A heavyweight showdown is on the horizon in Sunday’s clash between the Boston Celtics and OKC Thunder. The reigning champion Celtics enter the game as the No. 2 team in the Eastern Conference, while the Thunder, atop the Western Conference, are riding a franchise-record 14-game winning streak.
Here is a detailed preview of the Boston Celtics vs OKC Thunder game, which will begin at 3:30 pm ET at Paycom Center in Oklahoma.
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Boston Celtics vs. OKC Thunder Prediction, Preview and Odds
Money line: Celts (+105) vs Trueno (-130)
Spread: Celts +2 (-110) vs Thunder +2 (+110)
Total (S/U): Celtics o221.5 (-110) vs Trueno u221.5 (-110)
Editor’s note: The odds could change close to the game. The probabilities listed were based on information available at the time of writing this article.
Boston Celtics vs. OKC Thunder advance
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 blowout wins: a 54-point blowout of the Toronto Raptors and a 23-point victory over the Houston Rockets. They have the second best offense in the league, only behind the Cleveland Cavaliers, who hold the highest record in the NBA.
Additionally, Boston has the third best net rating, after the Thunder and the Cavaliers, with the three teams being the only ones to maintain double-digit net ratings.
Meanwhile, the Thunder (29-5) recently staged a comeback against the New York Knicks, overcoming a 14-point deficit to claim a 117-107 victory and extend their winning streak to a franchise-record 14 games.
OKC’s success is fueled by the brilliance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had 33 points and seven assists in their last win. The Thunder lead the league in net rating (12.1), backed by their top-ranked defense (102.9 defensive rating) and remain undefeated against Eastern Conference opponents.
Boston Celtics vs. OKC Thunder predicted starting lineups
For the Thunder, Alex Caruso (hip), Ajay Mitchell (toe), Chet Holmgren (hip) and Nikola Topic (ACL) are all out. Ousmane Dieng and Dillon Jones are out as they are assigned to the G League, while Branden Carlson is likely, also on a G League assignment.
For the Celtics, Jaylen Brown is questionable due to a shoulder injury. JD Davidson, Drew Peterson, Baylor Schelerman and Anton Watson are out as they are assigned to the G League.
Thunder
GRAM- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | GRAM- Cason Wallace | F – Lu Dort. | F – Jalen Williams | C- Isaiah Hartenstein
celts
GRAM- White derrick | GRAM- Jrue Holidays | F – Sam Hauser | F – Jayson Tatum | C- Kristaps Porzingis
Editor’s note: These are the planned lineups and could change depending on player availability.
Boston Celtics vs OKC Thunder Betting Props
- Jayson Tatum with over 25.5 points is -105 on DraftKings. Expect it to reach this mark.
- Isaiah Hartenstein scoring more than 11.5 points is -120 on FanDuel. Hope I clarify this.
Boston Celtics vs. OKC Thunder prediction
This matchup is expected to be a close battle. While the Celtics could be without Jaylen Brown and the Thunder will miss key players Alex Caruso and rookie Ajay Mitchell, OKC’s depth and home-field advantage could prove decisive.
Expect the Thunder to pull out a narrow victory, with Jalen Williams struggling against Boston’s defense. While the Celtics’ defensive efforts may limit Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams has the potential to take over and lead the Thunder to another impressive victory.
Edited by John Ezekiel Hirro.