Game Tonight: OKC Thunder vs Celtics odds, game details, predictions, for January 3rd

The first game of 2023 for the OKC Thunder features the top team in the NBA — the Boston Celtics.

It was a bittersweet ending to 2022 when the Thunder got routed by the 76ers without James Harden or Tyrese Maxey in the lineup.

Boston tipped off their New Year in Denver losing to the West-leading Nuggets who had a firm grasp on the match from the tip.

It’s reminiscent of the Celtics’ last road trip West when they compiled a 4-2 record but showed weaknesses that weren’t visible to that point in the season.

With that let’s dive into the odds, injuries, and game details.

• Scroll down for our Thunder – Celtics Prediction and Game Details

OKC Thunder vs Celtics Odds, Spread, Over/Under

With the best record in the association, it was expected the Celtics would be the favorites. Boston boasts the best offense in the league so the fact that the spread is just 9.0 points and not double-digits speaks to the respect the OKC Thunder are garnering.

The over/under is set at 235.5 points and the moneyline places the Thunder at plus +335 and the Celtics at minus -350.

Some other betting notables:

• The OKC Thunder are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games at home.
• The Celtics are 4-1 straight-up in their last 5 games.
• The OKC Thunder are 0-5 straight-up in their last 5 games when hosting Boston.
• The Celtics are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games against OKC.
• The OKC Thunder are 4-8 straight-up in their last 12 games.
• The Celtics are 9-2 straight-up in their last 11 games against OKC.
• The OKC Thunder are 1-7 straight-up in their last 8 games played in January.
• The total has gone under in 9 of OKC’s last 13 games.
• The OKC Thunder are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games played on a Tuesday.
• The total has gone under in 10 of Boston’s last 12 games on the road.
• The total has gone over in 4 of OKC’s last 5 games against Boston.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Injury Report

From the most recent official NBA injury report  update:

Aleksej Pokusevsk (left tibial plateau – non-displaced fracture), Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (ankle), and Ousmane Dieng (fractured wrist) are all out.

Chet Holmgren (foot – Lisfranc fracture) is shut down for the season.

Eugene Omoruyi and Lindy Waters III are  on  G League assignment

As for Boston, the big news is Robert Williams III (knee/rest) may not play with the team considering sitting him for injury management.

Mfiondu Kabengele and JD Davison are on  G League assignment

Former OKC Thunder forward Danilo Gallinari suffered a torn ACL in the offseason and therefore is out for this season.

OKC Thunder vs. Celtics  prediction

As the OKC Thunder continue to restructure their roster and build for the future the Celtics serve as an example.  They drafted both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown nurturing their growth and development.

There were growing pains along the way with some critics suggesting the J’s didn’t fit or couldn’t work together but the young stars are reveling in the team’s success while the front office is looking brilliant for exercising patience.

The matchup between OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jaylen Brown offers the most intrigue since there is a strong possibility they spend time guarding each other.  SGA will be the main focus of the Celtics’ defensive attention and it’s likely reigning DPoY Marcus Smart will also draw time on the Thunder guard.

The last time Boston ventured West their few weaknesses were exposed but they quickly fixed those once back home.

They’ve begun this trip with the loss in Denver but don’t read too much into one loss especially when it was against the team with a great shot of winning the conference.

While I’d love to see the OKC Thunder rise to the challenge, having to face Boston a game after a loss is never ideal although I do believe they can keep the score closer than nine points.

What channel is the Thunder-Celtics game on?

Per usual the game will be broadcast on Bally Sports Oklahoma or NBA League Pass. Tip-Off is set for 8:00 p.m. EST (7:00 CT) from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

OKC Thunder vs. Celtics Live Stream

If you need a live stream of the event, check out FuboTV for a free trial!

Thunder Next Game and Schedule

The OKC Thunder plays four matches this week starting with a back-to-back set that will finish in Orlando on Wednesday. They’ll return home to host the Wizards and Mavericks this weekend.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.