With a solid defense the Oklahoma City Thunder have held their own in the Western Conference. In superstar Russell Westbrook the Thunder have a dominant force that can own games. OKC is not a NBA Finals Betting Odds favorite but they could prove dangerous. Boston has a championship level defense in its own right. And with Kyrie Irving they also have an impact player. However, Irving has been hobbling with a bad knee. His presence is mandatory for the Celtics long term prospects. Boston will host Oklahoma City on Tuesday in a key inter-conference matchup.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Boston Celtics
Date and Time: Tuesday, March 20, 2018, 8 p.m. Eastern
Location: TD Garden, Boston Massachusetts
NBA Betting Online Odds at SBG: Click here!
Thunder vs. Celtics TV Coverage: TNT
Boston Celtics
Boston has dropped in esteem with the NBA Finals Betting Odds. Expected to return to the Eastern Conference finals the Celtics have lacked scoring depth. That being said they have shown recent improvement as a betting value. With eight payouts in their last ten games profits are high. Under the total has hit in three of Boston’s last five games. Defensively the Celtics rank third in the NBA. Offsetting that is an offense that has slumped to 19th in the Association. It’s a near certainty that Boston will finish second in the East to Toronto.
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City has also been in good recent sportsbook online form. Of note is four payouts in their last five games. Three of their last five tilts have stayed under the number. With a ranking of seventh the OKC defense is a key asset. Inconsistency on offense has the Thunder ranked 13th in the league for scoring. Home court advantage for the first round of the playoffs hangs by a game and a half. Head coach Billy Donovan has proven to be of NBA caliber. Donovan arrived from the University of Florida with plenty of skepticism.
Big Names on Court
Few players in the NBA dominate like Russell Westbrook of the Thunder. The 2017 NBA Most Valuable player and seven time All Star has carried OKC. Westbrook is averaging a team best 25 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds per game. Irving’s status for Boston is critical for this matchup. He leads the Celtics with 24 points and five assists per game. Brad Stevens also arrived from the college ranks Boston head coach. He has converted a lot of doubters that thought he was too young.
Team vs. Team
Four of the last six payouts between these teams have gone to Boston. Three of the last five between OKC and the Celtics have stayed under the number. However, the Thunder came away with the cash in seven of their last eight visits to Boston. The last three in this series at TD Garden soared over the total.
Matchup to Watch
Be sure to check Irving’s injury status. Even if he plays he is unlikely to be at 100 percent. With Irving not at his best Boston has slipped with the NBA Finals Betting Odds. Westbrook and OKC’s past success at Boston should be the difference.
Thunder vs. Celtics NBA games Betting Odds Picks
In conclusion Oklahoma City is the more stable team at this time.
NBA Betting Online Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder
NBA Betting Online Score Prediction: Thunder 118, Celtics 108