Boston Celtics vs Denver Nuggets: NBA Spread Prediction, 1–29–2018
Free NBA Spread Pick by Ryland Breed of Sports Investor Central
Boston Celtics (35–15) vs Denver Nuggets (26–23)
Time: January 29th, 9:00 PM EST
Current Odds: Nuggets -1.5, 204.5
An inter-league matchup features the Eastern Conference leading Boston Celtics vs the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Boston is playing game four of a four-game West Coast road trip and they are desperate for a win after playing .500 basketball the last 10 games. Denver has also played .500 ball the last 10 games but they have won three straight and play significantly better on their home court.
Boston seems to have hit a midseason wall dropping five of their last six games, including a 1–2 record on their current road trip. Most recently, the Celtics came up short vs the Warriors losing 109–105 after going up by 10 early. The Celtics may be too reliant on Kyrie Erving (24 PPG) and second-year player Jaylen Brown, along with rookie Jayson Tatum. Tatum has been the pick of the Draft but he has clearly hit a wall considering he is not conditioned to play this many games and he has averaged 30 minutes per game. The Celtics will need to dig deep tonight vs the Nuggets who have won three straight.
Denver is (19–6) at home compared to (7–17) on the road. Gary Harris has led this team in scoring averaging 17 PPG followed by Jamal Murray (16PPG) and Nikola Jokic (16 PPG). One advantage the Nuggets have over the Celtics is rebounding, offensively and defensively. Jokic should play a pivotal role in this game on the glass and down low. The Celtics don’t have a player that will matchup up with Jokic.
Vegas has the Nuggets favored by a -1.5 points which is an indication of their trust level in Boston. The Nuggets have played very well at home this season and Boston has not played well in the Mile High City, going 4–9 ATS their last 13 meetings in Denver and the Celtics are 1–3–1 the last 5 meetings overall. I think the Celtics are a bit gassed being so reliant on a few players and playing at altitude is difficult for those not accustomed to it. I like the Nuggets in this matchup laying a point and a half.
Celtics vs Nuggets FREE NBA Pick: Nuggets -1.5
