The Denver Nuggets (28-14) and the Boston Celtics (32-9) link up in a potential NBA Finals preview on Friday. The clubs are currently in the top three of their respective conferences. Boston ranks fifth in the NBA in scoring (120.9 points per game), while Denver is third in the league in assists (29.5 assists per game) and field goal percentage (49.9%).
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at TD Garden in Boston. The Celtics are 7-point favorites in the latest Nuggets vs. Celtics odds via SportsLine consensus. The over/under for total points is 233.5. Before making any Celtics vs. Nuggets picks, you need to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's advanced computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons. The model enters Week 13 of the 2023-24 NBA season on a sizzling 42-23 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning nearly $2,000. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Celtics vs. Nuggets and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Now, here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Nuggets vs. Celtics:
- Nuggets vs. Celtics spread: Boston -7
- Nuggets vs. Celtics over/under: 233.5 points
- Nuggets vs. Celtics money line: Boston -273, Denver +222
- DEN: The Nuggets have hit the 2Q game total Over in 26 of their last 32 away games
- BOS: The Celtics have won 20 straight at home
- Nuggets vs. Celtics picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Nuggets can cover
Center Nikola Jokic is an impactful presence all across the floor. Jokic rebounds the ball well, handles the ball with ease and has superb court vision. The five-time All-Star is fourth in the NBA in both rebounds (11.9) and assists (4.1) and 15th in scoring (25.5). Jokic has recorded 12 triple-doubles on the year. In his last outing, he tallied 25 points and 19 boards.
Guard Jamal Murray is a fearless scorer from any spot on the court. Murray has a sweet jumper and will put the ball on the deck when needed. The Kentucky product averages 20.5 points, 6.5 assists and shoots 41% from beyond the arc. On Jan. 14 against the Pacers, Murray racked up 25 points and eight assists. See which team to pick here.
Why the Celtics can cover
Forward Kristaps Porzingis (7-foot-2) is a very long and lengthy presence who owns a pure jumper with the ability to be a reliable shot-blocker. The 28-year-old averages 19.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. On Jan. 13 versus the Rockets, Porzingis notched 17 points, seven boards, five assists, and three blocks.
Guard Jrue Holiday brings lockdown defense to the perimeter for the Celtics. Holiday is a great rebounder and has the court vision to be an effective passer. The UCLA product can also create his own shot and logs 13.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. In his last outing, Holiday finished with 22 points, six boards, seven assists, and two blocks. See which team to pick here.
How to make Celtics vs. Nuggets picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Under on the total, projecting 232 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread hits almost 60% of the time. You can only see the model's picks at SportsLine.
So who wins Nuggets vs. Celtics, and which side of the spread hits almost 60% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model on a 42-23 roll on top-rated NBA picks, and find out.
