Posted on
4/16/2008 2:56:05 PM
NBA Free Picks – New Jersey Nets at Boston Celtics
By Eric Williams
The Boston Celtics, (65-16 SU, 51-28-2 ATS, 35-45-1 O/U), have won three consecutive games in the BetUS Sportsbook coming into tonight’s matchup against the New Jersey Nets, (34-47 SU, 33-46-2 ATS, 39-40-2 O/U), and will once again play their reserve players for the majority of the contest while getting ready to take on the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the upcoming NBA Playoffs which will be featured extensively in the BetUS Locker Room for my beloved NBA Betting Community.
The New Jersey Nets have won two consecutive games including a 112-108 overtime win over the Charlotte Bobcats on Tuesday, but will be headed home following this contest after missing out on the postseason for the first time since 2000-01.
The Celtics, who beat the atrocious New York Knicks 99-93 on Monday, have gotten two excellent performances from aging backup point guard Sam Cassell who has scored at least 20 points in each of the past two games while getting extended minutes.
"It ain't easy at my age. But I'm getting a nice little rhythm right now," the 38-year-old Cassell said after Saturday's win. "I'm understanding where I can fit in on this team offensively. Defensively, it's still a challenge for me."
Speaking of defense, Boston leads the entire NBA in defensive points allowed, (90.2), field goal percentage, (42.0 percent) and three-point field goal percentage, (31.5 percent).
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my analysis and NBA Wagering Free Picks:
The Nets are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 0 days rest.
The Nets are 16-35-2 ATS in their last 53 games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600.
The Celtics are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of less than .400.
The Celtics are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
The Under is 4-1 in Nets last 5 vs. NBA Atlantic.
The Under is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 games playing on 1 days rest.
The Under is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings in Boston.
The Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
The Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Analysis: Despite the fact that they have nothing to play for in this contest, I like the Celtics to win their final regular season game while routing the Nets as they finish off New Jersey’s mediocre regular season. Take the Celtic to cover the spread, led by the spectacular defense.
NBA Free Picks: Celtics -9 Points/Over 193½ Total Points
07:35 PM EST NBA Point Spreads
New Jersey Nets +9 -110
Boston Celtics -9 -110
Over 193½ -110
Under 193½ -110
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