Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors: Predictions, Starting Lineups (12/19/23)
The Boston Celtics (20-5) face the Golden State Warriors (12-14) this Tuesday (12/19/23). Get Celtics vs. Warriors moneyline and spread odds, as well as predictions, starting lineups, injuries, and key matchups below.
Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors Prediction
Both teams need to combine for two made threes when the game clock hits 8:59 for this prop to hit.
Boston’s defense has been surprisingly weak defending the arc. They are allowing the third most open plus wide open three-point attempts per 100 possessions, the largest off-the-dribble three-point frequency, and the most above the break three-point attempts (via NBA.com).
Enter Steph Curry, who is easily averaging the most made threes per game across the NBA. Curry also leads the league in above the break attempts, which bodes well for him here. Plus, Klay Thompson remains a massive threat from deep, while rookie Brandin Podziemski owns a 40.4 3PT%. Overall, Golden State ranks fourth in three-point attempt rate, and they meet a porous three-point defense.
Meanwhile, Boston paces the NBA in three-point attempt rate and fields five outside shooters in their starting lineup. Golden State’s defense is allowing the 11th most open plus wide open three-point attempts per 100 possessions, and that likely worsens without Draymond Green directing rotations.
In summation, these are two excellent three-point teams squaring off against defenses that struggle to protect the arc. Look for the game to open with a swift bombardment of three-pointers.
Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors Prediction: 2 or More 3PM in the First 3 Minutes
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Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors Best Odds
The Celtics are 5.5 point favorites and have covered the spread in 12 of 25 games. Golden State must win this matchup about 35 percent of the time for their +180 moneyline to have a positive expected value, thus making it profitable in the long run.
Boston Celtics Starting Lineup
PG: Jrue Holiday
SG: Derrick White
SF: Jaylen Brown
PF: Jayson Tatum
C: Al Horford
Golden State Warriors Starting Lineup
PG: Stephen Curry
SG: Brandin Podziemski
SF: Klay Thompson
PF: Jonathan Kuminga
C: Kevon Looney
Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors Injuries
Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet are out for Boston. On the other hand, Draymond Green and Gary Payton II will miss the contest for Golden State. Chris Paul is questionable with an illness too.
Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors Key Matchups
Klay Thompson’s 3PT
Thompson has been streaky this season, but he’s red-hot at the moment. Over his last three games, Thompson is 17 of 31 from deep, or 54.8 percent. If he continues to terrorize opponents through his three-point assaults, then this prop has an excellent chance of hitting.
