Celtics vs. Nuggets Prediction & Odds
The first-place Celtics head to Denver to face the first-place Nuggets on New Year’s Day at 8:00 PM ET. Can the Nuggets cover the 1.5-point spread as home underdogs?
The Boston Celtics are 26-10 on the season. They are 5-5 in their last 10 games. The Celtics are 21-15 ATS on the year.
The Denver Nuggets are 23-12 on the season. They’re 8-2 in their last 10 games. The Nuggets are 17-18 ATS on the year.
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
519 Boston Celtics (-1.5) at 520 Denver Nuggets (+1.5); O/U 235
8:00 PM ET, Sunday, January 1, 2023
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Celtics vs. Nuggets Public Betting Information
Our NBA Public Betting Information page indicates that 83% of public bettors are currently backing the Celtics -1.5 in this contest. Note that these numbers are subject to change, so be sure to check the link to receive the most up-to-date public betting data.
Boston Celtics DFS Spin
Boston small forward Jayson Tatum is having a career year. The sixth-year man is fifth in the NBA in scoring with 31 points per game. He also leads the Celtics in rebounds with 8.1 per game and tops the club in average three-pointers made per game with 3.3. You may have to pay a premium for Tatum in DFS, but he could be worth it against a Denver team that ranks 27th in the NBA in defensive efficiency.
For a contrarian play, you could consider Celtics’ small forward Jaylen Brown. You could probably get him at a more reasonable price in DFS, and his production (27 points per game, 7.1 rebounds per game) is right in line with Jayson Tatum’s numbers. Jaylen Brown also has the added bonus of shooting a better percentage from the field (49.2%) than Jayson Tatum (47.3%) this season.
Denver Nuggets DFS Spin
Denver guard Jamal Murray is officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s tilt with Boston. His status is in doubt due to knee injury management. It’s worth noting that Murray was listed as questionable for Friday’s game with the Heat, but he ended up scoring 14 points and playing 34 minutes in that contest.
Nuggets center Nikola Jokic is one of the best players in the NBA, and a player you should always consider using in DFS. Jokic is averaging 25.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game while shooting 61.6% from the floor this season. In his last 4 games, Jokic has notched two triple-doubles and two 40-point games. He should fill up the stat sheet efficiently against a Boston team that ranks 11th in the NBA in opponent points per game.
Celtics vs. Nuggets NBA Betting Trends
Boston is 24-11-2 ATS in their last 37 road games.
Boston is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Sunday games.
Boston is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games against Denver.
Denver is 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games played on 1 day of rest.
Celtics vs. Nuggets NBA Prediction
The Boston Celtics have the best record in the NBA at 26-10, and they lead the NBA in average scoring margin at +6.8 per game. The Celtics also have the best road record in the NBA at 11-5. Furthermore, Boston leads the NBA in points per game and offensive efficiency. Denver is playing well as they’ve won 9 out of their last 11, but Boston will be the best team they’ve faced in that span. I think the Celtics win a close game on the road. I’ll lay the points with Boston.
NBA BETTING PREDICTION: BOSTON CELTICS -1.5
