Published on: Apr 23, 2022 10:26 pm IST|Updated on: Apr 23, 2022 10:26 pm IST
BRK vs BOS Dream11: The Playoffs are in full flow and we have already seen some teams showcase their prowess and ring the bell for the second round, the Warriors and the Sixers being two of those squads. Meanwhile, there are still a variety of close tussles lingering around and it will be a fun battle when the Brooklyn Nets host the Boston Celtics. The Celtics have a two-nil lead and will be looking to spoil the Nets’ homecourt return.
The Nets beat the Celtics 114:107 in the last game as Jaylen Brown dropped 22 and the scoring sheet looked well-balanced. For the Nets, both Kyrie and Durant struggled to get going and despite role players like Brown, Curry, and Dragic picking up the offensive slack, they were unable to close out the Celtics. With the next two games at home, the Nets will be hungry to at least get one win and would be ecstatic if they tie the series.
Host: Brooklyn Nets Visitors: Boston Celtics Match Timing: 24 April, @ 05:00 AM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: Barclays Center
Durant has been shutdown
The Celtics have displayed their defensive prowess in the first two games and their primary agenda of shutting down Kevin Durant has panned well. Despite missing Robert Williams III, the Celtics have harbored a strong defense and once you shut down both Durant and Kyrie, the chances of winning a game are at least 90%. It was the second half where Kevin got shut down and the Celtics outscored the Nets 29:17 in the fourth quarter.
Bruce Brown, Goran Dragic, and Seth Curry stepped up in big ways and Brown has been impressive during the Postseason so far. The Celtics received great help from Daniel Theis too who has helped the scoring end while receiving immense support from Al Horford, which gives the Celtics an edge in that department. Jaylen Brown’s offensive game has been balanced but the biggest strength has been the team’s even scoring balance and ball distribution as they had 27 assists in the last game.
As they play at their home, the Nets will need Kevin Durant to get going, he has especially been struggling in the second half of the season and it will be interesting to see how he responds in Game 3. Kyrie Irving had a strong first game and he will be raring to make an impression on the home floor. The thing is that I feel Jayson Tatum will push the buttons again and he will be looking for a big scoring night here.
Fantasy lineup related tips
For the Celtics, it is confusing to choose between Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Both players can pick up big-time numbers. Such is also the case when it comes to the Nets, where it is confusing who to choose between Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. Al Horford has been a great option for the Celtics and Daniel Theis has been huge as a low credit player. Bruce Brown, Marcus Smart, Goran Dragic, and Seth Curry are great supporting players in the Fantasy scenario.
Performance Predictions
Top Scorer: Jayson Tatum: 36 Top Rebounder: Al Horford: 12 Highest assists: Marcus Smart: 9 Scoreline Prediction: Celtics 115 Nets 108
Boston Celtics Team News:
Celtics Expected Starting Five
Two-way High-Scoring Wing: SF: Jayson Tatum All-around Big: PF: Al Horford Inside Presence: C: Daniel Theis Two-way High-scoring Guard: SG: Jaylen Brown Defensive specialist and Playmaker: PG: Marcus Smart
BENCH: Grant Williams, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Aaron Nesmith, Sam Hauser, Bruno Fernando.
Brooklyn Nets Team News
Nets Expected Starting Five High-scoring all-around wing: SF: Kevin Durant Versatile All-Position Player: F: Bruce Brown Rebounding specialist: C: Andre Drummond Shooting Guards: SG: Seth Curry Main ball-handler: PG: Kyrie Irving
MAJOR BENCH ROTATIONS(In Order): Goran Dragic, Patty Mills, Nic Claxton, Kessler Edwards, Cam Thomas, LaMarcus Aldridge, Blake Griffin.
Jayson Tatum (BOS) Points: 19 Rebounds: 06 Assists: 10 Blocks: 01 Wing Jayson has been a huge factor on both ends but shot just 5/16 from the floor in the last game. He can be back to his old ways and I expect a 25-32 points, 5-9 rebounds, and 4-7 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 44-56
Kevin Durant(BRK) Points: 27 Rebounds: 04 Assists: 05 Steals: 01 Wing KD has been shut down two games in a row, and the Celtics defense has held him around 30% from the field. I expect him to recover here and he can be in 27-34 points, 4-6 rebounds, and 4-6 assists range. Kevin is usually a candidate for Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 NBA Fantasy scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 38-50
Jaylen Brown(BOS) Points: 22 Rebounds: 04 Assists: 06 Steals: 03 Off-guard Brown has been one of the major reasons why the Celtics have sustained such amount of success and 9/18 from the floor in the last game. I expect a 20-27 points and 5-7 assists/rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 38-51
Kyrie Irving(BRK) Points: 10 Rebounds: 08 Assists: 01 Blocks: 01 Kyrie followed a strong 39 game with a 4/13 shooting night as the Boston perimeter defense was in follow. I expect a 19-25 points and 4-7 assists range here. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 27-48
Marcus Smart(BOS) Points: 12 Rebounds: 01 Assists: 05 Steals: 01 Defensive Player of the Year Marcus showed why he won it when he shut down Kyrie in the last game and his ability to be in double-digits points and dish assists is huge. I expect a 14-20 points and 5-8 assists range here. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-33
Bruce Brown(BRK) Points: 23 Rebounds: 08 Assists: 04 Blocks: 02 Steals: 01 Wing Bruce has been a major factor and kept the Nets in the last game for most parts, shooting an incredible 8/12 from the floor. I expect a 12-18 points, 5-8 rebounds, and 3-6 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 22-42
PG: G Dragic, D White SG: M Smart SF: K Durant(PP) PF: B Brown, J Tatum(SP) C: N Claxton, D Theis (most recommended)
PG: G Dragic, D White SG: M Smart SF: K Durant(SP), J Brown(PP) PF: B Brown, A Horford C: N Claxton, D Theis (alternate)
Wanna see the elite defense of the Celtics clash against the scoring prowess of Kevin Durant? In a great piece of news for Indian NBA viewers, this game is available on the Indian-based streaming services Voot, JIO TV, Sports 18, and VH1. Therefore the best way to catch the action is to buy the annual subscription to the NBA League Pass and watch the live-action and also full game replay. To learn the scores, news, and stats, visit the official website of the NBA.