Boston Celtics vs Brooklyn Nets Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 16/04/2022, 06:13  by Joseph King | Modified on 16/04/2022 at 13:13 in Basketball Predictions

Arguably the most anticipated first round matchup of the playoffs, the second seed Boston Celtics take on the seventh seed Brooklyn Nets in a rematch of last season's playoff matchup. Brooklyn ran out 4-1 series winners when these two sides met in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs, only that time the Nets held the second seed and the Celtics were the underdog seventh seed. Things have changed slightly this time around, as Boston ended the regular season as the NBA’s hottest team which saw them fly up the Eastern Conference rankings to finish the year with a record of 51-31. The Nets, on the other hand, underwent a stop-start year and dealt with injuries and the absences of key players all season. The result was a 44-38 record but as the players and fans will tell you, just getting in was the most important part.

Brooklyn are the one team that neither of the top three teams would have wanted to face. With Kyrie back in the lineup on a full time basis and Kevin Durant finally back from injury, this is a team that many oddsmakers had as the favorites to win the title even after James Harden was traded to Philadelphia. Even with the immense star power on the Brooklyn team, Boston should be looking at this matchup as a perfect opportunity to make a statement to the rest of the league. Knocking off what many consider to be one of the NBA’s best teams in the first round would do a world of good for this young Celtics team that has experienced a lot of success over the years, but has always felt like they were still a year or two away. Boston won the regular season series between the two teams 3-1 so should come into this game with confidence as they open up the series at the TD Garden.