Celtics vs Thunder Picks and Prediction – 1/5/2025

The Sunday NBA schedule will tip off with a matinee between the Boston Celtics and the Oklahoma City Thunder from the Paycom Center. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Celtics (26-9) have won 13 of their first 16 road games and trail Cleveland by 4.5 games for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. On Friday, Boston limited Houston to 30 points during the second half of a 109-86 road victory. 

G Derrick White led five Boston players in double figures with 23 points and finished with a plus 27 rating. All-Star F Jayson Tatum and Payton Pritchard added 20 points apiece for the Celtics, who connected on 19-for-39 from the three-point line. 

The Oklahoma City Thunder are riding a 14-game winning streak and have moved 6.5 games ahead of Memphis for first place in the Western Conference. The Thunder (29-5) lead the NBA in defensive efficiency and are allowing 103.3 points per contest. On Friday, Oklahoma City outscored New York by 18 points during the fourth quarter to rally for a 117-107 home victory. 

All-Star G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tallied a game-high 33 points on 12-for-26 shooting and dished out seven assists. Oklahoma City F Jalen Williams chipped in 20 points (8-17 FG) and five assists. Aaron Wiggins added 19 points off the bench for the Thunder, who shot 51 percent from the field. 

Boston G Jaylen Brown (shoulder) did not suit up for Friday’s victory and is listed as questionable for this contest. These two teams are extremely evenly matched, but the Celtics have the slight edge on the glass. Take Boston to snap Oklahoma City’s winning streak and win outright as a small underdog. Final Score Prediction, Boston Celtics win 114-109.