Utah Jazz vs Boston Celtics Picks and Predictions March 21st 2025

Jazz, Celtics Relying on Unexpected Stars Ahead of Meeting

The Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics might not have much at stake in their Friday night clash in Salt Lake City, but that doesn’t mean the game will lack intrigue. Despite their differing fortunes this season, both teams are relying on surprising standouts to spark excitement as they approach the final stretch.

Jazz Looking to Build on Momentum with Oscar Tshiebwe

The Utah Jazz (16-54) have had a rough year, but a glimmer of hope arrived on Wednesday night as they snapped a 10-game losing streak with a win over the Washington Wizards. Despite owning the second-worst record in the NBA, Utah has something to cheer about in Oscar Tshiebwe.

Tshiebwe, a former National Player of the Year with Kentucky, went undrafted in 2023 but has been making a name for himself as a dominant force on the glass. On Wednesday, he recorded 10 rebounds in just 18 minutes against Washington, a remarkable feat considering he had just scored a career-high 37 points with 26 rebounds for the Salt Lake City Stars earlier that day.

The 6-foot-8 center has made the most of his two-way contract, consistently delivering jaw-dropping performances in the G-League and stepping up when given NBA minutes. His seventh 20/20 game of the G-League season is a testament to his relentless motor and determination.

“My dad used to tell me, ‘You need to do something you love with all your heart,'” Tshiebwe said. “I want to empty my tank when I’m out there.”

Jazz coach Will Hardy praised Tshiebwe’s attitude, saying, “The spirit of how he approaches every day is not lost on me or the team. He’s a joy to coach and a massive part of our locker room.”

Celtics Finding Unexpected Spark in Baylor Scheierman

The Boston Celtics (50-19), meanwhile, are preparing to defend their 2024 NBA title. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, they are locked into the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. With limited motivation to push the pace, the team has found a refreshing jolt of energy from an unexpected source — Baylor Scheierman.

Scheierman, a sharpshooter with a high basketball IQ, delivered a career-high 20 points against the Brooklyn Nets earlier this week, draining six 3-pointers on a blistering 7-of-8 shooting performance. In his 15-minute stint, he added three rebounds and two steals, showcasing a well-rounded game that Boston needed at just the right time.

“Honestly, Baylor changed the whole game for us,” said Derrick White.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla echoed those sentiments, noting Scheierman’s competitive edge: “The thing I really like about him is his toughness. He’s got a high level of toughness. He’s got a chip on his shoulder and kind of an F-U mentality to where he’s going to make it work.”

Key Matchup: Tshiebwe vs. Scheierman

Both Tshiebwe and Scheierman bring unique energy to their respective squads. Tshiebwe’s rebounding dominance contrasts with Scheierman’s perimeter shooting, creating a fascinating dynamic when both players are on the court.

For Utah, the challenge will be to capitalize on Tshiebwe’s inside presence while finding consistent scoring from the rest of the lineup. The Jazz are playing for pride, development, and positioning in the NBA Draft Lottery.

For Boston, maintaining sharpness and chemistry while giving minutes to emerging players like Scheierman will be vital as they prepare for the playoffs. The Celtics are riding a three-game winning streak and have claimed victory in eight of their last nine games.

Expert Betting Guide and Picks

• Pick Page: Celtics are favored despite being on the road, as they’ve shown consistency even with lineup changes.
• Odds Page: Expect a double-digit spread favoring Boston, given the disparity in records and recent form.
• Expert Betting Guide: Taking the Celtics to cover the spread seems safe, but consider the Jazz with the points if Tshiebwe continues his rebounding dominance.

NBA Insights and Awards

• NBA MVP: While Jayson Tatum remains in contention, the Celtics’ strong supporting cast continues to showcase its depth.
• NBA 6th Man of the Year: Scheierman’s recent surge is notable, but he lacks the consistency to be a serious candidate.
• Most Improved Player: Tshiebwe’s remarkable rise from undrafted status to a key contributor could garner some late-season attention.
• NBA Defensive Player of the Year: Robert Williams III’s consistent defense keeps him in the conversation, but the focus remains on his health and availability.

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Final Thoughts

Despite differing stakes, both teams are motivated by unique storylines. The Jazz are trying to finish the season on a positive note with young talents like Tshiebwe making their mark. Meanwhile, the Celtics aim to maintain momentum heading into the postseason while nurturing unexpected contributors like Scheierman.

Will the Jazz capitalize on their renewed energy, or will the Celtics’ playoff-bound squad continue to dominate? Friday night’s matchup will reveal which of these underdog stars shines the brightest.