OKLAHOMA CITY @ BOSTON (BOS -3.5, 227.5)
NBA ODDS, NBA PREDICTIONS, NBA PREVIEWS
THUNDER @ CELTICS 3/12/25
An exciting clash is on the horizon as two of the NBA's top contenders, the Boston Celtics and the Oklahoma City Thunder, are set to square off tonight. Tonight’s game marks the culmination of a seven-game home stretch for the Celtics.
Riding high on a five-game winning streak, the Celtics are enjoying a strong season, only second to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference. Their impressive run at home was slightly marred by a loss to the Cavaliers on February 28th.
On the other hand, the Thunder, who currently rule the roost in the Western Conference, are looking to bounce back after their 140-127 loss at the hands of Denver Nuggets last Monday. This upset ended their seven-game winning spree. The Thunder had beaten the Nuggets 127-103 the night before.
However, Thunder forward Jalen Williams' participation in tonight’s game remains uncertain due to a right hip strain injury incurred during the last game against Denver. Williams, who averages 21.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game this season, will be sorely missed if not available. He has played a key role in OKC’s success this season.
The Celtics managed to avert a potential upset by winning over the Utah Jazz with a 114-108 victory on Monday. Despite almost blowing a 24-point lead against the Jazz, the Celtics did well to keep their composure and pull through in the end.
Wednesday's game will also be a showdown between the league's top players - the Thunder's Shia Gilgeous-Alexander and Celtic's Jayson Tatum. Gilgeous-Alexander, who averages an impressive 32.7 points per game, is in contention for the NBA's Most Valuable Player Award. Tatum, despite having to sit out during the latest game against Utah due to a knee problem, boasts of an average of 27.2 points per game.
In their previous encounter on January 5, the Thunder triumphed over the Celtics with a 105-92 victory. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 33 points and 11 rebounds, whereas Tatum contributed 26 points and 10 rebounds for Boston.
The Celtics are also anticipating updates on Kristaps Porzingis' availability. Porzingis has been out due to a viral illness for the past six games. He will be a game-time decision. Boston is 5-0 SU in its last five games and 7-1 SU in its last 8 at home.
Get free NBA Picks and NBA Predictions for the top games on the weekly 2025 NBA schedule from JA Cavalier, one of the industry's premier expert NBA handicappers. J.A. Cavalier has been bringing the NBA betting community the best NBA free picks and predictions for nearly three decades. Visit daily for the best NBA moneyline and run line odds and game totals.
COACH RICK FREE PICK:
GAME TOTAL UNDER 227.5
Tonight’s total opened at 233.5 and is down six points. While both of these offenses can score - OKC ranks 4th in scoring offense and Boston is 7th - it’s defense that wins championships. Boston ranks third in points allowed per game at 108.2 and OKC is second at 107.1. In its five-game winning streak, Boston gave up more than 108 points just once and the Under has now cashed in 8 of the Celtics last 12 games. The Thunder gave up 103 or less in 3 of its last 4. Those 3 games all went Under the total. In the one game these two played this season, OKC won 105-92 in a game that went way Under the game total of 225.
Nesmith missed this number last night which was his first miss in five games. He’s gone Over this prop in 8 of his last 10 games. Nesmith’s season averages put him at 11.8 pts+asts, but his recent performances have been much better. Over his last 10 games, Nesmith has averaged 16.9 pts+asts. Milwaukee ranks 20th in defending the small forward position. The Bucks give up 21.4 ppg and 4 apg to the position.