Celtics vs Thunder Predictions, Picks, Betting Tips 2/9/2020

Game: Boston Celtics vs Oklahoma City Thunder

Date: Sunday, February 9, 2020

Location: Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, OK

TV: NBA TV

Odds/Point Spread: Oklahoma City -2.5

Total/Over-Under: 230

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder (32-20, 3rd in the Northwest Division) host the Boston Celtics (36-15, 2nd in the Atlantic Division) at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Sunday, February 9, 2020. Boston opens this matchup as 2.5 point dogs. The total is set at 230.

The Celtics cover 63.3% of the time, having gone 31-18-2 ATS. Oklahoma City is covering the spread 65.4% of the time, going 34-18-0 against the spread.

Key Boston Celtics Injuries

02/07/20 SG Jaylen Brown Ankle is questionable
02/07/20 SF Gordon Hayward Foot is questionable
02/06/20 C Robert Williams III Hip is questionable
02/06/20 PF Daniel Theis Ankle is questionable

Key Oklahoma City Thunder Injuries

No key injuries to report

Player Spotlight

Jaylen Brown comes into this contest averaging 20.3 points per game while playing 33.6 minutes per night this season. He pulls down 6.5 rebounds per game and dishes out 2.2 assists per game as well. His field goal percentage is 50% while his free throw percentage currently sits at 75%. Jayson Tatum averages 22.1 points per game in 33.8 minutes per contest this season. He averages 3.0 assists per contest and 6.8 rebounds per game. His field goal percentage is 44% for the year while his free throw percentage is 84%.

Player Spotlight

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averages 19.5 points per game while playing 35.6 minutes per contest this year. He grabs 6.2 rebounds per game and has 3.2 assists per contest on the year. His field goal percentage is 46% and his free throw percentage is at 81%. Chris Paul averages 17.1 points per game this season and he sees the court an average of 31.7 minutes per contest. He also averages 5.0 rebounds per contest and 6.6 assists per game. His field goal percentage is 48% and his free throw percentage is 90%.

Useful Team Statistics

Boston averages 112.7 points per contest this season, which ranks them 13th in the NBA. Their average scoring margin is 7.3 and their shooting percentage is 46% as a team, which has them ranked 11th. Behind the arc they shoot 36% which is good for 12th in the league. They average 45.4 rebounds per game and 23.4 assists per game, which ranks them 13th and 20th in those offensive categories. In the turnover department they rank 23rd with 13.8 per game. The Celtics allow 105.4 points per game to their opponents which ranks them 2nd in the league. They also allow a 44% shooting percentage and a 34% average from behind the arc, ranking them 5th and 7th in those defensive categories. Opponents average 43.7 rebounds a game which ranks 9th and they give up 22.8 assists per contest, which puts them in 4th place in the league. They force 15.5 turnovers per game which ranks them 25th in the league.

Useful Team Statistics

Oklahoma City is 18th in the league with 110.5 points per game this year. They are 6th in the league in shooting at 47%, while their average scoring margin is 2.8. They shoot 35% from 3-point range, which is good for 18th in the NBA. They are 23rd in the league in rebounding with 43.3 boards per game, and 26th in assists per contest with 22.1. The Thunder are 24th in turnovers per game with 13.7. The Thunder surrender 107.7 points per contest, which ranks them 10th in the NBA. Their defense allows a 46% shooting percentage and a 34% average from 3-point range, ranking them 12th and 5th in those defensive statistics. They rank 5th with 22.8 assists allowed per contest and 11th with 44.1 rebounds surrendered per game. The Thunder are 9th in the NBA in forcing turnovers with 14.1 per game.

Advanced Statistics

The Celtics are 5th in the league in defensive rating with 105.8, and their offensive rating of 113.1 is ranked 3rd. They are 17th in the NBA in pace with 99.4 possessions per 48 minutes, and their eFG% of 53% is 11th. As a unit they are 9th in the league in true shooting percentage with 57% and they shoot 3-pointers on 38% of their shot attempts, ranking 14th in the NBA. Boston is 23rd in turnovers, as they turn the ball over an average of 12.2 times per 100 possessions while forcing 13.9 on defense. Their defensive eFG% for the year currently is 51%, which is 25th in the NBA.

Advanced Statistics

Oklahoma City is 21st in the league in turnovers, as they turn the ball over an average of 12.5 times per 100 possessions while forcing 12.6 on defense. Their defensive eFG% for the year currently is 52%, which is 20th in the NBA. The Thunder are 14th in the league in defensive rating with 108.4, and their offensive rating of 111.2 is ranked 11th. They are 23rd in the NBA in pace with 98.6 possessions per 48 minutes, and their eFG% of 53% is 12th. As a unit they are 7th in the league in true shooting percentage with 58% and they shoot 3-pointers on 35% of their shot attempts, ranking 23rd in the NBA.

Who will win tonight's Celtics/Thunder NBA game against the spread?

Tony's Pick: Take Boston +2.5

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here