Oklahoma City (53-13) at Boston (47-18)
- When: Mar 12 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA, USA
- TV: ESPN
NBA Betting Preview: Boston Celtics vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Spread: Boston -3.5 | Total: 229.5
Boston Celtics Outlook
The Boston Celtics wrap up their seven-game homestand on Wednesday, looking to finish strong against the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder. Boston has won five straight and is 5-1 on their current homestand, with the only blemish being a loss to Cleveland on Feb. 28.
Boston narrowly avoided a letdown loss on Monday, holding off the Utah Jazz 114-108 after nearly blowing a 24-point lead. The Celtics started strong but struggled to close against a Jazz team that sits at the bottom of the West standings.
“It was a trap game,” said Derrick White postgame. “We had the big win against the Lakers and OKC coming up. You have to find ways to win these.”
A major concern for Boston heading into this matchup is the health of Kristaps Porzingis. The Celtics big man has missed six straight games with an illness, and his status remains uncertain. Jayson Tatum also sat out Monday’s win over Utah with a right knee issue, leaving his availability up in the air.
Despite these absences, Boston remains one of the NBA’s most complete teams, ranking in the top five in both offensive and defensive rating. If they can get Tatum back in the lineup, the Celtics should have enough firepower to handle the Thunder at home.
Betting Trends & Predictions – Boston
Boston is 6-1 ATS in their last seven home games
Celtics have won 12 of their last 14 games straight up
The Under has hit in four of their last six games
Oklahoma City Thunder Outlook
The Oklahoma City Thunder had their seven-game winning streak snapped in a 140-127 home loss to Denver on Monday. The loss was particularly frustrating because it came just one night after they dominated the Nuggets 127-103 in the first game of their back-to-back set.
“You have to stay level-headed and learn from your mistakes,” said Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who continues to be a top MVP candidate, leading the league with 32.7 points per game.
One major concern for Oklahoma City is the health of forward Jalen Williams, who suffered a right hip strain in Monday’s loss. He was injured when Denver’s Peyton Watson landed on him in the second quarter. Williams is averaging 21.3 points per game, and if he can’t suit up, the Thunder’s offensive depth could be tested against Boston’s elite defense.
In their last meeting with the Celtics on Jan. 5, Oklahoma City locked Boston down in the second half, holding them to just 27 total points after halftime in a 105-92 victory. The Celtics also shot a season-worst 19.6% from beyond the arc in that game.
The Thunder thrive in high-scoring games, ranking in the top five in pace and offensive efficiency, but their defense has been inconsistent, especially against elite competition. If Williams is sidelined, expect OKC to lean heavily on Gilgeous-Alexander to carry the load offensively.
Betting Trends & Predictions – Oklahoma City
Thunder are 6-2 ATS in their last eight road games
Oklahoma City is 10-4 SU in their last 14 matchups vs. Boston
The Over has hit in five of their last seven games
Betting Prediction
The Celtics have been dominant at home, but injuries to Tatum and Porzingis could be a factor. If Jalen Williams is also out for OKC, that gives Boston a slight edge. The Thunder have covered well on the road, but Boston’s defense should be able to contain them better this time around after their struggles in the first meeting.
Best Bet: Boston -3.5 – The Celtics’ depth and defensive strength should be enough to handle OKC, especially if Tatum plays.
Total Lean: Under 229.5 – Boston’s defense has been tightening up, and OKC could struggle if Williams sits out.
Expect a hard-fought, playoff-style matchup, with Boston using home-court advantage to get the job done.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
