Another big game out East as we have potentially a clash of champions on the horizon. Denver travel to Boston to take on the league-leading Celtics today for the first time since last January. This is Denver’s second game on their 5-match road trip out East. Will it be a different result than what the champions experienced at Philadelphia on Wednesday?
Boston have been absolutely rolling at home this season with a 20-0 record so far. Conversely, the Nuggets have been far from perfect on the road, currently holding a 11-10 record away from Denver. The Celtics are also on a three-game winning streak, but have also lost three of their last ten games. Boston suffered two close defeats away at Oklahoma and Indianapolis, as well as absolute blowout at Milwaukee over the weekend.
The Nuggets lost their last two games on the road to Philadelphia and Utah, but have also beaten the Pelicans and Pacers at home in between those losses. They need to start winning this week if they are to keep pace with the Timberwolves who lead the West. Denver won the last encounter with Boston on January 2023, but the Celtics won all four games before that matchup. Who clinch victory tonight? Its a relatively difficult one to call, as Boston average the most rebounds in the league, but Denver have some serious size in their squad.
The main matchup to keep an eye on will be between Jokic and Porzingis. Last year’s Finals MVP recorded a career-high 11 offensive rebounds against Philadelphia. If he does so once more, against a Porzingis who is averaging only 6.8 rebounds a game – not much compared to his size – Boston could be in trouble. That said, the Celtics’ home form is immaculate, so we’ll still favour them in the slightest. Playing Boston to win by a 6-10 point margin is good value at 4.20, while Tatum to score the most points is a safer bet at 2.50. A risky but potentially fruitful play is Michael Porter Jr. to record a double-double (6.00). With all the attention in the paint focused toward Jokic, him and Gordon could cause some trouble in terms of boards.
With the Celtics being the clear favourites to win the NBA this season due to their amazing form, this could truly end up being a clash of champions. Will it live up to expectations? For this and many other games, click the link to play: https://coingames.fun/en/sports#/prelive.
Denver Nuggets to Win – 3.00
Boston Celtics to Win – 1.41
