Kyrie Irving might be getting an early start on his Thanksgiving vacation, but we're doing no such thing.
There's a full buffet of NBA action Wednesday night, including a juicy main course in Boston between the Celtics and Brooklyn Nets.
The Nets are riding a four-game winning streak with Irving sidelined due to a shoulder injury, but the Celtics are coming off a gritty win over the Sacramento Kings and are expected to have point guard Kemba Walker back from a scary neck injury.
As always, we're serving up fresh betting predictions for Celtics-Nets, as well as two locks against the spread from other NBA action. Let's dig in.
(All odds provided by WestGate Superbook.)
Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics, 7 p.m. ET
Boston Celtics
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Moneyline: The Celtics' offense has been stuck in neutral since Walker went down Friday night. His expected return should open up the offense, take the scoring burden off Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart (yes, there was a scoring burden on Marcus Smart) and help the Celtics (-350) stay undefeated at home.
Point Spread: C's fans won't be surprised to hear the Nets are 5-1 since Irving went down with an injury. But all five of those wins were against sub-.500 teams, and Brooklyn hasn't played a quality opponent since last Monday. With Caris LeVert also out and DeAndre Jordan questionable, the Nets are due for a wake-up call. Give me the Celtics (-8).
Point Total: Walker's return should help the Celtics' sputtering offense, but both teams have been playing low-scoring games of late, combining for 214 points or fewer in their last 11 games total. Considering the point total is 214.5 and the UNDER has hit in seven of these teams' last 10 matchups, I'm going low.
Darren's record picking the Celtics' moneyline, point spread and point total: 25-13-1
NBA Locks of the Night
Orlando Magic (-1.5) at Cleveland Cavaliers: The Magic still haven't won a road game, but streaks are meant to be broken. The Cavs have lost four of their last five, and Orlando is 4-1 against Cleveland in its previous five matchups. I'll roll with the slim road favorites.
Miami Heat (+6.5) at Houston Rockets: The 12-4 Heat still aren't getting respect in Vegas. They're 11-3-2 against the spread this season and have covered in six of their last seven matchups against Houston. Jimmy Butler and Co. keep this one close.
Darren's record picking NBA locks against the spread: 13-12-1