There are several games slated for action in the NBA tonight, but none more anticipated than the Nuggets vs. Celtics.
Fans are in for what could be a Finals preview, as the betting favorites to win the Eastern and Western conferences will tipoff at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
The Celtics sit atop the Eastern Conference standings and are now healthy, which hasn’t been the case thanks to Kristaps Porzingis being in and out of the lineup. In addition to their potent offense, the Celtics also own the fourth-best defensive efficiency rating in the league. They are also top 10 in points in the paint allowed, which will certainly be needed against Nikola Jokic tonight.
After a slow start to the season, the Nuggets are beginning to round into form, recently stringing together enough wins to move up to third in the Western Conference. They are coming off a loss to the 76ers and are moving on to the second game of a tough eight-game stretch.
Getting back on track against a tough Eastern Conference opponent would be a great sign for them as they have struggled against healthy, quality opponents this season.
The teams match up well and are healthy, which should help the contest live up to the hype. Below are the live odds for the game tonight and additional betting information, including prop picks.
Nuggets vs. Celtics odds: Point spread, moneyline, and total
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Nuggets betting news: Denver defense needs to step up
After an up and down December, Jokic is beginning to find some consistency in his play. In the last four games, he is averaging 26 points and 13 rebounds on 71% from the field.
Joining him in filling it up recently is Michael Porter Jr., who has been scoring hot from deep recently. In January, he is shooting 46.3% from beyond the arc. In the last three games, he is shooting 54% from deep. Up against a Celtics team manned by an undersized Porzingis, who could pay dividends tonight.
Despite that offensive production, the Nuggets have gone 2-2 in that stretch, primarily due to defensive struggles. That’s especially so when it comes to defending the three-point line. In their two losses (Philly and Utah), they allowed both opponents to shoot 55% or better from the field.
They also allowed Utah to shoot 39% from deep and Philly to shoot a whopping 48% from deep. That’s a concern against a Boston team that is fifth in the league in three-point percentage coming into the matchup.
Celtics betting news: Tatum, Brown doing their part
The Celtics’ two stars are playing lights out in January, although they have dropped multiple games to quality teams this month as well. However, Jayson Tatum is averaging 27.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in the first month of 2024. He is doing so on a 48.3%, 49.2%, 82.3% shooting split. His running mate Jaylen Brown is averaging 24.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3 assists this month on a 52.6%, 42.5%, 75% shooting split.
Much like Denver, they have struggled to defend the three-point line as well this month. In their three losses, they have surrendered 55 made threes to their opponents.
The Nuggets are a top 10 three-point shooting team and present the same challenges for the Celtics’ defense. That sets this game up to a high-scoring affair despite both teams being on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to pace.
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Nuggets vs. Celtics player props
Tonight’s ESPN primetime matchup has one of the highest totals of all the contests and given both team’s shooting abilities, there is no wonder why. With a potential barn burner on the horizon, there is no better game to get in on the player prop market than this one.
Here are some of the best player props we've found at top-rated sportsbooks. Make sure to shop around for the best prices.
Nikola Jokic prop bets
- OVER 25.5 points
- Two plus made threes
- OVER 8.5 assists
Michael Porter Jr. prop bets
- Four plus made threes
- OVER 15.5 points
- UNDER 6.5 rebounds
Jason Tatum prop bets
- OVER 27.5 points
- Four plus made threes
- UNDER 4.5 assists
Jaylen Brown prop bets
- Four plus assists
- OVER 24.5 points
- OVER 5.5 rebounds
Nuggets vs. Celtics prediction
Both teams have electric offenses, but the Celtics have more tools at their disposal to put up points, especially late in games. That gives them the edge in scoring, and defensively, the Celtics are much better.
This one should be high-scoring and close late into the matchup, but the Celtics have been in more of these affairs than the Nuggets recently, which should help them pull it out down the stretch.
Prediction: Celtics moneyline ; Nuggets
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