[SportSteem Pick] Celtics (+6.5) vs. Thunder

Apparently the new nickname for the OKC's "Big 3" is the "OK-3" which is a stupid nickname. Thumbs down. But that's not why I'm picking the Celtics +6.5.

These are the two best defensive teams in the NBA by DRtg. The Celtics have held their last 5 opponents to under 100 points and OKC isn't far behind. The Celtics are also on a 6-game win streak but I don't think everyone's necessarily buying in. And I get it - they've beaten some bad teams and the roster, on paper, still has some holes. But this team has a couple of long, athletic wings (Brown, Tatum) that they can throw at George / Melo - plus Marcus Morris makes his season debut tonight - and Smart should see plenty of time on Westbrook. Nobody can shut Westbrook down but Smart is tough and mean and flops A TON. And the shameless flop could very well be the best way to defend Russ.

My biggest concern picking against OKC is that Paul George is starting to get comfortable - scoring over 20ppg in the last 3 contests. That being said, Brad Stevens > Billy Donovan and 6.5 is too many for OKC to lay while they still work out their offensive kinks.

Pick: Celtics +6.5