Boston Celtics vs OKC Thunder Prediction and Betting Tips


A heavyweight matchup is on the horizon in Sunday's matchup between the Boston Celtics and the OKC Thunder. The defending champion Celtics enter the game as the No. 2 team in the Eastern Conference, while the Western Conference-leading Thunder are riding a franchise-record 14-game winning streak.

Here is a detailed preview of the Boston Celtics vs. OKC Thunder, which will be announced 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 o221.5 (-110) vs Thunder u221.5 (-110)

Editor's note: Odds can change close to the match. Odds listed were based on information available at time of writing.

Boston Celtics vs OKC Thunder preview

This highly anticipated matchup brings together two dominant forces from their respective conferences.

The Celtics (26-9) enter the contest riding a three-game winning streak, which includes two blowout victories: a 54-point rout of the Toronto Raptors and a 23-point win over the Houston Rockets. They feature the second-best offense in the league, second only Cleveland Cavalierswho have the top record in the NBA.

Additionally, Boston has the third-best net rating behind the Thunder and Cavaliers, and all three teams are the only ones to maintain a double-digit net rating.

Meanwhile, the thunder (29-5) recently staged a comeback against the New York Knicks, overcoming a 14-point deficit to post a 117-107 victory and extend their winning streak to a franchise-record 14 games.

OKC's success is fueled by the brilliance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who delivered 33 points and seven assists in their latest 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 expected initial lineups

by 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 because they are assigned to the G League, while Branden Carlson is probable, also on a G League assignment.

For the Celtics, Jaylen Brown is questionable due to a shoulder injury. JD Davidson, Drew Peterson, Baylor Schelerman and Anton Watson are all out as they are assigned to the G League.

thunder

G- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | G- Wallace House | F – Lu Dort | F – Jalen Williams | C – Isaiah Hartenstein

Celtics

G- Derrick White | G- Jrue Holiday | F – Sam Hauser | F – Jayson Tatum | C – Kristaps Porzingis

Editor's note: These are the expected lineups and could change based on player availability.

Boston Celtics vs OKC Thunder betting odds

  • Jayson Tatum to score 25.5+ points is -105 on DraftKings. Expect it to reach that mark.
  • Isaiah Hartenstein over 11.5 points is -120 on FanDuel. Hope that clears it up.

Boston Celtics vs OKC Thunder prediction

This matchup is expected to be a closely contested battle. While the Celtics could be without Jaylen Brown and the Thunder will be missing key players Alex Caruso and rookie Ajay Mitchell, OKC's depth and advantage on the court could prove decisive.

Expect the Thunder to come away with a narrow win, with Jalen Williams going up against 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.