Boston Celtics vs Brooklyn Nets Picks and Predictions March 18th 2025

Boston Celtics vs Brooklyn Nets March 18th 2025

In a divisional matchup, the Brooklyn Nets (23-45) head to TD Garden to take on the Boston Celtics (49-19). The Celtics are currently favored by 13.5 points and have won their last two games.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 ET and can be seen on NBCS. The over/under line for the game is 215.5 points.

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Nets vs. Celtics Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics
• Where: Boston at TD Garden
• Date: Tuesday, March 18th
• Betting Odds BOS -13.5, BKN +606 | BOS -921 O/U 215.5

The Nets Can Win If…

The Nets improved to 23-45 on the season with a 122-114 home win over the Hawks on Sunday. Brooklyn entered the game as +6.5 point underdogs, and not only won but covered the spread. The total points for the game reached 236, surpassing the over/under line of 227.5.

Brooklyn overcame a 10-0 Hawks run that stretched the score from 54-51 to 64-51. They responded by winning the 3rd quarter 35-30, and then took control in the 4th, outscoring Atlanta 31-22 to close out the game.

The Nets connected on 17 threes at a 48.6% clip in their win over the Hawks, finishing with a 47.8% overall shooting percentage. Cameron Johnson led the way with 28 points, hitting 4 threes at 50% efficiency, while Keon Johnson added 22 points, also making 4 threes.

Tyrese Martin contributed 16 points, with 11 coming in the 3rd quarter. Keon Johnson also had a big 3rd quarter with 12 points, while Cameron Johnson scored 10 points in the 4th.

Despite a rough 2nd quarter where they gave up 35 points, the Nets tightened up defensively in the 4th, allowing just 22 points to secure the win. Overall, they gave up 114 points on 46% shooting from the field.

Brooklyn did a solid job defending the three, holding the Hawks to 11 made threes on 29% shooting. The Nets also recorded 7 steals and 5 blocks in the game.

• Although Brooklyn has a straight up record of 0-3 in their last three road games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 1-2. The team averaged 105 points per game in these games.
• In their last three games as the betting underdog, the Nets have a straight up record of 1-2 and an ATS mark of 2-1.
• Over their last five games, the Nets have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 4-1 vs. the spread.

The Celtics Can Win If…

Boston improved to 49-19 with a 115-113 win over the Nets on Saturday. The Celtics were favored by 11 points but didn’t cover the spread, while the game’s total of 228 points went over the 218.5-point line.

Boston took control in the 2nd quarter, outscoring the Nets 33-24. They led 86-81 heading into the 4th but were outscored 32-29 in the final period.

Kristaps Porzingis led the Celtics with 24 points in their win over the Nets, scoring 14 in the 4th quarter. Payton Pritchard added 22 points, hitting 5 threes at 62.5%, while Jayson Tatum contributed 20 points, 11 of which came in the 1st quarter.

As a team, Boston shot 52.4% from the field, but struggled from beyond the arc, making just 13 threes at 34.2%. Pritchard’s shooting was a bright spot, as he connected on 5 threes in the game.

Despite giving up 113 points, the Celtics managed to hold off the Nets on Saturday. Boston’s best defensive effort came in the 2nd quarter, where they allowed 24 points. However, they struggled in the 4th, giving up 32 points but still secured the win.

The Celtics allowed Brooklyn to hit 20 threes at a 43% clip. They sent the Nets to the line 13 times, where they made 9 free throws. Boston grabbed 25 defensive rebounds but gave up 18 offensive boards. They also recorded 5 steals and 7 blocks.

• Across the Celtics last three home games, the team averaged 105 points per game while allowing 107. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 1-2, while going 2-1 straight-up.
• Across their last three matchups as the betting favorite, the Celtics have an overall record of 2-1 while going 1-2 against the spread.
• In their last five games, the Celtics have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 3-2 vs. the spread.

The Lean

For a point-spread bet in this Nets vs. Celtics matchup, we’re leaning towards the Nets at +13.5. Although our projections show the Celtics winning 116-114, we suggest placing your bet on the Nets for the point-spread.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 215.5, and our model projects the Nets and Celtics to reach a combined total of 230 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

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Celtics Look to Complete Season Sweep of Nets

The Boston Celtics will attempt to finish a season sweep of the Brooklyn Nets when the teams meet Tuesday night. Boston has dominated Brooklyn, winning 13 of the last 14 matchups, including a 115-113 victory on Saturday.

With NBA Championship aspirations in mind, the Celtics (3-0 vs. Brooklyn this season) are looking to maintain their momentum as they chase Cleveland in the Eastern Conference standings.

Porzingis’ Return Strengthens Boston’s Lineup

After missing eight games due to illness, Kristaps Porzingis returned Saturday and led Boston with 24 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter.

“I haven’t been this sick in my life,” Porzingis said. “I wasn’t in shape yet, but I had to dig deep.”

Despite missing Al Horford (toe), Derrick White (knee), and Jaylen Brown (back spasms), the Celtics held on for the win. Brown has been ruled out for Tuesday’s matchup, while Jayson Tatum (knee) is questionable.

Porzingis played 32 minutes, shooting 9-of-16 from the field, and his presence gives Boston a major advantage in the Atlantic Division race.

“It shows his skill set—he’s a unicorn,” said Payton Pritchard. “When we have him, we’re even more dangerous.”

Nets Struggling but Seeking a Turnaround

The Brooklyn Nets (13th in the Eastern Conference) snapped a three-game losing streak with a 122-114 win over Atlanta on Sunday. However, they’ve won just two of their last 12 games and are desperate to end a six-game road losing streak.

Brooklyn lost to Boston on Saturday despite an impressive 43.5% shooting from three-point range (20-of-46).

Cameron Johnson led the team with 28 points and seven assists vs. Atlanta, following up his 23-point effort against Boston.

“It’s been good for me to stay positive among all the ups and downs,” Johnson said. “We just have to focus on the next play, the next game.”

Meanwhile, Keon Johnson has stepped up in the backcourt, scoring 22 points, eight rebounds, and five assists vs. Atlanta after dropping 21 against Boston.

“I play as hard as I can, and my teammates feed off it,” Keon Johnson said.

Key Matchup & Betting Insights

• Boston is 3-0 vs. Brooklyn this season and has won 13 of the last 14 meetings.
• Jayson Tatum (5th in NBA scoring, 27.1 PPG) has been Boston’s top scorer in both earlier wins vs. Brooklyn.
• Brooklyn is 2-10 in its last 12 games and has lost six straight on the road.
• NBA MVP candidates, NBA Defensive Player of the Year race, and NBA Rebounds Leader standings continue to shift as the season progresses.

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Final Thoughts

Will Boston complete the season sweep and stay dominant in the Atlantic Division, or can Brooklyn break its losing streak and build momentum? With Eastern Conference playoff positioning on the line, expect a competitive battle in Boston.