Celtics vs. Nuggets prediction: odds, picks, best bet for Wednesday

Two teams with an NBA Finals pedigree meet on Wednesday as Jaylen Brown and the Boston Celtics take on the Denver Nuggets in Ball Arena. 

Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets look to halt the Celtics’ four-game winning streak at home.

Oddsmakers at BetMGM have Denver favored by 3.5 points, with the Over/Under sitting at 228.5 total points. 

This matchup features two of the league’s premier offenses, with Denver ranking first in offensive rating (120.9) and Boston right behind in second (120.0), per NBA advanced stats.

Joe Mazzula’s Celtics are coming off two masterclass defensive efforts, holding the Lakers and Suns to under 90 points. 

Obviously, there isn’t much gameplanning when it comes to Jokić; he is still averaging a triple-double while Jamal Murray continues to fill it up out of the backcourt. 

Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (2) drives to the basket against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15). IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

While their offense remains intact, Post-All-Star break, Denver’s Achilles’ heel has been its lackluster defense.

The Nuggets’ lack of depth has affected their personnel. Dependable wing defenders Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson remain sidelined with nagging hamstring issues. 

Over the last 10 games, the Nuggets have allowed 118.9 points per game. This is largely due to their inability to cover shooters beyond the arc. 

This plays right into the Celtics’ hands, as they take about 42.4 3-point attempts per game, averaging 15.4 makes. 

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Target their team total for 15 or more made 3s (-150) on DraftKings.

Although Jayson Tatum remains out of the lineup, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and newly-acquired Nikola Vučević are all viable 3-point options for the Celtics.

While the Nuggets duo of Jokić and Murray provides offensive firepower, it’s hard to overlook Denver’s recent woes on defense. In their most recent defeat to the Warriors, Golden State knocked down 22 3s.

The Play: Celtics Team Total 3-pointers made 15+ (-150, DraftKings) 

Why Trust New York Post Betting

Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.