The Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets both sit at 8-3 through their first 11 games, though the Cs currently sit in the No. 3 seed while Denver is at No. 4 in the Utah Jazz-dominated Western Conference. Like we all predicted. None of that seeding talk is quite relevant yet, though, with so much of the season left to play. Not until tests like Friday are passed for both teams as they take to the T.D. Garden in a battle of NBA Finals hopefuls.
Nikola Jokic, the 2x reigning regular season MVP, has taken a step back in scoring during the 2022-23 season only to see his assists go up to a career-best nine dimes per contest. With Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. back in the fold, that was to be expected to a degree. Having a lineup with six guys scoring at least 14 points makes it easier to not require a monster outing from ‘The Joker’ every night. The emergence of Bones Hyland as a one-man show in the second unit makes it easier for Jokic to take a breather, too.
Boston has had a rough go at it defensively, sitting in the middle of the pack after leading it in 2021-22 under Ime Udoka. The Nuggets will be a stiff test for the C’s point-prevention unit, but Joe Mazzulla’s offense trails only Utah in points per game rankings.
Will Boston defend home court against the 2x reigning MVP and the best-fitting supporting cast he has ever had? Or will Denver pick up a signature road win, knocking off the Celtics for just the second time this season on their homecourt? Hardwood Houdini has your odds and a prediction for Friday night between the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets on NBC Sports Boston, Altitude, and NBA League Pass (all odds provided by WynnBET):
Boston Celtics vs. Denver Nuggets odds, spread, over/under
According to WynnBet, the Celtics are a 4.5-point favorite against the Nuggets at home. Denver is a road underdog at +160, with the Cs moneyline set at -195. The over/under for the game has been placed at 233.5 points.
Celtics vs. Nuggets prediction
This has the makings of an absolute shoot-out considering the C’s defensive deficiencies and Denver’s dynamic three-level offense.
Even with a notably high total, ride the over.
Pick: 233.5o (-110)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.