Posted on
1/11/2008 1:45:46 PM
NBA Betting – Celtics Look To Get Back On Track Against Nets
By Eric Williams
The Boston Celtics, (29-4 SU, 21-11-1 ATS, 14-18-1 O/U) may have the best record in the entire NBA, but they will be facing a New Jersey Nets, (18-17 SU, 15-19-1 ATS, 16-18-1 O/U) team tonight that has been o something of a roll themselves recently, winning eight of their last ten contests, including 1 99-88 win over the Seattle Supersonics on Wednesday.
The Celtics will be trying to bounce back from their fourth loss of the regular season, a surprising 95-83 loss to the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday that snapped their nine-game winning streak.
The bad news for the Nets is that the Celtics have bounced back from each of their previous three losses with a vengeance, winning those three contests by a combined average of 31 points per game.
Another plus for the Celtics is that they will have starting shooting guard Ray Allen and surprising rookie Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis back in the lineup after each player sat out against the Bobcats because of injuries.
The Celtics have already beaten New Jersey twice this season, but will be facing a rejuvenated Jason Kidd who looks like he has turned his biological clock back at least a decade.
On Wednesday, Kidd just missed becoming the first player to record four straight triple-doubles since Michael Jordan accomplished the feat way back in 1989. Kidd, who had 16 points, 11 assists and five rebounds, likely would have reached the mark had he not sat out the fourth quarter in the Nets’ easy victory over the Sonics.
Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my analysis and NBA Betting Free Picks.
Key Celtics Trends
The Celtics are 5-0 ATS in their last five games following a S.U. loss.
The Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last four games following a double-digit loss at home.
The Celtics are 10-1-1 ATS in their last 12 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Key Nets Trends
The Nets are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall.
The Nets are 4-1 ATS in their last five games following a S.U. win.
The Nets are 4-1 ATS in their last five vs. Eastern Conference.
Key Totals Trends
The Over is 4-0 in Celtics last four games playing on one days rest.
The Under is 5-1 in Celtics last six games following a SU loss of more than ten points.
The Under is 4-0 in Nets last four home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
The Under is 6-1 in Nets last seven games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600.
Key Head-to-Head Trends
The Celtics are 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings in New Jersey.
The Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
The Celtics are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
Analysis: While I like the Celtics to get back on track by winning this game, I’m thinking the Nets aren’t going to go down without a fight. I say the Celtics get the win, but the cover goes to the Nets – barely.
NBA Free Picks: Celtics 93 Nets 89
07:35 PM EST NBA Betting Odds
Boston Celtics -6½ -110
New Jersey Nets +6½ -110
Over 186 -110
Under 186 -110
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