San Antonio Spurs vs Boston Celtics Betting Preview
December 14, 2016
Date & time: Wednesday, December 14, 9:30 PM
Venue: AT&T Center (San Antonio)
Head to head record
Boston Celtics vs San Antonio Spurs 103-109 (2015/2016 NBA)
San Antonio Spurs vs Boston Celtics 86-87 (2016 Summer League)
San Antonio Spurs vs Boston Celtics 108-105 (2015/2016 NBA)
Boston Celtics vs San Antonio Spurs 87-95 (2015/2016 NBA)
Boston Celtics vs San Antonio Spurs 93-95 (2015 Summer League)
San Antonio Spurs vs Boston Celtics prediction
Having hammered Boston Celtics in their last NBA fixture, San Antonio Spurs will be looking to record their third consecutive win at home when they take on Boston Celtics on Wednesday evening. Gregg Popovich’s men are regarded as favourites on paper to win the match, but the visitors should not be underestimated.
Blow-out win over Nets
San Antonio Spurs rolled over Brooklyn Nets on Saturday (130-101) and, to make things even better for the fans, coach Gregg Popovich used the match to rest his key players. Top scorer Kawhi Leonard added 30 points in the victory over Nets, but he spent no more than 27 minutes on the court. Spurs recorded their second consecutive win at home and they are high on confidence ahead of Wednesday’s game against Boston Celtics. The team’s main goal is to finish the regular season in top position in the Western Conference and seeing that leaders Golden State Warriors defeated Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, I am positive that San Antonio will take the Boston game very seriously. LaMarcus Aldridge has been playing below expectations this season, but he will certainly pose a big threat for Celtics in the AT&T clash.
Coach Gregg Popovich has no fresh selection worries ahead of the game, but he could stick to his rotation policy against Boston Celtics.
No Thomas, no party
Boston Celtics leading scorer Isaiah Thomas suffered a groin injury in a 107-106 loss to Houston Rockets, but he was not sorely missed against Orlando as Brad Stevens’ men outclassed Magic at Amway Center. However, star-studded Toronto Raptors proved to be a big catch for Celtics as they were beaten by DeMar DeRozan and Co. in front of home fans (94-101). Boston produced a fine display against Oklahoma City Thunder in their last league game, but Russell Westbrook eventually stole the victory for Billy Donovan’s team. Isaiah Thomas remains in the recovery and in his absence Avery Bradley will certainly take more shots against Spurs. Al Horford scored 19 points, while adding six assists in the 99-86 loss to Thunder and he will be yet another man to watch in the away team. Anyhow, Celtics are considered big underdogs in Wednesday’s game against San Antonio as Spurs are a real force to be reckoned with at home.
The likes of Zeller, Green, Jackson and Young did not enter the court in the loss to Oklahoma, but they could play some part against San Antonio. Aforementioned point guard Isaiah Thomas remains on the sidelines with a groin injury.
Interesting facts
- Isaiah Thomas averages 26 points per game this term
- Spurs emerged triumphant in each of previous ten meetings between the two teams in NBA
- San Antonio recorded five wins in last six home games
- Celtics scored over 106 points in five of their last six away matches
- Kawhi Leonard has been averaging 24.7 points this season
San Antonio Spurs vs Boston Celtics betting pick
San Antonio Spurs aim to overtake Golden State Warriors in top position in the Western Conference and considering that Boston Celtics head into Wednesday’s game without key player Isiah Thomas, I believe that there is a big value in betting on the hosts this time out. Celtics suit Spurs, meaning that the visitors are unlikely to spoil San Antonio’s party at AT&T Center.
Pick: San Antonio -7.5
Odds: -110
