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The Boston Celtics have the best record in the NBA to date and are one of the frontrunners for a trip this season. That means it will be a tough test for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who host the Celtics at the Paycom Center.
Oklahoma City seemed to be starting to pick up form recently, but the team has dropped three of their last four games and needs a win to get back on track.
The Thunder are facing some significant injuries that make this contest even more difficult.
Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Odds:
The Thunder entered the day as an 8.5-point underdog against the Celtics, with an over/under total of 235.5 points.
Game key:
These teams played in November and it was a close game that the Celtics won by four points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the best player of the match and he scored 37 goals that night.
The Celtics scored 53 combined points in that game from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Alexei Poksevsky played a big role in the previous game, scoring 16 points and 14 rebounds that night. The Thunder will miss him tonight, especially since Boston got back Robert Williams, who didn’t play in their first matchup.
Overall the frontcourt is a tough challenge to contain for Oklahoma City, which is lacking in size. Former Thunder forward Al Horford could have a big game.
record:
Oklahoma City Thunder (15-21) vs. Boston Celtics (26-11)
when:
Tuesday, January 3, 2023, 7:00 PM CT
position:
Paycom Center – Oklahoma City, OK
TV/Radio:
Bally Sports Oklahoma, NBA League Pass, 98.1 FM Sports Animals
Finally:
Following this contest, the Thunder will face the Orlando Magic on the second night of consecutive Wednesdays. Meanwhile, the Celtics head further south to Dallas to face the Mavericks on Thursday.
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