Two of the best NBA teams will square off at the TD Garden tomorrow, as the Thunder take on the Celtics for the second time this 2024-25 season. Oklahoma City are the first seed in the Western Conference with a 53-12 record, while Boston are second in the Eastern Conference at 47-18.
Winning this game is important for these two sides, as it will put them one step closer to clinching a postseason berth. At 55-10, the Cavaliers were the first team to achieve this feat this season.
Meanwhile, the Hornets, Sixers, Clippers, Suns, Jazz, Mavericks, Timberwolves, and Knicks will visit the Hawks, Raptors, Heat, Rockets, Grizzlies, Spurs, Nuggets, and Blazers.
It’s another busy day in the Association with nine games on the menu, so SBOTOP basketball fans are in for a treat. Without further ado, continue reading below for a preview of tomorrow’s top three matches.
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Boston Celtics
The Celtics seek revenge after losing 105-92 to the Thunder last January, and they are one of the most in-form teams in the NBA.
Boston are on a five-game winning streak after beating the Jazz last Monday. Sam Hauser caught fire from three-point range, as he had 33 points (game-high), six rebounds, and nine three-pointers on 11-for-23 shooting from the field. Hauser started because Jayson Tatum (knee), Al Horford (toe), and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) were ruled out. Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Jrue Holiday added 26, 18, and 10 points.
The Celtics hope to have Jayson Tatum back in the lineup. Tatum is upgraded to questionable, while Kristaps Porzingis is still out due to an unidentified viral illness. Jaylen Brown (knee) was on the injury report but is expected to play against Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City are coming off a 140-127 loss against Denver last Monday. Luguentz Dort notched 26 points, seven rebounds, four steals, and eight three-pointers on 9-for-16 shooting from the field. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, and Jalen Williams added 25, 20, 13, 12, and 12 points in the losing effort.
The Thunder have ruled out Jalen Williams due to a hip injury he sustained last Monday, as Peyton Watson landed on him midway through the second period. Because of this, the NBA 2025 odds favour the defending champions to win at home.
Betting tip – Boston Celtics Asian Handicap -3.50 @ 1.92
Phoenix Suns @ Houston Rockets
The Rockets are keen to move up to the Western Conference table. The Ime Udoka-coached squad is the fifth seed at 40-25 and is on a three-game winning streak.
Houston notched a 97-84 win against the Magic last Monday in one of the low-scoring games this 2024-25 campaign. Jabari Smith Jr. led with 20 points, seven rebounds, and five three-pointers on 5-for-13 shooting from the field. Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Steven Adams added 17, 15, 14, and 11 points. According to the NBA 2025 updates, the Rockets will continue to miss the services of Amen Thompson (ankle) and Reed Sheppard (thumb), but Fred VanVleet is upgraded to probable after missing 15 of the team’s last 16 matches.
The Suns aim to sneak in the play-in spots. They are 11th in the Western Conference table at 30-35 after alternating wins and losses in their last six.
Phoenix are coming off a 120-118 loss against the Grizzlies last Monday evening. Kevin Durant had 35 points, five rebounds, five assists, and seven three-pointers on 11-for-24 shooting from the field and a perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line. Devin Booker added 26 points, nine rebounds, and six assists on 9-for-21 shooting from the field. Tyus Jones, Nick Richards, and Mason Plumlee notched 12, 10, and 10 points. Bradley Beal did not play against Memphis due to a calf injury, but he is off the team’s injury report.
Betting tip – Houston Rockets Asian Handicap -4.50 @ 1.95
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets aim to solidify their top two credentials when they host the Timberwolves for the first time in 2024-25. Denver lost to Minnesota in their first two meetings this season.
Denver’s win over Oklahoma City was a huge morale booster. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray combined for 69 points, and Michael Porter Jr., Peyton Watson, Russell Westbrook, and Christian Braun added 17, 16, 16, and 14 points.
The Timberwolves extended their unbeaten run to five games after beating the Spurs 141-124 last Sunday. Eight Minnesota players scored double-digit points, with Anthony Edwards on top with 25 points, three rebounds, and three assists on 10-for-15 shooting from the field.
Betting tip – Denver Nuggets Asian Handicap -3.50 @ 1.96
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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