The Celtics are gaining some rhythm again. They are now winners in three of their last four, and all three victories have come by 13 or more points.
There’s no reason to think that they’ll be stopped tomorrow night. Boston has already beaten the Nets twice this season – the first one was in the season opener, where they still comfortably won despite a 36-point fourth quarter from Brooklyn, while the second was a 111-92 rout in late November.
Isaiah Thomas (29.2 PPG), a strong candidate for the MVP plum, should be able to score in bunches, although Avery Bradley (16.9 PPG) and Al Horford (14 PPG) could pile up numbers as well. Along with being the team’s top point-getters on the year, any of the three are either averaging six-plus rebounds or six-plus assists – Horford is netting 6.6 rebounds and 5.0 assists per contest.
The Cs are 10-6 in their last 16 games (9-7 ATS). They also are top eight overall in scoring (107.6 PPG) and offensive efficiency.
Thursday’s 121-110 win over the Knicks was huge. It might be one of their best offensive performances on the season, as 10 Nets scored, with all five starters reaching double-digit points and all bench guys chipping in at least six points each. Brook Lopez and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led the way, combining for 44 points on 16-for-28 shooting.
The momentum of such wins could help them against the visiting Celtics, because as mentioned, they were unable to edge their East rival, regardless if they’re playing poorly or not.
The Nets, as you may have noticed for years now, are not showcasing winning basketball. This year’s campaign is worse than past seasons. They may score decently (105.7 PPG), but they are in the bottom three in points allowed, turnovers, offensive efficiency, and defensive efficiency. Lopez (20.5 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.7 BPG) will continue being their best option, but it’s not going to get them anywhere, at least for now.
