The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Boston Celtics in a Non-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 08:00 PM ET at the Paycom Center. The Celtics are a huge -13.5 favorite in this matchup with a total line offered up at 216.5 points.
Probable Starting Lineups
Boston Celtics PG Marcus Smart, SG Jaylen Brown, SF Jayson Tatum, PF Al Horford, C Robert Williams
Oklahoma City Thunder PG Tre Mann, SG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Q, SF Aaron Wiggins, PF Darius Bazley, C Isaiah Roby
Key Injuries
Boston Celtics
Aaron Nesmith: Ankle (OUT)
Oklahoma City Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Ankle (QUESTIONABLE)
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl: Foot (OUT)
Derrick Favors: Back (OUT)
Ty Jerome: Hip (OUT)
Luguentz Dort: Shoulder (OUT)
Mike Muscala: Ankle (OUT)
Kenrich Williams: Knee (OUT)
Josh Giddey: Hip (OUT)
Recent Form
The Boston Celtics come into this game with an overall record of 44-28, placing them 4th in the Eastern Conference. So far, Boston is above .500 on the road, holding a record of 20-16. Over their last five games, the Celtics have played well, picking up 4 wins. In this stretch, Boston’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 113.0 points per game. Combined, the Celtics’ last five opponents are giving up 109.0 points per contest. Boston comes into this game also playing well defensively, holding their opponents to just 97.0 points per game. An improvement on their season average of 103.6. In the Boston Celtics’ most recent game, Boston took down Denver by a score of 124-104
The Oklahoma City Thunder come into this game with an overall record of 20-51, placing them 14th in the Western Conference. Throughout the season, Oklahoma City has struggled in their 35 home contests, sitting at 9-26. Over the Thunder’s last five games, they have picked up just 0 wins. During this stretch, Oklahoma City is averaging 109.0 points per game, 6.0 points more than their season average of 102.8. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 111.0 points per contest. A key reason for the Thunder’s recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 118.0 points over their last five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 110.7. In the Oklahoma City Thunder’s most recent game, the team fell to Orlando by a score of 90-85.
Individual Player Analysis
As Boston travels to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Celtics’ leading scorer is Jayson Tatum. Through 67 games, Tatum is averaging 26 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 46.0% of his games. Against the Thunder, Tatum will need to be on top of his game as Oklahoma City is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their average in 42.0% of their games, placing them in the top 10. On the other side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the Thunder in scoring, averaging 24 points across his 56 games. Throughout the season, Gilgeous-Alexander has outscored his season average in 55.0% of his outings. On the season, the Celtics have allowed their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 51.61% of their games, giving them a rank of 18th among NBA defenses.
Matchup Analysis
Heading into this matchup, the Boston Celtics are the more efficient team on both ends of the court. This scenario has taken place in 24 of Boston’s 35 games, leading to a winning percentage of 58%. So far, the Oklahoma City Thunder have played 54 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost 54 times, by an average margin of -15.0 points.
- Get more details: Celtics vs. Thunder 3/21/22 Betting Matchup Stats
The Historicals
Heading into today’s matchup, the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder have met up for 1 game. Boston took game one by a score of 111-105.
How the Public is Betting the Celtics vs Thunder
67% are betting the Celtics against the spread.
52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 216.0
Betting Trends Worth Noting
- Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games.
- Celtics are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win.
- Thunder are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
- Thunder are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread
The Boston Celtics continue their Western Conference road trip with a matchup vs the Oklahoma City Thunder. Both units are playing tonight’s game have just played last night. Boston will look to keep things rolling as they just took down the Denver Nuggets, while the Thunder are looking to bounce back after falling to Orlando. With the Celtics sitting just a .5 game behind Milwaukee for the 2nd seed in the East, look for the team to continue their hot play with a win over the Thunder. However, with the spread at 13.5 points, look for Oklahoma City to cover the spread.
