Two of the top teams in this year's NBA regular season will face off against each other on Friday, March 13, with the Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the Boston Celtics at 12:30 AEDT.

Both will be hoping that Friday the 13th won't prove as unlucky as superstition suggests. OKC have already qualified for the postseason (along with the San Antonio Spurs), but will know that continued wins will help them secure the #1 seed in the west once again.

The Celtics still have a little work to do to qualify, although you'd have to imagine that it's only a matter of time before they secure their spot. Still, they have a #1 seed of their own to play for, with the Detroit Pistons remaining ahead of them.

Quick Picks

Our pick: OKC to win

Value bet: SGA to have 30+ points

Long shot: OKC to win by 11+ points

Betting Preview

Over the last 20 meetings between these two teams, the Celtics have edged it 11-9. However, the Thunder have won the last two games played. Those wins have come at home and away, but when looking at the overall H2H over the last 20, they've won the last three straight in Oklahoma.

Indeed, that's a trend that could continue on Friday, as the Thunder have been strong at home in the regular season. They've won their last two matches at home before this one, with wins over GSW and the Nuggets. On a run of six consecutive wins and 9-1 over the last 10, OKC are 27-6 when playing at home.

Still, the Celtics aren't a pushover. As a road team, they're 22-11 for the regular season (before their match with the Spurs). They entered that game on a two-game win streak and had gone 8-2 over their last 10. For more insights on how to approach games like this, check out our NBA betting guide.

Betting Markets to Watch

SGA is likely to be available and looks to be back to full speed after his dominating performance against the Nuggets.

After scoring 35 points, we think 30+ is a reasonable number and worth value in this game. In the game played at the TD Garden earlier this season (118-112 win for Thunder), he had 34 points. After time out for an injury, SGA has been working his way back to his best and we think he'll continue to perform after a solid home display against Denver.

Still, we think this game could be close. We think there'll be value in the handicap market over the moneyline. OKC are strong at home, so we think it's likely they'll be able to cover the line that is set, despite Boston's strength on the road.

Our Prediction

Check the latest NBA betting odds at Sportsbet.

OKC's home record against the Celtics recently, and their strong home form will likely have them as the favourites in the moneyline. We're predicting them to be the likely winners.

For a long shot, we think OKC to win by 11+ points in the Big Win Little Win is possible, as this has hit twice in the last three home games against the Celtics. Both teams will be eyeing NBA playoffs betting implications as the postseason approaches.

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