Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics: Predictions, Starting Lineups (11/10/23)
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The Brooklyn Nets (4-4) face the Boston Celtics (5-2) this Friday (11/10/23) in an In-Season Tournament matchup. Get Nets vs. Celtics moneyline and spread odds, as well as predictions, starting lineups, injuries, and key matchups below.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics Prediction
Taking Boston to lead the game at the end of every quarter is the best bet.
Boston’s new starting lineup of Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Kristaps Porzingis is outscoring opponents by a historic 39 points per 100 possessions (via NBA.com). It is infested with elite defenders, reliable three-point shooters, and desirable self-creation.
They face a Brooklyn squad that is riddled with injuries. Defensive anchor and top rebounder Nic Claxton remains out, so the Nets will once again trot out an undersized lineup with limited rim protection. They have tried to compensate with Ben Simmons at center, but he’s also out here. Brooklyn will likely drown under a wave of Brown and Tatum drives, while Porzingis can scorch them on post ups.
Because the small-ball Nets have been forced to collapse inside, opponents own the fifth most above the break three-point attempts per game. Boston possesses an elite three-point offense, which doesn’t bode well for Brooklyn.
Top scorer Cam Thomas (26.9 PPG) will also miss the contest as well. He’s their best off-the-dribble scorer and go-to option, so Brooklyn is now dangerously relying on 3&D wings to play above their role. Spencer Dinwiddie could provide a fraction of Thomas’ value, but Holiday and White form the top point-of-attack duo in the NBA. Brooklyn’s already limited on-ball creation is facing a steep uphill climb here.
Overall, the Celtics’ suffocating defense should cause this limited Brooklyn offense to wilt. Meanwhile, Nic Claxton and Ben Simmons’ absences are too significant for them to overcome defensively. Backing Boston to cruise throughout the game is the best bet.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics Prediction: Celtics Winning at End of Every Quarter (-116 FD)
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Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics Best Odds
The Celtics are favored by a whopping 11.5 points here, which can be explained by Boston’s talent and Brooklyn’s injuries. For the Nets’ +490 moneyline to be a profitable long term bet, they need to win about 17 percent of the time.
Brooklyn Nets Starting Lineup
PG: Spencer Dinwiddie
SG: Mikal Bridges
SF: Cam Johnson
PF: Dorian Finney-Smith
C: Day’Ron Sharpe
Boston Celtics Starting Lineup
PG: Jrue Holiday
SG: Derrick White
SF: Jaylen Brown
PF: Jayson Tatum
C: Kristaps Porzingis
Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics Injuries
Cam Thomas, Ben Simmons, and Nic Claxton are out for the Nets. Boston, on the other hand, will only be missing Al Horford and Neemias Queta.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics Key Matchups
Day’Ron Sharpe
Sharpe is Brooklyn’s only big man option here, so the backup center needs to have a big game on the boards. Limiting Boston’s second chance points is crucial because their initial offense will be deadly. If Sharpe can bang with Porzingis in the post and be a physical pest, then the Nets could perhaps somewhat survive against Porzingis.
Sam Hauser 3PT Shooting
Because Boston possesses plenty of on-ball creators, Sam Hauser’s off-ball gravity is a nice supplemental piece. He currently owns a 40.5 3PT% on 5.3 attempts per game, so the sharpshooter has been effective in his role. If Hauser continues to rain down threes, then he provides a massive spark off the bench and only lessens Brooklyn’s chances.
