The Boston Celtics (5-2) welcome the Brooklyn Nets (4-4) to TD Garden Friday. Tip for the in-season tournament group stage game is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s'lines around the Nets vs. Celtics odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Season series: Celtics lead 1-0.
The Celtics lost to the Philadelphia 76ers 106-103 on the road Wednesday, failing to cover as a 2.5-point favorite. Boston has lost 2 in a row and is 2-3-2 against the spread (ATS) this season. It beat the Nets 124-114 on the road Nov. 4, pushing as a 10-point favorite. The Celtics are led by F Jayson Tatum, who is averaging 28.4 points per game (PPG).
The Nets beat the Los Angeles Clippers 100-93 at home Wednesday, covering as a 5.5-point underdog. They are 4-2 over their last 6 games and 7-0-1 ATS this season. Brooklyn is 3-1 straight up on the road and 4-0 ATS away from home. The Nets are led by G Cam Thomas, who is averaging 26.9 PPG, but is out with an ankle injury.