5* NBA *BEST BET* (TNT)

Oklahoma City vs. Boston, 01/16/2012 20:00 EDT, Score: 97 - 88

Point Spread: +3/-110 Boston

Sportsbook: Bovada

Result: Loss

5* NBA *BEST BET* (TNT) on Celtics +3
The Celtics, who have lost 4 in a row, are hearing all kinds of talk about how their age is catching up with them. I expect them to put that talk to rest momentarily as they prove that can still compete at an elite level tonight.

This is a statement game for the Celtics, who need a confidence-boosting win in the worst possible way. I really like their chances of getting that win against an Oklahoma City team that hasn't been dominant on the road.

The Thunder are 5-1 away from home, but 4 of those wins have come by 5 points or less. The Celtics are 11-4-1 ATS in their last 16 games as a home underdog of 4.5 points or less.

The Celtics have won 7 of the last 9 in this series. The Thunder are just 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings and 3-7 ATS in the last 10 meetings in Boston. Bet Boston.