Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Boston Celtics Betting Prediction

Victor TrejosBasketball, NBA

The winless Oklahoma City Thunder (0-3), 1.5-point favorites, welcome the Boston Celtics (2-2) to Chesapeake Energy Arena. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 211 points and it will air on TNT at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, October 25, 2018.

Boston Celtics vs. Oklahoma City Thunder ATS Odds

Both teams lost as favorites in their last contest. The Thunder (10.5-point favorites) were defeated by the Sacramento Kings, 131-120, while the Celtics (11-point favorites) fell to the Orlando Magic, 93-90. The Oklahoma City game went 28.5 points over the projected point total of 222.5, while the Boston game went 28.5 points under the projected point total of 211.5.

Boston held Orlando to an offensive rebounding percentage of 16.0 (below their season average of 26.0) while Oklahoma City had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.6 vs. 26.7). Oklahoma City received a boost from Russell Westbrook, who recorded 32 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists. Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving fueled Boston with 22 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

The offense of Oklahoma City will battle against the stingy defense of Boston. Dating back to last season, the Thunder rank 14th in offensive efficiency, while the Celtics are second in defensive efficiency. The Celtics should have the advantage on that side of the ball. ,

The Celtics are 57-29 straight up (SU) and 52-50-2 against the spread (ATS) since last season. A little over half of Boston games have finished under the projected point total since last season.

Meanwhile, the Thunder, are 48-37 SU and 48-41-1 ATS since last season. Over that same period, Oklahoma City’s games have had a tendency to go under the projected point total (55.6 percent).

The Celtics dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the most recent game, Boston won 100-99. The Celtics’ offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Thunder. Boston had a rate of 23.4, while Oklahoma City posted a mark of 16.3.

Boston Celtics vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Odds Pick

NBA Tip: SU Winner – Thunder, ATS Winner – Thunder, O/U – Under

Betting Notes (2017-Present):

  • The Thunder rank 20th in points in the paint per game (43.7) while the Celtics rank 29th (40.0).
  • Oklahoma City ranks first in points off turnovers per game (18.9) while Boston ranks 25th (15.0).
  • The Thunder rank first in second chance points per game (15.3) while the Celtics rank 16th (12.3).
  • Oklahoma City ranks fifth in rebounds per game (45.1) while Boston ranks 20th in rebounds allowed per game (43.8).
  • Boston ranks fourth in assists allowed per game (21.3) while Oklahoma City ranks 14th (23.2).
  • The Thunder rank fourth in fast break points per game (15.0) while the Celtics rank 26th (9.7).
  • The Celtics average 30.6 three pointers per game, which ranks ninth in the NBA. The Thunder rank 21st in three pointers allowed per game (30.4).
  • Oklahoma City ranks first in steals per game (9.0) while Boston ranks 21st (7.2).
  • Boston is 43-8 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Oklahoma City is 23-6.
  • The Thunder are 46-21 when they reach the century mark, while the Celtics are 53-16.
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