Celtics vs. Nets Prediction
The Boston Celtics will compete against the star-studded Brooklyn Nets in game 4 of this series. The Celtics, specifically Jayson Tatum, came to play in game 3, and Boston was able to stay in the series. Read below to find out what my Celtics vs. Nets prediction is in tonight’s matchup.
The Brooklyn Nets had all the momentum in this series heading into Boston. They were up 2-0, and it seemed as if Boston had given up hopes. Jayson Tatum had different plans. With 50 points, he guided his team into a 2-1 position in the playoffs. Kevin Durant and James Harden both put on an epic performance for Brooklyn but came up short.
This game will be held in Boston, and the Celtics will look to even the series on Sunday night. Steve Nash and Brad Stevens will continue to play mind games as coaches to make sure that they have their best players on the floors at all times. It will be an entertaining game to watch, so don’t miss out, with the long weekend ahead of us.
The Brooklyn Nets Should Be Fine, They Hope
With the perennial all-stars that the Nets have on their roster, they should be in good shape to win this game and series. They are looking for a title run and have played well so far. Brooklyn’s defensive intensity as a whole has been better, and they seem to be extremely motivated every night. Now it’s just a matter of execution for them to be successful.
James Harden was tremendous on Friday night, along with Kevin Durant. Harden had 41 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists with a 13 plus-minus. Durant dropped 39 points and 9 boards. Kyrie Irving has not played great basketball in these first three games, with only 16 points in the last game on 6-17 from the floor.
Blake Griffin had a team-high 16 plus-minus for the Nets but only had 4 points and 5 rebounds. Joe Harris had a few bad three-point misses and will need a better performance if the Nets want to grab that 3-1 lead. Nicholas Claxton and Landry Shamet must step as well after a terrible game on Friday.
Can the Celtics Claw Their Way Back into This Series
On paper, you would look at these two teams and think that the Celtics would be swept in 4 blowout games. That is how the series was looking in the first two games, but Boston came to play in game 3. Led by Jayson Tatum’s terrific performance, the C’s won by 6 even though Brookyn’s Big 3 combined for 96.
Aside from Tatum’s 50 bomb, Marcus Smart was exceptional with 23 points and 6 assists. Evan Fournier contributed 17 points, and Tristan Thompson manned the paint with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Kemba Walker struggled the entire night with 6 points on 3-14 from the field.
It is crucial for the Celtics to try and slow down Kevin Durant and James Harden. Their defensive game plan must be to try and force the ball out of their hands. It is easier said than done, but if the Celtics want to keep this series close, they must execute on offense and, more importantly, defensively.
Pick and Prediction
This series has been a blast so far, and the Celtics were able to pull off the upset in the previous game. The Nets are -8 in tonight’s game, and I think they will be able to blow them out tonight. Kyrie Irving is going to bounce back and be the x-factor for the Nets. I’ll take the Nets -8.
Jayson Tatum will stay hot but not hot enough, scoring 33 points. I think the Celtics will struggle on offense and have difficulties guarding the Nets stars. Harden, Irving, and Durant will combine for 78 in a blowout win against the Celtics to grab that 3-1 series lead.
You can watch this game on TNT at 7:00 P.M. Eastern time.
Pick: Nets -8
