The Boston Celtics (47-18) will host the Oklahoma City Thunder (53-12) in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN.
The Celtics are 2.5-point favorites over the Thunder on the spread (Celtics -2.5), with the over/under set at 229.5 total points. Boston is a -135 favorite to win outright, while Oklahoma City is +114 to pull off the upset.
Let's get to my Thunder vs. Celtics predictions and NBA picks for Wednesday, March 12.
Thunder vs Celtics Prediction
Spread
My Thunder vs. Celtics best bet is on Boston to cover the spread, with the best line currently available at DraftKings. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
My Pick: Celtics -2.5
Thunder vs Celtics Odds, Lines, Picks
| Thunder Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -110 | 229.5 -110o / -110u | +114 |
| Celtics Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -110 | 229.5 -110o / -110u | -135 |
- Thunder vs. Celtics spread: Celtics -2.5
- Thunder vs. Celtics over/under: 229.5 total points
- Thunder vs. Celtics moneyline: Celtics -135, Thunder +114
- Thunder vs. Celtics best bet: Celtics -2.5 (-110)
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Boston Celtics NBA Preview
The Oklahoma City Thunder head to Boston for a showdown against the Celtics in a potential NBA Finals preview. The Thunder took the first game of this season series, but can Boston defend home court and even the score?
The Thunder have a significant injury tonight with Jalen Williams (hip) being ruled Out after exiting early from Monday's game against the Denver Nuggets. The Celtics have some notable injuries as well. The Celtics have listed Jayson Tatum (knee – Questionable) and Jaylen Brown (knee – Probable). They also have Kristaps Porzingis (illness) as Questionable – he addressed this on X the other day saying it's been some virus that they cannot totally identify. If he comes back, he likely would be limited.
When these teams played earlier this season, it was a defensive battle where Oklahoma City stifled the Boston offense. The Celtics shot just 19% from beyond the arc and 36% from the field. While OKC defends the 3 well from an efficiency perspective, they do allow the third-highest 3 point frequency in the league, per Dunks and Threes. That performance would be extremely difficult to replicate.
While they will have Chet Holmgren for this game, Jalen Williams' injury is significant. He is the second-highest Usage player on the team and he has been extremely consistent for OKC. With him off the floor, Shai sees a significant uptick in scoring. With Jdub, he scores 40 points per 100, without him, this jumps to an absurd 55 points per 100, per PBPstats.
Thunder vs Celtics Betting Predictions
The key to this game will be whether or not the 3s will fall for Boston. However, without Jalen Williams, that's one fewer elite wing defender for the Thunder. Schematically they allow 3 point attempts but they have had the personnel to defend them. They are extremely deep, but losing Jdub is significant.
Boston has some injury concerns as well; however, this is a standalone game for both teams. While Porzingis may sit or be limited, I expect Tatum and Brown to play.
I'll lay the points with Boston here.
For my same game parlay, I want SGA 30+ points, Tatum 25+ points, and Derrick White 4+ Assists.
Thunder vs Celtics Best Bet
- Celtics -3.5 (-110)
Celtics vs Thunder Parlay Picks
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30+ Points
- Jayson Tatum 25+ Points
- Derrick White 4+ Assists
Parlay Payout: +164
Thunder vs. Celtics Betting Trends
