It's Thursday, and there's a high-stakes NBA primetime matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder (53-12, 24-7 away) and the Boston Celtics (47-18, 23-11 home).
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
3.5 point spread favorites at home, the Celtics will host the Thunder for the second and final time of the regular season. They are two of the top teams in the Eastern and Western Conferences. Is this a preview of a potential NBA Finals?
Winners of five straight, can the Celtics even up the series with the Thunder? Defeated 105-92 in a low-scoring matchup against the Thunder in January, the Celtics offense was abysmal. Due to Oklahoma City's stifling defense, Boston shot a limited 31-85 (36 %) and 9-46 (20 %) from the three. Jayson Tatum led the way with 26 for the Celtics, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 33 points.
With a betting record of 6-3-1 in my articles this week, let's beat the books and stay in the green today! Here is my +419 Thunder vs Celtics same-game parlay (SGP) for March 12.
Get your popcorn out, the Jayson Tatum vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander battle should be an exciting one!
NBA Same Game Parlay (SGP) Predictions for Knick vs Celtics
FanDuel
NBA Odds for Knicks vs Celtics SGP: +419
- Jayson Tatum to record a double-double
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 6+ Assists
- Andrew Wiggins Over 13.5 Points
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Jayson Tatum
PPG: 27.2 | FG: 45.5 % | FT: 80.4 % | 3PT : 35.5 % | REB: 8.9 | AST: 5.8 | STL: 1.1 | BLK: 0.5
- To record a double-double
My first leg for the Thunder vs Celtics matchup todayt, I have Celtics star
Jayson Tatum
to record a double-double.
- Boasting the fifteenth most double-doubles in the NBA (29), Tatum is nearly averaging a double-double on the season with 27.2 points and 8.9 rebounds per game.
This player prop is risky, especially since Tatum is questionable with the same knee injury that kept him out of Monday's contention vs the Utah Jazz. Assuming Tatum will suit up, here's why I love this player prop bet for today.
Tatum's always been a natural born scorer, that's the inevitable. Even against a prolific Thunder defense, Tatum is one of the most elite iso players in the NBA. In reality, it's hard to stop Tatum at full steam.
Tatum's productivity has soared without Kristaps Porzingis, who's missed the last six games with a viral illness. Even if Porzingis is able to suit up, he hasn't played since February 26. With that, I expect Joe Mazzulla to be cautious with his minutes.
Scoring 35+ points in three of the last five games without Porzingis, Tatum has been on a heat. Although Al Horford has shown to hold his own at the five, Tatum has an average of 10.4 rebounds in that span. Over that time, bettors saw Tatum log a season high 16 rebounds vs the Cavaliers.
- Recording 11 and 12 boards against the Nuggets and Lakers is impressive.
Jayson Tatum Has Been A Monster On The Boards
Averaging a career-high 8.9 rebounds per game, Tatum has been a monster on the glass. Not the mention, his playmaking capabilities have only increased.
Of Tatum's 29 double-doubles, 25 of those have come from double digit performances in points and rebounds. Four coming from points and assists, there's a large chance Tatum can hit this double-double prop with points and rebounds alone.
In the Celtics vs Thunder matchup on January 5, we saw Tatum pour in 26 points, 10 rebounds, and one assist. 7-17 (41.2 %) from the field, the former Duke star shot 2-6 (33.3 %) from deep.
- Mind you, Tatum grabbed 10 rebounds with Porzingis in the lineup. Absent was big man Chet Holmgren of the Thunder.
Overall, it was a sloppy first half for Tatum, who was stopped at the rim several times. However, there were other times Tatum split the defenders and played` bully ball in the paint. After all, Tatum's signature move is backing down a mismatch for a fad away mid.
Ranked No. 17 in rebounds (8.9), Tatum is greatly undervalued when it comes to rebounding. With a thin front-court, Tatum has been playing at the four for quite some time.
While the Thunder always had a smaller lineup, even with Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein has added much improvement on the boards. No. 13 in rebounds per game (44.7), the Thunder struggle with opponents.
- With that, they allow the fifth most rebounds in the NBA to opponents per game (45.7).
Even with Hartenstein and Holmgren holding down the front court, the following players tallied double digits vs the Thunder in rebounds:
- Michael Porter Jr (15)
- Toumani Camara (10)
- Brandon Clarke (11)
- Cam Whitmore (11)
- Jaden McDaniels (10)
Final Thunder vs Celtics Player Prop SGP Betting Prediction: Jayson Tatum to record a double-double
Tallying points in double figures in the last seven games vs the Thunder, Tatum has recorded 10+ rebounds in three of the last five outings against Oklahoma City. With a 31.1 usage percentage, its the highest of his career since the 2022 season. Expecting Tatum to log heavy minutes, he's bosting an impressive 24.3 defensive rebound percentage.
I originally had Tatum for 8+ rebounds, however, I like the double-double for plus money in my SGP. With three double-doubles in the past five games, Tatum has been remarkable down a 10 game stretch. Averaging 27.9 points and 9.9 rebounds, Tatum loves to cook a the TD Garden. In 30 home games, the Celtics star is averaging 26.4 points and 9.5 rebounds.
- Given the Thunder allow the ninth most rebounds to forwards, I'm taking Jayson Tatum to record a double-double.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
PPG: 32.7 | FG: 52.5 % | FT: 0 % | 3PT : 37.3 % | REB: 5.1 | AST: 6.2 | STL: 1.8 | BLK: 1.1
My second SGP leg for the Thunder vs Celtics game today, I took Thunder star
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
to record 6+ assists.
SGA is having an incredible year, and continues to be in MVP talks with Nikola Jokic. With that, will Gilegous-Alexander continue to set himself apart in MVP talks tonight?
I promised myself I would never bet the over on Shai-Gilgeous Alexander points prop again. While he's expected to show out tonight against the Celtics, a 33.5 point player prop line is a bit inflated for me. Here's why I like SGA assists today.
It won't be an easy task for Gilgeous-Alexander, especially since the Celtics allow the third fewest assists per game in the NBA (24.1). With that, buddy Jalen Williams won't lace up with a hip injury. Even through injuries, the Thunder have a fair amount of depth, and heavy hitters around SGA.
Gilgeous-Alexander has been playing out of his mind, averaging 35.8 points and 6.8 assists over the last 10 games.
- Not to mention, the MVP candidate has recorded 7+ assists in four of the last five games, and seven of the last ten.
Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander The NBA MVP?
Not to mention, SGA ranks no. 15 in the NBA with 12.1 potential assists per game. In addition, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 12.5 potential assists 6.9 dimes since Chet Holmgrens return on February 2.
The absence of Jalen Williams may affect this prop, especially since Williams averaged 3.3 field goal attempts per game assisted by SGA. Even with injury, SGA has record 9+ assists in three of the last five games without Williams in the lineup.
- Expect, Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, and even Cason Wallace to be heavily involved tonight.
One of the best pick and roll ball handlers in the NBA, expect there to be plenty of action on the pick and roll from Gilgeous-Alexander to Hartenstein. If the Celtics continue to play elite defense, SGA may be forced into more a playmaking role.
In the last matchup with the Celtics, we saw SGA explode for 33 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. Logging 39 minutes, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 34.8 minutes this month.
- When recording 34+ minutes, we've seen SGA record 7+ assist in three of the last four games.
Final Thunder vs Celtics Player Prop SGP Betting Prediction: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 6+ Assists
In a world where SGA averaged 15 potential assists last matchup, this is one of my strongest picks for my Thunder vs Celtics SGP parlay. Gilgeous-Alexander has 46 passes made vs Boston this season, which ranks No. 1 in the NBA.
- With an outstanding 30.7 percent assist rate this season, I'm taking Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to record 6+ assists tonight. On average, Boston allows just over seven assists to point guards on the year.
Aaron Wiggins
PPG: 11.6 | FG: 49.9 % | FT: 82.8 % | 3PT : 39.5 % | REB: 3.8 | AST: 1.6 | STL: 0.8 | BLK: 0.3
My third leg for my Thunder vs Celtics SGP, I picked Thunder guard
Aaron Wiggins
to record over 13.5 points today.
This might be a bit of a gamble, however, I had to roll with the punches with Jalen Williams out of the lineup.
Expected to get the starting nod,Wiggins has been a solid player off the bench for the Thunder. Averaging 18.7 points in February, is Wiggins a star in the making? This is what makes this Oklahoma City Thunder team so dangerous. They have young heavy hitters aside from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
After an incredible month, Wiggins has been inconsistent in March. That also comes with volatile minutes. If Wiggins gets the starting nod, this prop should soar over.
- Averaging 14 points as a starter, Wiggins is shooting 40.9 percent from three, and 50 percent from the field.
Why Aaron Wiggins Is An Emerging Star In The NBA
Wiggins is the perfect player to fill in for Williams, especially given his versatility and three-point capabilities. While minutes have dipped a bit this month, Wiggins is still playing 25.3 per game. As a starter, Aaron Wiggins averaged just over 26 minutes per game.
After scoring a season-high 30 points against the Trail Blazers, we saw Wiggins combined for 12 points in two back-t0-back matchups vs the Nuggets. Mind you, the Nuggets have found their footing. In two matchups, Wiggins struggled mightily, shooting, 38.8 percent from the floor in both outings.
Regardless of the recent struggles, we know one thing. Wiggins soared over this prop line for 15 points in 20 minutes off the bench vs the Celtics earlier this season. 3-6 from deep, Wiggins often finds the often shots with all the attention on SGA.
Without Williams in the lineup, Wiggins has put up some monstrous game. That includes a career-high 41 points vs the Spurs, 26 against the Hornets, and 30 vs Portland.
- Scoring 14+ points in three of the last five without Williams, Wiggins is averaging 24.4 points over that span.
Final Thunder vs Celtics Player Prop SGP Betting Prediction: Aaron Wiggins Over 13.5 Points
Although the Celtics allow the third fewest points to shooting guards (21 PPG), I still love this player prop bet for today. In the end of February, we saw Wiggins have consistent 15, 19, and 24 point performances vs the Timberwolves and Nets.
- Shooting 44.4 percent from beyond the arc over the last 10 games, I wouldn't be surprised if half of Wiggins points come from the three-point line. Putting up 15.4 points over that span, I'll take Aaron Wiggins to score over 13.5 points.
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