Prometheus NBA picks 1/29/18

Welcome basketball fans to my NBA pick series. I will analyze the Denver vs Boston game

Boston

The Celtics, having lost 5 of their last 6 game, still retain the number one position in the east. Their last game was a spectacular outing against the defending champions, GSW. Kyrie dropped 37 and it seemed for a moment that Boston could pull off a big upset. Boston shot an impressive 50% from three point range, but in the end, Steph's magic and Boston's turnovers prevented them from winning. The slump for Boston started with that Pelicans overtime defeat and most of the games they lost recently have been close. Kyrie is playing at an all star level and they will be extra motivated to get the W tonight, as losing may lead to them losing that top spot in the standings.

Denver

The Nuggets have a bit of a streak going, winning their last three games. Two of the games were very close, at home, against average teams. Before these, Denver was in a slump, losing to Phoenix, Atlanta the Hawks. Denver last game, they shot below average and committed 16 turnovers, needing to come back from behind, at home, to beat Dallas. Alas, they have talent, Jokic is playing very well, but overall, I feel like they are not playing to their full potential.

Stats

Denver has above average defense and offence, at number 11 and 13 respectively. They are however a good rebounding team, and they also put up a high number of assists, at 23.7 per game. Conversely, Boston has the second best defense in the league right now, keeping teams under 100, at 98.5 ppg allowed. Their offensive struggles are well known, but with Kyrie in good form, they can compensate. During their previous game, an early season encounter, Boston prevailed in what was a very high scoring game, 124-118. I believe this game will be around the 200 point mark, with the Vegas line of 204.5 looking just about right. As far as injuries go, Boston has of course Gordon Hayward and Marcus Smart and Denver is without Chandler and Millsap .

Prediction

As we are moving towards the postseason, Boston is looking to defend their position as top team in the East. Every game counts, and their losing streak can't go on for much longer. Couch Stevens will prepare this game meticulously and Boston will also be looking to continue the form they showed in the GS match-up. I believe this one will be tight, but the Celtics will win it in the 4-10 point range.

• Money Line, Boston Celtics to win, 1 unit (2.02 odds)

Well folks, this is it for today, I wish you all good luck. Visit my blog to see what I've been up to! Please gamble responsively!