Blazers vs. Celtics prediction and odds for Wednesday, March 8 (Can you trust Boston?)
The Boston Celtics are in a slump right now, losing three straight games and blowing three double-digit leads in the process.
Boston’s latest collapse came against the Cleveland Cavaliers, blowing a 12-point lead in the fourth quarter to eventually lose in overtime. Boston has played a ton of minutes as of late, going to double overtime on Sunday against the New York Knicks in a loss as well.
Now, the Celtics host Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night.
The Blazers are in the mix for a spot in the league’s play-in tournament, and they’ve won two straight heading into this matchup. The team could get a key piece of its rotation back, as Jusuf Nurkic (calf) is listed as questionable.
However, guard Anfernee Simons is out on Wednesday. For Boston, center Robert Williams III is listed as out with a hamstring injury.
Can bettors trust Boston to bounce back as a massive favorite on March 8?
Blazers vs. Celtics odds, spread and total
Blazers vs. Celtics prediction and pick
Even though the Celtics have been one of the best teams in the NBA all season long, I don’t feel comfortable laying double digits with them on Wednesday.
Boston has been favored by 9.5 or more points 16 times this season, going 8-8 against the spread in those games. Meanwhile, the Blazers are 3-2 ATS when set as underdogs of 9.5 or more points.
Boston has struggled to hold a lead recently, and if there is one thing Portland can do (especially Lillard right now), it’s score.
The Blazers rank seventh in the NBA in offensive rating this season, although they are 27th in the league in defensive rating.
The issue is Boston hasn’t played like the best team in the NBA lately. The Celtics are just 15th in net rating over their last 10 games.
This line is set for the Celtics we saw for most of the season, but in their current form, I question their ability to win this game going away.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
