Brooklyn Nets vs Boston Celtics Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 22/04/2022, 19:11  by Joseph King | Modified on 23/04/2022 at 02:11 in Basketball Predictions

The NBA playoffs continue with the Brooklyn Nets vs Boston Celtics Eastern Conference first round series when the two teams meet at the Barclays Center for game three. Boston holds a commanding 2-0 series lead as the Nets will look to defend home court in what has to be considered a must-win game. Brooklyn will feel like this series could easily be 2-0 in their favor as they lost game one to a Jayson Tatum buzzer-beater and led by as many as 17 points in game two. The Celtics were ultimately able to complete their comeback to take the last game 114-107 in a game where both Brooklyn stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving struggled. Heading back home, an improved performance is expected by the dynamic duo with the oddsmakers installing the Nets as -3 point favorites on the point spread.

There are going to be no easy games in this series especially when facing a defense as tough as Boston’s. The Celtics have a legitimate case for having the best defensive unit in the league and their length and physicality have been making life difficult for the prolific Kevin Durant. KD was held to just 4-17 shooting in game two and was forced into a number of turnovers in what was undoubtedly one of the worst playoff games of the 12-time all star’s career. It’s a testament to his supreme scoring skill that he was able to put up 27 points on that inefficient of a shooting night. The Nets are likely to bounce back with a strong response given they are essentially playing for their playoff lives as a 3-0 deficit against a team as talented as Boston would surely be insurmountable. Teams down 2-0 returning home have historically done very well against the spread and if KD and Kyrie can find their rhythm, the Nets will be a formidable foe for any team.