NBA Playoffs: Nets vs Celtics Odds & Betting Preview for Game 1

Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant led Brooklyn over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Nets’ first play-in tournament game, which is why Brooklyn heads to the TD Garden on Sunday to battle the Boston Celtics. The 2-seeded Celtics are -4 favorites to take Game 1. Will Boston win the first of what promises to be a fantastic series? Or will Brooklyn start a winning streak with their second straight win? Keep reading for NBA Playoffs Odds, analysis, and a free pick for Boston versus Brooklyn.

NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Game 1 – Nets at Boston

NBA Playoffs Betting Info: Brooklyn Nets vs Boston Celtics

When: Sunday, April 17 at 3:30 pm ET

Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA

TV/Streaming: ABC / ESPN+

ATS Odds: Boston -4

Moneyline Odds: Brooklyn +150 / Boston -180

Total Odds: O 224 ½ -110 / U 224 ½ -110

Why bet on Brooklyn versus Boston?

The Nets struggled during the regular season, which is why they had to play their way into the postseason. In their first play-in tournament contest, though, Durant and Irving excelled. KD scored 25, had 11 assists, grabbed 5 rebounds, had a couple of steals and blocked 3 shots. Kyrie scored 34, had 12 assists, 3 boards and a steal. The Celtics are going to have a tough team containing both Durant and Irving.

Brooklyn Nets Offensive Averages

Points/G: 112.9

FG %: 47.5

3PT %: 36.1

FT %: 80.5

Rebounds/G: 44.4

Brooklyn Nets Defensive Averages

Points/G: 112.1

FG %: 45.2

3PT %: 34.5

FT %: 78.8

Rebounds/G: 44.1

Why bet on Boston versus Brooklyn?

No team had as good of a second half of the season as the Boston Celtics. The Cs gelled before the all-star break. Then after the break, they rolled, overtaking the Philadelphia 76ers, Chicago Bulls, and Milwaukee Bucks to secure the 2-seed. Boston’s starting five is as solid as it gets and should do a decent job versus Brooklyn.

Boston Celtics Offensive Averages

Points/G: 111.8

FG %: 46.6

3PT %: 35.6

FT %: 81.6

Rebounds/G: 46.1

Boston Celtics Defensive Averages

Points/G: 104.5

FG %: 43.4

3PT %: 33.9

FT %: 78.3

Rebounds/G: 43.7

Boston Celtics vs Brooklyn Nets Trends

Nets are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 Sunday games
Brooklyn is 13-6 ATS in the last 19 head-to-head games
Under is 5-1 in the Nets’ last 6
Celtics are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following an ATS win
Boston is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games on a Sunday
Over is 10-2 in the Celtics’ last 12

Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics Betting Analysis

Boston’s starting five of Jaylen Brown, Al Horford, Marcus Smart, Jayson Tatum, and Daniel Theis gives the Celtics a big edge in this match.

Brooklyn has no choice but to lean on Durant and Irving while the Cs can go with the hot hand. Not only that, but Boston ended the regular season going 19-5 in their final 24 games.

No doubt, Boston is ready to take on the Nets. But although Boston can win this game, Brooklyn is the pick against the spread. 4 points is too many to give to a team with two scorching players.

Also, Robert Williams, the Celtics top center and usual starter in place of Theis, won’t return for this game. Brooklyn and the points is the play.

NBA Pick: Brooklyn Nets +4