After taking down the Sacramento Kings with ease, the Boston Celtics set their sights on the Denver Nuggets. This game will be a tough one for the Celtics, and finding a way to stop Nikola Jokic isn’t easy, and that’s exactly what our NBA computer picks are saying.
However, with the way that Jayson Tatum has been playing, the Nuggets have a lot to worry about as well. Can the Boston Celtics take down the Nuggets while in Denver?
The Denver Nuggets come off of a recent loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Nuggets couldn’t find a way to get past the defense of the Cavaliers and found themselves taking another loss.
They face another one of those tough defenses tonight when they play the Celtics. The Nuggets need to avoid taking too many more losses, especially with the playoffs quickly approaching.
Game Preview: Boston Celtics at Denver Nuggets
Possessing the best defense in points allowed per game definitely will help the Boston Celtics. On average, the Celtics allow just 103.58 points per game, but the interior is what matters most.
Robert Williams III is who will guard Nikola Jokic, and he better be at his best. Jokic isn’t just a great scorer but an incredible distributor as well. The Celtics will need to find a way to stop him.
For the Denver Nuggets, all eyes should be on Jayson Tatum. Tatum scored 32 points against the Kings and has been a consistent scorer lately. If the Nuggets can’t keep him from putting up a lot of points, they’ll lose this game.
However, it’s not just Tatum that the Nuggets have to be concerned about. Jaylen Brown put up 30 points as well in the game against Sacramento.
Against the Spread: Boston Celtics -3
These are great odds to get the Boston Celtics at because they often keep games pretty close. For instance, in their last game against the Nuggets, they won 108-102, failing to cover the 6.5-point spread.
However, coming in as three-point favorites gives you a slightly larger margin of error. They’re 3-0 against the Nuggets in the last three games; they’re 2-1 ATS in those three.
The Total: UNDER 222
Although we’ve seen the offensive prowess of both of these teams, we think the total goes under. The reason for this is primarily the defense of the Boston Celtics.
Allowing 103.58 points per game doesn’t just mean they prevent teams from scoring. It means the Celtics can control the pace. In the last three games against each other, the total’s gone under in all three games.
Player Points: Marcus Smart OVER 13.5 (-108)
We particularly like this bet because Smart is a great shooter from beyond the arc. Currently, he averages 12.2 points each game, but he plays incredibly well against Denver.
In fact, his average points per game against Denver is 22.0, along with seven assists. With Denver focusing their efforts on Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart can shine in this one.
To score 15+ Points: Marcus Smart (+122)
This pick goes perfectly well with the one we placed above and gives you some extra winnings. Smart is likely to go over 15, especially with what his average normally is against Denver. Look for him to make a big impact in this game and at the sportsbook betting apps.