Friday, March 7, 4:30 PM on YES, CSNE

TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts

The first two Boston vs. Brooklyn much-ballyhooed matchups haven't lived up to the hype so far this season but that could change on Friday night. It could be because Boston is 20 games under .500 on the season or because Brooklyn toiled in mediocrity until the turn of the calendar year but Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce taking on their old team is far down on the NBA storyline.

Boston is only 1 game under .500 against the spread on the year which includes two straight up and ATS losses against Brooklyn this season. The calendar year 2014 hasn't been kind to the Celtics as they've posted a 6-19 SU record so far (14-11 ATS though). The totals have been the play lately for the unpredictable C-Men as they've hit in 4 straight Boston games.

Brooklyn has found their way lately, winning 7 of their last 10 SU and against the spread. It's interesting to note that during that time that when they're favored the Nets win straight up and cover but when they're getting points it results in a SU and ATS loss.

The Nets are looking to continue their 2013/14 dominance over the Celtics with a season sweep. They defeated Boston 104-96 in Brooklyn on December 10th and most recently 85-79 in Boston on January 26th. Brooklyn cashed in as favorites in both games while the totals split in each game. Both teams shot horrendous the last time out with Brooklyn's 39% field goal shooting only to be outdone by Boston's 37%. The Nets dominated in the paint outscoring the Celtics 40-26 but Pierce and Garnett were a non-factor combining for only 12 points.

Both teams will have equal rest for Friday nights game with the Nets only having to make the short trip to Boston.