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This is going to be a tough game for the Celtics, as they are going on the road against another team with one of the most talented rosters in the NBA. The Thunder is just 4-3 on the season but should improve as their trio of stars get used to playing together.
Don't miss the hardwood action from the Chesapeake Energy Arena at 9:30 p.m. ET on Friday, November 3, 2017. Catch every moment of the game live on ESPN.
We'll have NBA odds at BookMaker.eu available for this and every game on the NBA Thursday schedule.
Odds Analysis
The Celtics are a solid team but the home court advantage could be the determinant in making Oklahoma City the favorite in this one. Boston and Oklahoma City have put up some solid defensive numbers early in the year so the scoring total may not be very high despite all the star power in this matchup.
Keep an eye on the spread as it should be no more than a couple of buckets.
Matchup To Watch
Kyrie Irving vs. Russell Westbrook -- Two of the most talented point guards in the NBA are ready to go head-to-head. Irving requested a trade out of Cleveland after last season and got his wish, landing with the Celtics.
He is the unquestioned top dog on the team and has been good thus far, averaging 21.7 points, 5.7 assists and 2.4 steals per game. Irving is shooting 44.2 percent from the field, which is respectable for a point guard.
Westbrook is coming off a historic season in which he averaged a triple-double. He has more help this season so the numbers aren’t quite as gaudy but he is still a dominant player. Westbrook is averaging 20.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 12.2 assists on the season.
Irving is a great player but he is still the second best point guard in this game because Westbrook is such a dynamic talent.
Key Stat
10.9. That’s Oklahoma City’s positive point-differential through seven games, so even though four of them have turned into wins, it’s a good sign moving forward. The Thunder have dominated in their victories, beating the Knicks, Pacers, Bulls and Bucks all by 18 points or more.
Oklahoma City has dropped games to the Timberwolves twice and the Jazz, but both games against Minnesota came down to the final minute.
The Thunder has been inconsistent as it tries to figure out the chemistry between Westbrook and added stars Carmelo Anthony and Paul George, but the ability to blow teams out of the water is always a good thing.
Look for this team to go on a run soon.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Celtics are well-coached and have a solid nucleus of players. Irving leads the way, but Al Horford and others are also giving nice contributions. It won’t be a surprise at all for this team to finish near the top of the Eastern Conference when all is said and done.
However, Oklahoma City gets this game at home, where it is 2-1 on the year. The Thunder have the type of star power to win this game, especially with Westbrook ready to dominate in primetime.
This is a big-time showdown between two of the best teams in the NBA. Boston should keep it close, but in the end Oklahoma City has enough scorers to overcome a solid Boston defense. Take the Thunder to win this one in the final minutes.
NBA Odds: Thunder 102, Celtics 97
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