Last year the Celtics were mauled by the Buicks in the second round of the playoffs. Worse yet in the elimination game, Kyrie Irving quit on the team. To illuminate Irving benched himself during a blowout loss. It was an ugly and unforgivable look. Boston was thrilled to see Irving take his attitude to Brooklyn. Extending that separation was a return to team basketball. Boston has gone back to the roots of its best success with the NBA betting odds. Gamblers have been quite impressed with the second most profitable team in the Association. Such grit can win ugly games.
2020 Boston Celtics Odds to Win
| Odds to win NBA Championship: | +1350 |
|---|---|
| Odds to win the Eastern Conference: | +650 |
| Current Record: | 43-21 straight up, 38-23-3 against the spread, 30-34 under the total, 3rd place in Eastern Conference, 9.5 games out of first place |
2020 NBA Restart Schedule
Friday, July 31, 6:20 p.m. ET, ESPN: Milwaukee Bucks
Sunday, August 2, 3:20 p.m. ET, ABC: Portland Trail Blazers
Tuesday, August 4, 6:30 p.m. ET, TNT: Miami Heat
Wednesday, August 5, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN: Brooklyn Nets
Friday, August 7, 9 p.m. ET, TNT: Toronto Raptors
Sunday, August 9, 5 p.m. ET: Orlando Magic
Tuesday, August 11, 6:30 p.m. ET, TNT: Memphis Grizzlies
Thursday, August 13, TBD: Washington Wizards
2020 Boston Celtics NBA Restart Odds Overview
At first, it is a fact that gamblers can’t ignore a team so successful vs the sportsbook. Also on the minds of every handicapper is the once in a lifetime experience of this COVID-19 shortened season. More skilled teams could be out of sync. And with little time to pull themselves together.
This is where the work ethic of the Celtics could prevail. Boston lacks the star power of elite NBA teams. Balanced against that is the fact nobody out labors the Celtics. Further, the Boston defense is at an elite level. That could prove to be an advantage against offenses lacking harmony after four months off. Many sharps already perceive that to be the case.
2020 Boston Celtics Season Assessment
At the beginning of the restart is the fact that Boston is only three games behind second-place Toronto. The Celtics were in good form with the NBA betting lines before the break. To illustrate Boston lost only three of their last ten games against the spread. Defensively the Celtics ranked second for points allowed. Boston was fourth-best for defending field goals. And ranked third at defending three-point shots.
Brad Stevens Returns to Successful Playbook
On the whole, the partnership between head coach Brad Stevens and Irving was an odd fit. Stevens is about a team-first style that emphasizes defense. Irving was not so much into that as proven at the end. Following that ugly parting has Stevens returned to his roots. Immediately the Celtics improved into a team that nobody wants to face.
2020 Boston Celtics Keys to Success
The trio of Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker, and Jaylen Brown have combined to keep the offense effective. Tatum is averaging 23.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Walker adds 21.2 points and 4.9 assists per outing. While Brown averages 20.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per tilt. Walker was acquired from Charlotte to help fortify the offense after Irving’s departure. He has proven to be a perfect fit with the Celtics.