The Boston Celtics play host to the San Antonio Spurs at the TD Garden on Saturday night. Here’s a Celtics vs Spurs Prediction. This article will include a Celtics vs Spurs Pick.
San Antonio Spurs Betting Preview
The San Antonio Spurs have cooled off a bit recently as they’ve dropped four of their last seven games overall, but they will be eager to build some momentum after blowing past the Lakers in a 107-91 win on Wednesday. Keldon Johnson led the team with 27 points on 11 of 13 shooting off the bench, Stephon Castle added 15 points while Victor Wembenyama chipped in with 16 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks. As a team, the Spurs shot 49 percent from the field and a season-low four of 25 from the 3-point line. However, despite their poor shooting night from the perimeter, the Spurs outpaced the Lakers from start to finish to bounce back with a comfortable home win against a depleted Lakers squad.
Boston Celtics Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics have been in great shape as they’ve won nine of their last 11 games overall and they will be looking to stay hot after outlasting the Raptors in a 125-117 win last night. Payton Pritchard led the team with 27 points and eight assists on 12 of 19 shooting, Jaylen Brown added 25 points with eight rebounds and seven assists while Sam Hauser chipped in with 19 points on seven of 10 shooting. As a team, the Celtics shot 54 percent from the field and 14 of 28 from the 3-point line as they stormed out of the gates with 68 points in the first half to lead by as many as 20 points. This was more than enough to hold off a late rally from the Raptors who cut the lead to five points with 6:15 left in the fourth quarter.
Why the Boston Celtics will win
- The Celtics have won each of their last six games against the Spurs.
- The Spurs have lost seven of their last eight games against Celtics teams that held a winning record.
- The Spurs have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight road games when playing with a rest advantage.
- The Celtics have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games following a home win.
Why the San Antonio Spurs will win
- The Spurs have won each of their last eight road games against the Celtics following a home win.
- The Celtics have lost 10 of their last 11 games on the second leg of a back-to-back against the Spurs.
- The Spurs have covered the spread in each of their last six games on the first leg of a back-to-back against the Celtics.
- The Celtics have failed to cover the spread in nine of their last 10 games as home favorites against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of the Spurs’ last eight games have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Celtics’ last four home games against the Spurs have gone UNDER the total points line.
Boston Celtics Player Facts
- Payton Pritchard has recorded eight games with 4+ assists and zero turnovers this season – equal-most of any player in the league.
- Neemias Queta ranks 1st in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for FG% (65.1%) this season.
San Antonio Spurs Player Facts
- Victor Wembanyama ranks 1st amongst qualified players for blocks per game (2.9) this season.
- Stephon Castle ranks 13th amongst qualified players for assists per game (6.9) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Celtics rank 1st in the league for opponent steals per game this season (5.6).
- The Celtics rank 1st in the league for turnovers per game this season (11.9).
- The Spurs rank 1st in the league for opponent offensive rebounds per game this season (10.2).
- The Spurs rank 1st in the league for Q1 win percentage this season (70.3%).
Celtics vs Spurs Prediction
The Spurs are still missing Devin Vassell, and they are keeping an eye on Julian Champagnie who is questionable due to back soreness, while the Celtics are still missing Jayson Tatum. The Spurs looked pretty good in their recent win over the shorthanded Lakers on Wednesday, but they haven’t been at their best lately and could be missing Champagnie who is such a threat from behind the arc. In contrast, the Celtics have been one of the hottest teams in the league lately, and the line would certainly be higher if the Celtics weren’t playing their second game of a back to back set. This game is basically set as a pick ’em, but with the injury cloud hanging over the Spurs’ Champagnie, I prefer a play on the more settled Celtics at home.