Table of Contents
A heavyweight showdown is on the horizon in Sunday’s Boston Celtics-OKC Thunder clash. The reigning champion Celtics enter the game as the second team in the Eastern Conference, while the Thunder, atop the Western Conference, are riding a franchise-record 14-game winning streak.
Here’s a detailed preview of the Boston Celtics vs. OKC Thunder matchup, set to kick off at 3:30 PM ET at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma.
•
Boston Celtics vs. OKC Thunder Prediction, preview and odds
Moneyline: Celtics (+105) vs. Thunder (-130)
Spread: Celtics +2 (-110) vs. Thunder +2 (+110)
Total (O/U): Celtics under 221.5 (-110) vs. Thunder under 221.5 (-110)
Editor’s note: The odds can change close to the match. The odds listed are based on available information at the time of writing.
Boston Celtics vs. OKC Thunder example
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 that includes two emphatic victories: 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, trailing only the Cleveland Cavaliers, who hold the NBA’s highest record.
Additionally, Boston has the third-best net rating behind the Thunder and Cavaliers, with all three teams being the only ones to maintain a double-digit net rating.
Meanwhile, the Thunder (29-5) recently posted a comeback win against the New York Knicks, overcoming a 14-point deficit to claim a 117-107 win and extend their winning streak to 14 games – a franchise record.
OKC’s success is due to 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), anchored 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 have been assigned to the G League, while Branden Carlson is also likely on a G League assignment.
Jaylen Brown is questionable for the Celtics due to a shoulder injury. JD Davidson, Drew Peterson, Baylor Schelerman and Anton Watson are all out due to being assigned to the G League.
Thunder
G – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | G – Cason Wallace | F – Lu Dort. | F – Jalen Williams | C – Isaiah Hartenstein
Celts
G – Derrick White | G – Jrue Vacation | F – Sam Hauser | F – Jayson Tatum | C – Kristaps Porzingis
Editor’s note: These are the predicted lineups and may change based on player availability.
Betting odds for Boston Celtics vs OKC Thunder
- Jayson Tatum scoring over 25.5 points is -105 on DraftKings. Expect him to achieve this goal.
- Isaiah Hartenstein scores over 11.5 points and is -120 on FanDuel. Expect him to clear this up.
Boston Celtics vs. OKC Thunder prediction
This showdown is expected to be a closely contested battle. While the Celtics may be without Jaylen Brown and the Thunder will be without key players Alex Caruso and rookie Ajay Mitchell, OKC’s depth and home field advantage could prove decisive.
Expect the Thunder to earn a close victory, with Jalen Williams strengthening 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