Nuggets vs Celtics 2019 NBA Odds, Preview & Expert Pick

The Denver Nuggets travel to the TD Garden to take on the Boston Celtics in an Eastern Conference versus Western Conference showdown on Friday. Both teams are at the top of their divisions. Will the Nuggets show they can hang on the road? Or, will the Celtics win another on their home court? Check out the NBA odds, analysis, and a preview for Nuggets vs Celtics!

Nuggets vs Celtics 2019 NBA Odds, Preview & Expert Pick

Why the Denver Nuggets are a good bet +3?

Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic have together developed a great inside-outside game. Murray averages 18.5 points per to go along with 1.6 steals. He’s turning into one of the better point-guard-scorers in the game. Jokic averages 10.1 boards and 10.2 assists per. Jokic also averages 14.9 points per game. If Murray and Jokic have their 2-man show going, the Celtics will find trouble winning straight up.

Team Statistics

Offense:

• Points/G: 106.1
• Field Goal %: 44.5
• 3-Point %: 34.5
• Free Throw %: 74.5
• Rebounds/G: 46.9
• Assists/G: 25.9

Defense:

• Points/G: 101.9
• Field Goal %: 43.0
• 3-Point %: 30.8
• Free Throw %: 74.2
• Rebounds/G: 45.8
• Assists/G: 24

Why the Boston Celtics are a good bet -3?

Many questioned Boston’s chemistry after so many changes during the offseason. No more questions exist. The Celtics are 15-5 on the season. Also, they use home-court advantage better than any team in the NBA. Boston is 8-0 ATS at home. The Nuggets must play close to a perfect game to cover in this matchup. That won’t happen.

Team Statistics

Offense:

• Points/G: 110.8
• Field Goal %: 44.1
• 3-Point %: 34.8
• Free Throw %: 80.1
• Rebounds/G: 46.5
• Assists/G: 23.6

Defense:

• Points/G: 103.9
• Field Goal %: 43.3
• 3-Point %: 34.2
• Free Throw %: 76.5
• Rebounds/G: 46.9
• Assists/G: 22.9

NBA Betting Trends for Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics

• Denver is 6-3 ATS in their last 9 games
• The total has gone under in 10 of the Nuggets’ last 14 games
• Denver is 11-3 SU in their last 14 games
• Nuggets are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games versus a team from the Atlantic Division
• Boston is 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games
• Celtics are 8-0 SU in their last 8 games at home
• Over is 7-of-8 in Boston’s last 8 games in December
• Celtics are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games played on a Friday

Nuggets vs Celtics Final NBA Betting Analysis

Boston’s defense will determine the outcome. The Celtics allow 43.3% from the field. Opponents only shoot 34.2% from three. The home team also allows less than 23 assists per from their opponents.

Nuggets’ point-guard Murray can score. But, he’s not a true point guard. When your center has more assists than your point-guard, teams like Boston take advantage. Kemba Walker averages 5.1 assists, leading the Celtics. He scores 21.9 points per game. Walker will contain Murray.

When it comes to matching up with Jokic, Boston coach Brad Stevens has options. He can go small and use athletic power forward Daniel Theis. Or, he could use Enes Kanter to play Jokic straight up. The Celtics are deeper than the Nuggets. They’ll use their bench for the win and cover.

NBA Free Pick: Celtics -3