NBA Picks

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Boston Celtics Prediction 1-5-25 NBA Picks

Boston Celtics (26-9) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (29-6)
January 5, 2025 3:30 pm EDT
The Line: Oklahoma City Thunder -2.5; Over/Under: +224
(Get latest betting odds)

The Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder meet Sunday in NBA action at the Paycom Center. Here’s an Oklahoma City Thunder vs Boston Celtics Prediction. This article will include an Oklahoma City Thunder vs Boston Celtics Pick.

Boston Celtics Betting Preview

The Boston Celtics beat the Rockets and Timberwolves, and play the Nuggets, Kings, and Pelicans next. The Boston Celtics are averaging 119.3 points on 46.2 percent shooting and allowing 108.5 points on 45.2 percent shooting. Jayson Tatum is averaging 28.2 points and 9.4 rebounds, while Jaylen Brown is averaging 24.4 points and 6 rebounds. Kristaps Porzingis is the third double-digit scorer and Derrick White is grabbing 4.5 rebounds. The Boston Celtics are shooting 37.1 percent from beyond the arc and 78.7 percent from the free throw line. The Boston Celtics are allowing 35.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 45 rebounds per game.


Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview

The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Knicks and Clippers, and they play the Cavs, Knicks, and Wizards next. The Oklahoma City Thunder are averaging 115.4 points on 46.8 percent shooting and allowing 103.3 points on 42.8 percent shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.2 points and 6.1 assists, while Jalen Williams is averaging 20.9 points and 5.8 rebounds. Isaiah Hartenstein is the third double-digit scorer and Luguentz Dort is grabbing 4.5 rebounds. The Oklahoma City Thunder are shooting 34.9 percent from beyond the arc and 81.3 percent from the free throw line. The Oklahoma City Thunder are allowing 33.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.6 rebounds per game.

Why the Oklahoma City Thunder will win

  • The Thunder have won each of their last nine games.
  • The Celtics have lost three of their last four games following a road win.
  • The Celtics have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six road games against Northwest Division opponents that held a winning record.
  • The Thunder have covered the spread in each of their last six games at Paycom Center against teams that held a winning record.

Why the Boston Celtics will win

  • The Celtics have won each of their last 11 day games.
  • The Thunder have lost four of their last five day games against Atlantic Division opponents.
  • The Celtics have covered the spread in eight of their last nine games as road underdogs against Northwest Division opponents.
  • The Thunder have failed to cover the spread in three of their last four games against Atlantic Division opponents that held a winning record.

Oklahoma City Thunder Player Facts

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ranks 1st in the Western Conference amongst qualified players for steals per game (2.0) this season.
  • Cason Wallace ranks 4th amongst qualified players for steals per 36 minutes (2.4) this season.

Boston Celtics Player Facts

  • Jayson Tatum ranks 1st amongst qualified Forwards for three-pointers made Per Game (3.9) this season.
  • Derrick White ranks 10th amongst qualified players for three-pointers made Per Game (3.6) this season.

Matchup/League Facts

  • The Thunder rank 1st in the league for opponent points per game this season (103.3).
  • The Thunder rank 1st in the league for point differential per game this season (+12.1).
  • The Celtics rank 1st in the league for three-point field goals made per game this season (18.7).
  • The Celtics rank 1st in the league for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (50.3).

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Boston Celtics Prediction

It’s hard to bet against the Oklahoma City Thunder, a team with 29 wins and a record of 15-2 SU at home. The Thunder are also the best cover team in the NBA, with a cover percentage of 74.1 percent. However, we’re getting the Celtics as an underdog, and that never happens. In fact, this will be just the sixth time since December 2023 that the Celtics are an underdog. In other words, this will be the sixth time in 382 days that the Celtics are underdogs. You don’t get these spots often, and I say take advantage while you can. Should be fun and a potential finals preview. I still want the points with the Celtics.

Randy Chambers's Free Pick: Boston Celtics +2.5

Need More? Get Premium Picks

Randy Chambers

Randy has covered sports betting since 2014 and writes about everything from NFL to WNBA. Follow Randy Chambers on Twitter.

Related Articles

Back to top button