NBA Predictions: Denver Nuggets vs. Boston Celtics

Denver Nuggets vs. Boston Celtics
Friday, 12/6/13, 7:30 PM EST, TV: ESPN
Opening Point Spread: Denver -4.5
Current Betting Line: Denver -4
Opening Total: 200
Current Total: 200.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Denver Nuggets have struggled on the road against the Boston Celtics

Denver had its seven-game winning streak snapped last time out, as it suffered a 98-88 defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers as 3.5-point road favorites Wednesday, while going UNDER the betting total for the third time in four contests. The Nuggets have five probable starters averaging in double figures, with point guard Ty Lawson leading the way at 19.3 points per game, which is important to consider when making your NBA predictions Friday night. Denver is 13-9 SU and 14-8 ATS in December the last two-plus seasons, with the OVER going 12-10 in that situation.

The Nuggets have split their first 10 road games during the 2013-14 NBA season, including a 2-1 mark versus Eastern Conference opponents. Denver has dropped 13 of 15 against Boston, which can’t be ignored when looking over the NBA betting lines, especially with each of these teams being led by first-year head coaches. Lawson is one of only three active players to average 20.0 points and 8.0 assists per game.

Boston has alternated wins and losses over its last five games, as it comes off a 108-100 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks as seven-point home favorites Tuesday, while going OVER the betting total of 185.5. The Celtics also have five projected starters averaging double figures on the offensive end, with forward Jeff Green leading the way at 16.8 points a contest. The franchise continues to play without the services of point guard Rajon Rondo, who is out with a torn ACL. Boston is 3-1 SU and 4-0 ATS as home underdogs of 3.5 to 6 points since the 2011-12 campaign, with the OVER going 3-1 in that situation.

The Celtics are a dominating 32-7 SU all-time at home against the Nuggets—winning the last three by averaging 112.0 points. Boston will need a big performance from guard Jordan Crawford to pull off the upset, as he’s totaled 43 points in his last two games.