Boston Celtics at Brooklyn Nets Tips & Live Stream - Pure quality gives Celtics the edge in NBA

There are hardly any signs of a derby in this Eastern Conference matchup, but it definitely won't lack intensity and quality basketball.

One of the worst teams in the conference will host the reigning NBA champions. Will the Boston Celtics secure an easy victory?

Brooklyn Nets Form & Team News

The Nets have won just one of their last 10 games, and it’s clear this season isn’t going anywhere for them. 

With future draft picks in play, they might be shifting focus toward development rather than pushing for wins. At this point, it wouldn’t be surprising if they start prioritizing the long-term picture.

They showed some fight in their last game against the Bulls but couldn’t close it out, falling 116-110 on the road. Cameron Thomas led the way with 24 points and 10 assists, continuing to be one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing season.

Brooklyn is now 22-44, sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference and far from playoff contention. With the season winding down, their attention will likely turn toward evaluating young players and preparing for the draft.

Boston Celtics Form & Team News

For a while now, it’s been clear that the Celtics won’t be catching the top-seeded Cavaliers, but they also have no real threat to their hold on the No. 2 spot in the East.

Despite not having a strong incentive in the standings, they’ve been playing at a high level recently, winning six of their last seven games. 

Their latest victory came in a routine 103-91 win on the road against the Miami Heat, a team that’s never easy to beat at home.

Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday stepped up with 28 and 25 points, respectively, while Jaylen Brown remains a key piece in carrying the load for Boston’s backcourt.

Head to Head

The Celtics have won both previous matchups against the Nets this season, though one of those victories came in a close game that went to overtime.