Celtics vs. Nets Predictions, Odds, Preview

VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert

2 minute read

May 25, 2021

by Kevin Rogers
NBA Expert
VegasInsider.com

It should be no surprise that the Brooklyn Nets own a 1-0 series lead over the Boston Celtics in their opening round best-of-seven series.

However, the shocking part is the Nets dug themselves a 12-point hole before rallying for the victory.

Celtics vs. Nets Betting Resources

Matchup: Eastern Conference Playoffs
Expert Picks: Vegas Insiders
Venue: Barclays Center
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Date: Tuesday, May 25, 2021
Time: 7:35 p.m. ET
TV: TNT
Bet: BetMGM | betrivers |FanDuel |bet365 |DraftKings |Best Sportsbooks

Betting Odds - Celtics vs. Nets

Line Movements

Subject to Change

Spread: Nets -9.5
Money-Line: Brooklyn -500, Boston +400
Total: 227

The Nets have taken all four meetings from the Celtics this season, including a Game 1 victory at home. (AP)

Celtics vs. Nets Current Form

Boston figured it would be a tall task to knock off Brooklyn in the opening round of the playoffs as the Celtics lost to the Nets three times in the regular season.

The Nets overcame an early 32-20 deficit to beat the Celtics, 104-93 and cover the 8.5-point spread in Game 1 at Barclays Center.

Brooklyn didn't shoot the ball well from three-point range (8-of-34), but the Big Three of Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and James Harden combined for 82 points in the win.

Boston needs a gargantuan effort from young star Jayson Tatum in basically every game to give the Celtics a shot. Tatum torched the Wizards for 50 points in the play-in tournament, but the former Duke standout was limited to 22 points on 6-of-20 shooting in Game 1.

The 'over' was never threatened as the closing total hit 232.5, but the two Atlantic Division squads didn't even hit the 200-point mark in the opener.

The Celtics cashed the first half line of +4.5 as they led, 53-47 at halftime, but the Nets easily covered the second half line of -8.5 by outscoring Boston, 57-40.

Celtics vs. Nets Head-to-Head

Apr. 23, 2021 - Nets 104 vs. Celtics 93, Brooklyn -8.5, Under 233
Apr. 23, 2021 - Nets 109 vs. Celtics 104, Brooklyn -3.5, Under 225.5
Mar. 11, 2020 - Nets 121 vs. Celtics 109, Brooklyn -2.5, Under 232
Dec. 25, 2020 - Nets 123 at Celtics 95, Brooklyn -3, Under 229.5

(SU-Straight Up, ATS - Against the Spread, OU - Over-Under)

Boston Celtics Betting Outlook

Inside the Stats (2020-2021)

Overall: 37-37 SU, 33-39-1 ATS, 37-36 OU
Road: 15-22 SU, 16-21 ATS, 19-18 OU

The Celtics are currently on a 5-0 run to the 'under' the last five games, while getting held below 99 points in four of their past five road contests.

Since the 2014-15 season, the Celtics are 0-5 in Game 2's of a playoff series after losing the opener. Boston covered only once in this stretch, which came as 11-point underdogs against Cleveland in the 2015 first round.

Brooklyn Nets Betting Outlook

Inside the Stats (2020-2021)

Overall: 49-24 SU, 39-34 ATS, 40-33 OU
Home: 29-8 SU, 20-17 ATS, 20-17 OU

Since losing four straight games to close out April, the Nets have won and covered six consecutive contests, including four straight at Barclays Center.

Brooklyn has covered the spread in each of its last eight home victories, including five straight wins at Barclays Center by double-digits.

Key Injuries

Boston Celtics

SG Jaylen Brown: Wrist - Out

Brooklyn Nets

None