The Boston Celtics (19-11) and Portland Trail Blazers (12-19) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 6:00 p.m. EST from Moda Center in Portland, Ore. The game will be broadcast live on KUNP.
The Celtics are favored by 6.5 on the spread (Celtics -6.5), with the over/under set at 229 total points. The Celtics are -250 favorites to win outright on the moneyline, while the Trail Blazers are +205 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Celtics vs. Trail Blazers predictions and NBA picks for Sunday, December 28.
My Celtics vs Trail Blazers Prediction
- Celtics vs Trail Blazers pick: Celtics -6.5
My Celtics vs Trail Blazers best bet is on bet365, with the best price currently available at -110. But as always, make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Celtics vs Trail Blazers Odds
| Celtics Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6.5 -110 | 229 -110o / -110u | -250 |
| Trail Blazers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6.5 -110 | 229 -110o / -110u | +205 |
Celtics vs Trail Blazers NBA Preview
The Celtics may not have Jayson Tatum, but they still look like they will be a tough out in the playoffs. They currently hold the third spot in the Eastern Conference and have won eight of their last 10 games. Boston began its road trip with a 140-122 victory over the Pacers on Friday and will head out west for the final four games.
Without Tatum, Jaylen Brown has filled the role of Boston's No.1 option as he is averaging 29.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game on 50% shooting. He is seventh in the league in scoring, and his average approaching 30 should not be too much of a surprise. He has scored 30 points in nine of his last 10 games.
Derrick White has been key to Boston's surge of late, as well, after a cold start from the field. In December, White has 45/41/89 shooting splits and has averaged 22.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. He has three 30-point games in that span as well. However, don't be surprised if Payton Pritchard steals the show. The West Linn native and University of Oregon great has scored 29 points in two of his last three games.
Meanwhile, Portland has been marred by inconsistency of late. Over their last nine games, they have alternated between a three-game losing streak and a three-game winning streak, followed by another three-game losing streak. Their latest came on Friday night, 119-103, against the Clippers.
Deni Avdija had 29 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, and has had to navigate more attention in his breakout season. The Clippers were able to force him into seven turnovers, and he is averaging 3.8 per game this season. Avdija has taken more ball-handling responsibilities with Portland being shorthanded in the backcourt.
Scoot Henderson remains out indefinitely and has yet to debut for the Blazers this season. Former Celtics Jrue Holiday and Robert Williams III will not get the opportunity to take on their former team, and Holiday will miss his 20th game with a calf strain. Portland will also be without Jerami Grant, meaning the scoring punch will have to come from Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe.
Celtics vs Trail Blazers Prediction, Betting Analysis
Portland got an outright win in Cleveland and then covered in Detroit. Since then, it is 1-5-2 against the spread. Lately, offense has been the issue as Portland is averaging 102.2 points over its past four games. That likely will not be enough to beat the Celtics tonight, as they are 10th in defensive rating over their last 10 games.
In that same span, Boston leads the NBA in offensive rating and ranks second for the season. With the advantage on both ends- and the healthier team- I like Boston to win by at least seven points tonight. The Celtics are 7-3 ATS against the spread over their last 10 games.
I like Brown for another 30-point game with the heater he is on right now. Portland also allowed 28 points to three Clippers on Friday, with James Harden and Brook Lopez going over 30 points.
Pritchard scored 15 points in his last three games against Portland, including a 43-point outburst. He also has five assists in eight of his last 10 games. He should find his way to 20 PA tonight, which he has covered in the last three meetings.
White has scored 15 points in 18 of his last 20 games, while Avdija has scored 20 points in 15 of his last 20 games. These four legs get us to +300 odds on DraftKings.
Pick: Celtics -6.5 (-110, bet365)
Celtics vs. Trail Blazers Parlay Odds
Jaylen Brown 30+ Points
Deni Avdija 20+ Points
Payton Pritchard 20+ Points
Derrick White 15+ Points
Parlay Odds: +300 via DraftKings
Spread
Back the Celtics to cover the spread
Moneyline
No play on the moneyline.
Over/Under
No play on the total.
Trail Blazers vs Celtics Betting Trends
