Monday night features 2 of the top NBA teams as the Nuggets take on the Celtics in a cross conference matchup. The Celtics lead the all time series 54-35, and the Nuggets have won 3 of the last 5 matchups head to head.
The Nuggets are coming off a 102-100 win over the Pacers at home on Saturday. Last Tuesday they beat the Timberwolves 133-107 at home, and on Thursday they beat the Mavericks 100-99 at home.
The Celtics are coming off a 129-120 win at home over the Hawks on Saturday. Last Monday they lost to the Clippers 140-115 on the road, and on Thursday they beat the Kings 126-120 at home.
On the season the Nuggets are 36-32 ATS, 13-19 ATS on the road, and 5-5 ATS in their last 10 games. On the season the Celtics are 33-35-2 ATS, 20-16 ATS at home, and 3-6-1 ATS in their last 10 games.
BetOnline has the Celtics as 3.5 point favourites with an O/U total of 222.5.
The Celtics average 112.8 PPG, 44.7 RPG, 9.9 ORPG, 26.5 APG, 8.8 SPG, 5.4 BPG, and 13.1 TPG. As a team they shoot 46.6% from the field, 80.7% from the free throw line, and 36.5% from 3 point range. Defensively they hold opponents to 107.5 PPG, 45.6 RPG, 44.9% shooting from the field, and 34.1% shooting from 3 point range. Dynamic guard Kyrie Irving averages 23.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 7.1 APG, and 1.5 SPG while shooting 49.5% from the field, 86.7% from the free throw line, and 41.1% from 3 point range.
Combo forward Jayson Tatum puts up 16.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, and 0.8 BPG while shooting 45.5% from the field, 87.3% from the free throw line, and 36.3% from 3 point range. Marcus Morris chips in 14.3 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.4 APG, and 37.9% shooting from 3 point range. Jaylen Brown (13.1 PPG/4.3 RPG/1.3 APG/0.9 SPG), Al Horford (12.9 PPG/6.7 RPG/4.0 APG/0.9 SPG/1.3 BPG), Gordon Hayward (10.8 PPG/4.3 RPG/3.4 APG/0.9 SPG), Terry Rozier (9.1 PPG/4.0 RPG/3.0 APG/0.9 SPG/35.5% from 3), and Marcus Smart (8.7 PPG/3.0 RPG/4.1 APG/1.8 SPG/37.0% from 3) contribute as well.
Key Injuries
G R.J. Hunter (undisclosed) – game time decision
F Guerschon Yabusele (illness) – game time decision
F Gordon Hayward (neck) – doubtful
The Nuggets average 112.0 PPG, 46.6 RPG, 12.1 ORPG, 27.8 APG, 7.8 SPG, 4.5 BPG, and 13.6 TPG. As a team they shoot 46.9% from the field, 75.5% from the free throw line, and 35.6% from 3 point range. Defensively they hold opponents to 107.0 PPG, 41.8 RPG, 45.9% shooting from the field, and 34.2% shooting from 3 point range.
They are led by versatile big man Nikola Jokic who averages 20.3 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 7.6 APG, 1.4 SPG, and 0.6 BPG while shooting 50.7% from the field, 83.6% from the free throw line, and 32.0% from 3 point range. Point man Jamal Murray averages 18.3 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 4.9 APG, and 0.8 SPG while shooting 43.1% from the field, 84.7% from the free throw line, and 37.5% from 3 point range. Gary Harris chips in 13.5 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, and 32.8% shooting from 3. Paul Millsap (13.1 PPG/7.1 RPG/1.9 APG/1.3 SPG/0.9 BPG/35.7% from 3), Will Barton (12.3 PPG/4.9 RPG/3.3 APG/35.8% from 3), Malik Beasley (11.7 PPG/2.5 RPG/0.6 SPG/42.7% from 3), Monte Morris (10.3 PPG/2.5 RPG/3.8 APG/0.9 SPG/41.9% from 3), and Trey Lyles (9.1 PPG/4.0 RPG) contribute as well.
Key Injuries
F Michael Porter Jr. (back) – out
These two squads match up excellently, and there really aren’t any glaring statistical advantages for either side. Both teams are above average in terms of offensive efficiency, and are both top 10 defensive teams as well. Both teams are 6-4 in their last 10 games, but the Celtics offense has been firing on all cylinders, averaging 121.5 PPG in their last 6 games, but failing to cover the spread in their last 3 games.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets have been business as usual, failing to cover their last 2 games but scoring right around their average recently. In a game like this, it’s hard not to roll with the home team, especially when they have been shooting the lights out of the ball. The Celtics seem like the right side here, and unless this number climbs to 5 or 6, they are the safe pick.
Final Pick: Boston Celtics (-3.5)
About The Author
