Game: Boston Celtics at Brooklyn Nets
Date: November 18, 2025
Time: 7:40 PM EST
Odds: Celtics -10.5, Over/Under 224.5
Setting the Scene
The Boston Celtics travel to Brooklyn to take on a Nets team that has been decimated by injuries and is struggling to find its footing this season. With a large 10.5-point spread favoring the road team, oddsmakers are anticipating a one-sided affair. The Celtics, hovering around .500, will look to capitalize on this matchup against a severely shorthanded opponent to build momentum.
Boston Celtics (7-7) Preview
The Celtics enter this contest as heavy favorites, but their 7-7 record suggests a team still looking to hit its stride. Led by their star wing duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, Boston has the high-end talent to overwhelm most opponents. While an ESPN report has noted a lingering Achilles issue for Tatum, it’s not expected to sideline him for this game, though it remains a situation to monitor throughout the season.
The Celtics’ injury report has seen some movement recently, with Jaylen Brown being upgraded to “AVAILABLE” for a late October game after a hamstring issue, and Dennis Schröder listed as probable with a quad contusion in early May. For this matchup, Boston appears to be relatively healthy and will rely on its deep roster, including guard Derrick White, to control the game on both ends of the floor. Expect the Celtics to leverage their significant talent advantage from the opening tip.
Brooklyn Nets (2-11) Preview
It has been a brutal start to the season for the Brooklyn Nets, who sit at the bottom of the conference standings. Their problems have been severely compounded by a catastrophic run of injuries. The biggest blow is the absence of their leading scorer, Cam Thomas, who has been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain and is expected to be re-evaluated in 3-4 weeks. His absence leaves a massive void in the Nets’ offense, which was already struggling.
The injury report for Brooklyn is extensive. While some reports from earlier in the month also listed players like Haywood Highsmith (knee) and Drake Powell (ankle) as out, the primary concern is the lack of offensive firepower without Thomas. With a record of 1-10 in their first 11 games, the Nets face an uphill battle to generate enough points to keep pace with a team of Boston’s caliber.
Prediction
This matchup has all the makings of a blowout. The Celtics are a far superior team on paper, and they are facing a Nets squad missing its primary offensive weapon. Brooklyn has shown little ability to compete with top-tier teams even when healthy, and the loss of Cam Thomas makes their task nearly impossible.
The 10.5-point spread is large for a road team, but it’s difficult to see how the Nets’ depleted roster can stay within single digits. Boston’s defense should have no problem shutting down a Brooklyn offense that lacks a go-to scorer.
The total of 224.5 is interesting. While Boston could certainly put up a huge number, the Nets will likely struggle to break the 100-point mark. This suggests a game script where the Celtics build a large lead and potentially coast in the fourth quarter, slowing the pace and keeping the total score down.
The Pick: Celtics -10.5
The Total: Under 224.5
Predicted Score: Celtics 118, Nets 102
Sources:
Boston Celtics Injury Status – ESPN
[Boston Celtics] Injury Report for tomorrow vs. New York: Sam …
Boston Celtics Injury Report and Status 2025-26 – CBS Sports
Celtics Injury Report Update vs. Cleveland (2/28): : r/bostonceltics
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