Monday’s matchup between the Boston Celtics and the Denver Nuggets is an important game for both squads. The Nuggets are still in the chase for the number one seed in the West and the Celtics are trying to end their season on a high note. For both teams, the last stretch of games could lead to better seeding and an easier path to the Finals, especially for sports betting enthusiasts.
Denver’s Rise to the Top
The Nuggets are cruising through this season and are legitimate contenders to the throne in the West. For the past four seasons, the question is who can beat the Golden State Warriors in the Finals? Now that question is falling back to the West. They currently sit one game back and have a three and a half game lead over the Rockets. This season they average 112 and allow 107 points per game and are shooting 46.9 percent.
Boston’s Tenuous Season
The Celtics are in the spotlight with every game this season. They started off as a obvious pick for the Eastern Finals with a deep lineup and all sorts of talent, but team chemistry didn’t seem to hold up. Under the supposed leadership of Kyrie Irving, the Celtics looked unstable and sometimes uncomfortable on the floor. In spite of this, they are in the 5th and are within three games of the third seed. This season they average 112.8 and allow 107.5 points per game while shooting 46.6 percent.
The Matchup
The Celtics are clicking as a unit and will start Irving, Marcus Smart, Jayson Tatum, Marcus Morris, Sr., and Al Horford. This lineup might be the best the Celtics can put forth with Gordon Hayward doubtful to play while in the concussion protocol.
At home, the Celtics are 26-10 and with only a handful of games left in the season, they will be looking to start a streak for a run into the playoffs. Their remaining schedule isn’t too difficult but there are a few matchups they need to win to establish their seeding
The Nuggets have slowed slightly in their past eight games but overall have stayed pretty consistent. Their starting lineup should be Gary Harris, Jamal Murray, Paul Millsap, Will Barton, and Nikola Jokic. Also, this matchup will feature former Celtic Isaiah Thomas’ return to Boston. This will be his first game in the T.D. Garden since his outstanding performance in the 2017 Eastern Conference Finals.
In away games, the Nuggets are 16-16 and are on a three-game winning streak. They have traded first place in the West with the Warriors a few times this season. Grabbing the number one seed would most likely have them meeting the Los Angeles Clippers or the Utah Jazz as of now.
How to Bet
The favorite by 3.5 points are the Boston Celtics but they are 1-5 against the spread in their last six home games and the Nuggets are 1-4 against the spread versus the East. Additionally, the over/under sits at 222.5 which would be a safe bet with both teams firing on all cylinders. However, since the Nuggets underperform on the road, the best angles might be Celtics-based.
Main Photo: DENVER, CO – JANUARY 29: Kyrie Irving (11) of the Boston Celtics prepares to resume action after a break against the Denver Nuggets during the first half on Monday, January 29, 2018. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Boston Celtics at the Pepsi Center in Denver. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
