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The Boston Celtics have raced out to the best record in the NBA, proving themselves as legitimate title contenders. They could become the favorites in the Eastern Conference, even with LeBron James and the Cavs in it, if they continue to excel the rest of the way. Boston can make another big claim for legitimacy this week because they hit the road for a critical matchup with the talented San Antonio Spurs.
Boston is 21-4 on the season, which is 1.5 games better than the Houston Rockets for the top record in the NBA. The Spurs are 16-8 on the year and are particularly impressive at home this season, so they could make a statement with a crucial win.
Both of these teams have the look of championship contenders. While the Golden State Warriors will be the favorites, each is jockeying for a place right behind them in the pecking order. A lot could be found out about these clubs at the end of this one.
Don't miss the hardwood action from AT&T Center at 9:30 p.m. ET on Friday, December 8, 2017. Catch every moment of the game live on ESPN.
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Odds Analysis
The Celtics have the superior record and won the first matchup, but that was at home and the Spurs weren’t at full strength. The location is a big key, and San Antonio playing at home in this one could make it a slight favorite.
Boston is an impressive 10-2 on the road this season, but few of those games have come against an opponent of this caliber. The scoring total figures to be quite low. The Celtics and Spurs both allow fewer than 98 points per game, the only two teams in the NBA to limit opponents to such low figures.
Injury Report
The Spurs will still be without star small forward Kawhi Leonard in this one as he continues to recover from a quadriceps injury. Leonard has started to practice with the team and pledges to be back soon, but it’s not expected to be in time for this game.
He is a critical piece, as Leonard finished third in the MVP voting a season ago. The team is still playing well with him sidelined, as LaMarcus Aldridge and others have stepped up. The Spurs, though, do have the services of veteran point guard Tony Parker once again.
He has been a standout on the team for many years and the Spurs have won all four games since he returned this season. Parkers is still playing limited minutes but his presence should be a big boost in this one.
Last Meeting
The Celtics defeated the Spurs 108-94 the first time these two teams faced off this season in Boston. Kyrie Irving led the charge, finishing with 24 points in the win on October 30th.
Boston led by five at the half and outscored the Spurs 54-45 in the final two quarters. Brandon Paul finished with a team-high 18 points off the bench for San Antonio and Jaylen Brown finished with 18 as well for the Celtics.
The Spurs were not at full strength in the first meeting as the team was without Leonard and Tony Parker, who were both sidelined with quad injuries, and Manu Ginobili, who was given the night off.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Celtics have looked really good thus far, but they don’t have the type of elite point-differential of teams like the Rockets and Warriors, which may suggest that they aren’t quite as good as their record states.
Boston is going to be a tough out in the postseason, but playing a road game against the Spurs is never an easy task. Even without Leonard, the choice in this one is for San Antonio to win a close one.
Irving should have a big game, but the Spurs have a ton of experience and know how to remain steady through contests like this one. A close loss will be a good lesson for a Celtics team that is not quite as used to the bright lights.
Take San Antonio to win, and check on the spread to see which side should be chosen to cover. The scoring total is going to be low, but it’s possible it will be too low.
NBA Odds: Spurs 99, Celtics 97
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