Boston Celtics vs OKC Thunder Prediction and Betting Tips

DR January 14, 2025
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A heavyweight showdown is imminent in the Boston Celtics vs. OKC Thunder on Sunday. The reigning champion Celtics enter the game as the No. 2 team in the Eastern Conference, while the Thunder, atop the Western Conference, have a franchise-record 14-game winning streak.

Here is a detailed preview of it Boston Celtics vs. OKC Thunder, scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. ET at Paycom Center in Oklahoma.

Boston Celtics vs. OKC Thunder Prediction, Preview and Odds

Money line: Celtics (+105) vs. Thunder (-130)

Spread: Celtics +2 (-110) vs. Thunder +2 (+110)

Total (O/U): Celtics o221.5 (-110) vs Thunder u221.5 (-110)

Editor’s note: The odds could change shortly before the game. The odds listed reflect the information available at the time of writing.

Boston Celtics vs. OKC Thunder preview

This highly anticipated matchup brings together two dominant forces from their respective conferences.

The Celtics (26-9) enter the contest on a three-game winning streak, including two emphatic victories – a 54-point win over the Toronto Raptors and a 23-point win over the Houston Rockets. They have the second-best offense in the league, trailing only them Cleveland Cavalierswho holds the best record in the NBA.

Additionally, Boston has the third-best net rating behind the Thunder and Cavaliers, with all three teams being the only ones to hold a double-digit net rating.

Now it is thunder (29-5) recently staged a comeback win against the New York Knicks, overcoming a 14-point deficit to earn a 117-107 win and extending their winning streak to 14 games, a franchise record.

OKC’s success is built on the brilliance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had 33 points and seven assists in their last win. The Thunder lead the league in net rating (12.1), backed by their top-ranked defense (102.9 defensive rating), and remain undefeated against Eastern Conference opponents.

Boston Celtics vs. OKC Thunder expected starting lineups

For the thunder, Alex Caruso (hip), Ajay Mitchell (toe), Chet Holmgren (hip) and Nikola Topic (ACL) are all out. Ousmane Dieng and Dillon Jones are out as they will be assigned to the G League, while Branden Carlson will also likely receive a G League assignment.

For the Celtics, Jaylen Brown is questionable due to a shoulder injury. JD Davidson, Drew Peterson, Baylor Schelerman and Anton Watson are all out as they are assigned to the G League.

thunder

G- Shai Gilgeous Alexander | G- Cason Wallace | F – Lu There. | F – Jalen Williams | C- Isaiah Hartenstein

Celtics

G- Derrick White | G- Jrue holiday | F – Sam Hauser | F – Jayson Tatum | C- Kristaps Porzingis

Editor’s note: These are the predicted lineups and are subject to change depending on player availability.

Betting props for Boston Celtics vs. OKC Thunder

  • Jayson Tatum, who scores over 25.5 points, is -105 on DraftKings. Expect him to hit that mark.
  • Isaiah Hartenstein, who scores over 11.5 points, is -120 on FanDuel. Expect him to clarify this.

Boston Celtics vs. OKC Thunder forecast

This showdown is expected to be a closely fought battle. While the Celtics may be without Jaylen Brown and the Thunder will be without key players Alex Caruso and rookie Ajay Mitchell, OKC’s strength and home-court advantage could prove crucial.

Expect the Thunder to pull out a close win as Jalen Williams takes on Boston’s defense. While the Celtics’ defensive efforts could limit Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams has the potential to take the lead and lead the Thunder to another impressive victory.