Celtics vs. Nets player props take into account the absence of Kevin Durant. Brooklyn hosts Boston in one of tonight’s nationally televised NBA tip-offs.
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Celtics vs. Nets Odds & Best Player Props Today
Note: Odds and lines subject to change prior tonight’s tip. Check the best NBA betting sites for the most updated numbers on tonight’s NBA player props and game prices.
Celtics vs. Nets NBA Props & Picks
Ben Simmons Over 14.5 Rebounds + Assists
With Kevin Durant (knee) out for a month, the onus of creating offense will fall on the likes of Simmons and Kyrie Irving. Head coach Jacque Vaughn already challenged Simmons to play with more “force” – perhaps that challenge comes with a minutes increase as well.
We’ll see if Simmons responds. Durant’s 31.8% usage rate needs to be redistributed nonetheless, and Simmons figures to have the inside track to more facilitating duties. Simmons has shown glimpses of his former self, and this is an opportunity for him to remind everyone of his All-NBA ability.
Kyrie Irving Over 3.5 Threes
Durant vacates 18.8 shots, including 4.8 from three-point range, a good portion of which Irving will usurp. Irving is averaging 9.5 three-point attempts across his last eight games and hoisted 10-plus attempts from distance in four of those contests. He’s shooting 43.4% from beyond the arc over that span.
Irving will serve as the Nets’ offensive focal point for the next several weeks. He has an All-NBA-caliber facilitator to set him up with good looks, and he’s likely to see a jump in shot volume – a promising combination for Over bettors.
Jayson Tatum Over 30.5 Points
First and foremost, this is a big matchup – there are playoff implications and it’s nationally televised. Individually, Tatum can add some NBA MVP votes to his ledger. Collectively, the Celtics have the opportunity to increase the gap they enjoy atop the Eastern Conference.
Tatum hasn’t been phased in the second leg of back-to-backs this season – he’s averaging 36.8 points on 52.1% shooting in those spots. Additionally, Marcus Smart’s return may help him see an extra easy look or two over the course of Thursday’s matchup.
Jaylen Brown Under 27.5 Points
We’re leaning Under in spite of Brown’s overall form in recent weeks. While Brooklyn’s defensive efficiency is likely to suffer without Durant, the negative effects don’t always reveal themselves immediately.
Brown is struggling in the second leg of back-to-back sets this season, averaging 22.3 points on 42.1% shooting. He also scores at a lower clip on the road. Finally, he’s not a prolific three-point shooter which can limit his ability to post gaudy scoring totals.
