Boston Celtics vs Oklahoma City Thunder Picks and Predictions March 12th 2025

Thunder vs. Celtics: A Potential NBA Finals Preview?

The Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder, two of the NBA’s top championship contenders, are set to clash on Wednesday night at TD Garden. This game not only features two of the league’s hottest teams, but it could also serve as a preview of the 2024 NBA Finals.

Boston, currently second in the Eastern Conference, is wrapping up a seven-game homestand, while Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City looks to bounce back from a loss to Denver. With MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the Thunder and Jayson Tatum aiming to get the Celtics back on track, this showdown is shaping up to be one of the season’s must-watch matchups.

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Celtics Riding Momentum but Facing Challenges

The Celtics (47-13) enter the game 5-1 on their homestand, having won five straight before nearly blowing a 24-point lead in a 114-108 win over the Utah Jazz on Monday. While Boston avoided an embarrassing loss, Derrick White admitted it was a “trap game” sandwiched between a marquee win over the Lakers and this high-stakes showdown against OKC.

Boston remains without Kristaps Porzingis, who has missed six consecutive games due to a viral illness. Tatum (27.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG) also sat out against Utah with a knee issue, though he is expected to return Wednesday.

Celtics’ Key Stats & Storylines:

• Standings: No. 2 in the East, trailing Cleveland
• Recent Form: 5-1 in last six games
• Tatum’s Availability: Expected to play after missing Monday’s game
• Porzingis Injury: No clear return timeline

Thunder Look to Rebound After Denver Loss

The Thunder (42-18) remain at the top of the Western Conference, despite their seven-game winning streak ending in a 140-127 loss to the Nuggets on Monday. However, they split the back-to-back against Denver, winning 127-103 the night before.

SGA (32.7 PPG, 6.4 APG, 5.6 RPG) continues his MVP-worthy campaign, emphasizing the importance of staying level-headed after wins and losses. “A loss is never as bad as it seems,” he said, reinforcing OKC’s resilient mindset.

Key Concern: Jalen Williams’ Injury

Oklahoma City forward Jalen Williams (21.3 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 5.3 APG) left Monday’s game with a right hip strain after Denver’s Peyton Watson landed on him. His status remains uncertain, and his absence could be a major blow against Boston’s deep roster.

Thunder’s Key Stats & Storylines:

• Standings: No. 1 in the West
• Recent Form: 7-1 in last eight games
• SGA’s Dominance: Leads NBA in scoring (32.7 PPG)
• Williams’ Injury: Questionable for Wednesday

Revisiting the Last Matchup: Can OKC Repeat?

The Thunder defeated the Celtics 105-92 on January 5, thanks to a dominant second-half defensive effort. OKC held Boston to just 27 points after halftime, forcing tough shots and capitalizing on poor three-point shooting (9-of-46, 19.6%).

Key Performances from Jan. 5:

• SGA: 33 points, 11 rebounds
• Tatum: 26 points, 10 rebounds
• OKC’s Defense: Held Celtics to under 100 points

This time around, Boston will look to adjust offensively, especially from beyond the arc.

NBA Picks & Predictions from The Best Expert Handicappers

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Jayson Tatum

Two of the league’s most dynamic scorers go head-to-head. SGA’s efficiency and ability to control the game will challenge Boston’s elite perimeter defense, while Tatum’s shot-making and versatility will be key for the Celtics.

2. Boston’s Perimeter Shooting vs. OKC’s Defense

The Celtics’ three-point struggles (19.6% in the last meeting) cost them against OKC. Can they improve, or will the Thunder’s defensive pressure force another cold shooting night?

3. Injury Factor: Jalen Williams vs. Kristaps Porzingis

If Williams is out, OKC loses a key scorer and playmaker. On the other hand, if Porzingis remains sidelined, Boston lacks rim protection and floor spacing.

Prediction & Final Thoughts

This game has major playoff implications, with both teams fighting for the No. 1 seed in their respective conferences. Boston will be motivated to avenge its earlier loss, especially at home. However, SGA’s dominance and OKC’s defense could make this another gritty battle.

Expect a close, high-energy game that could go down to the wire—perhaps even a preview of what’s to come in June.