Jayson Tatum’s lunging layup at the buzzer to give Boston a one-point win in the series opener was only part of the drama Monday night at TD Garden. Former Celtics point guard, and current Brooklyn Nets standout, Kyrie Irving had a tense exchange with his former team’s fans and ended up earning a $50,000 fine for giving them the middle finger. It was exactly the kind of game neutral observers were hoping for when Brooklyn slipped so far down the standings in the regular season due to its myriad of injuries.
What the Celtics really hope for Game 2 is they may be able to do things a little easier. Boston led by 11 points going into the fourth quarter before things started to go sideways. Sports betting guides show the Nets were able to chip away and nearly steal the all-important game one. Betting stats NBA show Game 2 will be especially important because if Brooklyn can steal a road win, it will make life tough on the Celtics.
Last games records
The Celtics beat Brooklyn 115-114 in Game 1 Monday. Boston finished 51-31 in the regular season, while the Nets were 44-38.
Matchup Information
Nets at Celtics Betting Analysis
Brooklyn Betting Analysis
The Nets took some time to get going, but once they did, Brooklyn shot at a strong percentage in Game 1. The Nets knocked down 53.8 percent of their field goals and shot 45.8 percent (11-of-24) from the 3-point line. Kyrie Irving showed what he can provide for Brooklyn during a torrid 42-minutes of games play.
Irving scored a game-high 39 points, handed out six assists and grabbed five rebounds. Fellow superstar Kevin Durant also scored 23 points, while Goran Dragic (14 points) and Nic Claxton (13) also finished in double figures scoring.
Brooklyn will want to do a better job of protecting the ball. The Nets turned the ball over 16 times. Brooklyn also committed 26 fouls.
Boston Betting Analysis
Boston showed how toughness will help carry it in this series in Game 1. The Celtics pounded the Nets on the glass in the series opener, holding a 43-29 advantage in rebounding. Boston also held an edge in scoring in the paint, outsourcing Brooklyn 56-32.
Tatum’s most memorable play was the game-winning shot, but his fingerprints were all over the game’s result. Tatum scored a team-high 31 points, handed out eight assists and grabbed four rebounds. Boston forward Al Horford also recorded a double-double, scoring 20 points and grabbing 15 rebounds.
The Celtics shot 47.2 percent from the field, but didn’t have the strongest performance from the 3-point line. Boston shot 36.4 percent (12-of-33) from the perimeter.
Updates
Brooklyn will be without point guard Ben Simmons, who is out with a back injury. Simmons hasn’t played with the team since he came aboard in February due to injuries and mental health issues. Boston will be without center Robert Williams, who was expected to miss the first round.
- Boston is 43-37-3 against the spread.
- Brooklyn is 33-49 against the spread.
- The over is 42-40-1 in the Celtics’ games this season.
- The over is 41-42-2 in the Nets’ games this season.
- Brooklyn is 16-20-2 against the spread following a loss.
- Boston is 25-23-3 against the spread following a win.
Nets at Celtics Betting Preview
NBA betting picks have Boston as a four-point road favorite. The Celtics are -165 on the moneyline, while the Nets are +138. For anyone looking to make a different kind of NBA picks, the over/under is set at 226 points.
Nets at Celtics Betting Prediction
Brooklyn having the seven seed is a unique challenge for Boston. While the Celtics earned their high seed by finishing with a strong regular-season record, grabbing the No. 2 seed gave them a difficult matchup because of where Brooklyn ended up. The Nets showed in the series opener that they have the firepower to give Boston a difficult time.
The Celtics needed to pull out a last-second miracle to win the first game. However, Boston made several strong plays to build a lead in the third quarter. The Celtics also dominated inside and were relentless to create second opportunities against Brooklyn.
However, the Nets’ superstars were able to fight through it and make a game of it. Expect Brooklyn to rally and steal one in Boston.
Bet the Nets +4.
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