is a heavyweight battle. The defending champion Celtics enter the game as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, while the Thunder are riding a franchise-record 14-game winning streak atop the Western Conference.
Here's a detailed preview Boston Celtics vs. OKC Thunder will begin at 3:30 PM ET at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
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Boston Celtics – OKC Thunder Prediction, Preview and Odds
Moneyline: Celtics (+105) vs Thunder (-130)
Spread: Celtics +2 (-110) vs Thunder +2 (+110)
Total (O/U): Celtics o221.5 (-110) vs Thunder u221.5 (-110)
Editor's note: Odds may change closer to the game. The odds listed were based on information available at the time of writing.
Boston Celtics – OKC Thunder preview
This highly anticipated matchup brings together two dominant forces from their respective conferences.
The Celtics (26-9) enter the contest on a three-game winning streak, including two important victories – a 54-point rout of the Toronto Raptors and a 23-point win over the Houston Rockets. They boast the second-best offense in the league, trailing only behind Cleveland CavaliersThe one who holds the NBA's highest record.
Additionally, Boston has the third-best net rating behind the Thunder and Cavaliers, all three teams being the only teams to maintain double-digit net ratings.
Meanwhile, lightning (29-5) recently pulled off a comeback win against the New York Knicks, overturning a 14-point deficit to claim a 117-107 win and extend its winning streak to a franchise-record 14 games.
OKC's success has been driven by the brilliance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had 33 points and 7 assists in their last win. The Thunder lead the league in net rating (12.1), bolstered by their top-ranked defense (102.9 defensive rating) and remain undefeated against Eastern Conference opponents.
Boston Celtics – OKC Thunder projected starting lineups
for lightning, Alex Caruso (hip), Ajay Mitchell (toe), Chet Holmgren (hip) and Nikola Topic (ACL) are all out. Ousmane Dieng and Dillon Jones were ruled out for assignment to the G League, while Branden Carlson was assigned to the G League.
for the Celtics, Jaylen Brown is doubtful due to a shoulder injury. JD Davidson, Drew Peterson, Baylor Schelerman and Anton Watson are out due to assignment to the G League.
lightning
G- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | G- Cason Wallace | F – Lou Dort. | F – Jalen Williams | C – Isaiah Hartenstein
The Celtics
G- Derrick White | G- Jrue Feast | F – Sam Hauser | F – Jayson Tatum | C – Kristaps Porzingis
Editor's note: These are projected lineups and may change based on player availability.
Boston Celtics vs OKC Thunder betting tips
- Jayson Tatum is -105 to score over 25.5 on DraftKings. Expect him to hit that mark.
- Isaiah Hartenstein is -120 over 11.5 points on FanDuel. Expect him to clear it up.
Boston Celtics – OKC Thunder forecast
It is expected that this fight will take place in the conditions of intense struggle. The Celtics could be without Jaylen Brown, and while the Thunder will be missing key players Alex Caruso and rookie Ajay Mitchell, OKC's depth and home court advantage could prove crucial.
Expect the Thunder to pick up a narrow win with Jalen Williams stepping up against Boston's defense. While the Celtics' defensive efforts may limit Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams has the potential to take charge and lead the Thunder to another impressive win.
Edited by John Ezekiel Hirro