Boston Celtics vs Brooklyn Nets Prediction and Betting Tips- Nov. 18 | 2025-26 NBA Season

The Boston Celtics and the Brooklyn Nets will face each other in back-to-back games, starting with Tuesday’s matchup at the Barclays Center. It marks their first meeting of the season, with both teams coming in on very different trajectories.

The Nets (2-11) have struggled, sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference. Still, they enter the matchup on a positive note after a 129–106 win over the Washington Wizards in their last outing.

Meanwhile, the Celtics (7-7) have performed better and sit just above Brooklyn in 11th place. They also picked up a win in their previous outing, edging the LA Clippers 121-118 at home.

Boston Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets Preview, Odds, Betting Tips and Prediction

Moneyline: Celtics -600, Nets +400

Spread: Celtics-10.5 (-115), Nets +10.5 (-105)

Total over/under (o/u): Celtics o223.5 (-110), Nets u223.5 (-110)

*Editor's note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off*

Boston Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets preview

After choosing to undergo a rebuild during the offseason, the Celtics' season has gone as expected. They opened the season 2-3 and have split their eight November games with four wins and four losses.

However, they’re on their best run of the season after back-to-back home wins and will look to carry that momentum into Tuesday’s game. Their success has largely come from their defense, which ranks second in the league, allowing just 109.2 points per game.

Offensively, Boston has struggled, averaging 113.8 ppg as it continues to rely heavily on Jaylen Brown. The former Finals MVP has been the Celtics' best scorer, averaging 27.4 points per game.

On the other hand, the Nets endured a disastrous start, dropping their first seven games. They have managed two wins this month, but neither has come at home, and they’ll be aiming for their first victory in Brooklyn.

However, the Nets will need to improve at both ends of the court to have any chance on Tuesday. They have one of the league’s weakest offenses, averaging 110.5 points per game (27th), and they concede 121.9 points per game on the defensive end (24th).

With one of the league’s youngest rosters, much of Brooklyn’s scoring has fallen to offseason arrival Michael Porter Jr., who is averaging 24.1 ppg. Nic Claxton has been the only consistent support, contributing 15.2 ppg.

Both teams enter the matchup with relatively healthy rosters. Jayson Tatum remains the only absentee for the Celtics, while Cam Thomas and Haywood Highsmith are the only names on Brooklyn's injury report.

Boston Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets predicted starting five

Boston Celtics predicted starting five

PG- Derrick White, SF- Payton Pritchard, SF- Jaylen Brown, PF- Jordan Walsh, C- Neemias Queta

Brooklyn Nets predicted starting five

PG- Egor Demin, SG- Terrance Mann, SF- Michael Porter Jr., PF- Noah Clowney, C- Nic Claxton

Boston Celtics vs Brooklyn Nets betting tips

Jaylen Brown is favored to score over 26.5 points after his 33-point outing against the Clippers. He is averaging 27.4 ppg.

Michael Porter Jr. is expected to score over 23.5 points after recording 34 points in his previous outing. He is averaging 24.1 ppg.

Neemias Queta is projected to collect over 8.5 rebounds. He is averaging 8.1 rebounds per game.

Boston Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets prediction

The Boston Celtics are heavy -10.5 favorites on the spread, largely due to Brooklyn’s winless home record and Boston’s stronger overall campaign.

Prediction: Boston to win by 5 points or more.