NBA

Oklahoma City Thunder at Boston Celtics odds, picks and predictions

Nathan Beighle

Sportsbook Wire

The Oklahoma City Thunder (6-9) travel to TD Garden Saturday to take on the Boston Celtics (8-8). Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Thunder at Celtics odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

After struggling out of the gate, the Thunder, led by star G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are 5-5 in their last 10 games. Typically heavy underdogs, the Thunder are 9-6 against the spread.

As for the Celtics, despite being down early Friday night, they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers as LeBron James returned to action.

SF Jayson Tatum, averaging 25.0 points per game, leads Boston. SG Jaylen Brown is also among the league's top scorers but has played in just 8 of 16 games. The Celtics are 10-6 at the spread.

Thunder at Celtics odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports' betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:04 p.m. ET.

Money line: Thunder +400 (bet $100 to win $400) | Celtics -550 (bet $550 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Thunder +9.5 (-115) | Celtics -9.5 (-107)
Over/Under (O/U): 205.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Thunder at Celtics key injuries

Thunder

C Mike Muscala (rest) out

Celtics

SG Jaylen Brown (hamstring) out
PG Dennis Schroder (ankle) probable
C Robert Williams III (knee) doubtful

Thunder at Celtics odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 106, Thunder 102

Money line

PASS.

While the Celtics should come out on top, betting it against a capable Thunder team at -550 just isn't smart. At the same time, the Thunder have an All-Star-caliber player that can take over, giving the +400 a touch of value.

I'd look to the points here regardless.

Against the spread

BETTHUNDER +9.5 (-115) as they continue to get disrespected by oddsmakers. Also, the Celtics are a public favorite, so they should get more of the action and shoot that number up.

Either way, the Thunder match up well with Boston, offering strength with SF Lu Dort and size with Gilgeous-Alexander to combat Tatum. Over their last 10 games, the Thunder have the third-best defensive rating.

That's not by accident as they've turned it on against opponents. With the Celtics in a perfect spot for a hangover, I think the Thunder will keep this game within single digits.

Over/Under

"LEAN" to the OVER 205.5 (-108) as the Celtics flexed their might Friday. With Brown out, the Celtics will rely upon Tatum, and that worked well for them Friday as he put up 37 points.

Tatum is averaging the 11th-most points per game in the NBA. He's taken his game to a new level, and with a relatively low total, betting the Over is the smart move.

Both teams rank outside the top 10 in defensive rating on the season, so neither are have been among the top tier for the entire season.

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