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Celtics vs. Thunder prediction: Oklahoma City favored to win Thursday's NBA matchup [3/12/2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Dave Garofolo, Content Producer
Get Boston Celtics vs Oklahoma City Thunder predictions for NBA Thursday.
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics are scheduled to meet in NBA action at Paycom Center on Thursday, starting at 9:30 PM ET.
Based on the latest simulation results and today’s injury reports, Dimers' advanced NBA model projects the Thunder as the most likely winner of the Celtics vs. Thunder game.
This prediction follows the latest NBA Injury Report, which suggests the Thunder lineup will feature players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Ajay Mitchell, while the Celtics will look to Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser.
This article offers a closer look at Thursday's matchup, including an expanded look at the predicted score, best bets and player prop picks.
Celtics vs. Thunder prediction: Who will win and cover?
Using powerful machine learning and data, we have simulated the outcome of Thursday's NBA matchup between the Celtics and Thunder 10,000 times as part of our NBA predictions coverage.
Our leading predictive model gives the Thunder a 77% chance of beating the Celtics. Our predicted final score has the Thunder winning 112-104.
According to our model, the Thunder (-9) have a 52% chance of covering the spread, while the 216.5-point over/under has a 51% chance of going over.
Celtics vs. Thunder odds
We have sourced the best NBA odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Celtics | Thunder |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +9 (-112) | -9 (-108) |
| Moneyline | +280 | -325 |
| Total | o216.5 (-110) | u216.5 (-108) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Celtics vs. Thunder picks and best bet
After matching our predictions against the best available odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Thunder -9 | -108 |
| Moneyline | Thunder | -325 |
| Total | Over 216.5 | -110 |
According to our best NBA bets for Thursday, the top play to make on this game is Thunder -9 at the spread.
These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the sportsbook odds.
Celtics vs. Thunder player props
NBA prop bets are a common way to wager on Thursday's Boston vs. Oklahoma City game without necessarily betting on the outcome. We use the best information available to project how each team's leading players will perform at Paycom Center.
Jaylen Brown is expected to lead the Celtics with 27 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is projected to have 29 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists for the Thunder.
Check out our NBA player projections for a full range of projected box scores, including points, assists, rebounds and today's NBA first basket picks.
Celtics prediction
Our model's projected player stats for the Celtics are:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaylen Brown | 27 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 51 |
| P. Pritchard | 18 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 37 |
| Sam Hauser | 12 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 25 |
| Neemias Queta | 11 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 31 |
| B. Scheierman | 10 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 25 |
Thunder prediction
Projected points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers made for the Thunder:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S. Gilgeous-Alexander | 29 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 52 |
| Chet Holmgren | 17 | 9 | 2 | 2 | 37 |
| Ajay Mitchell | 13 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 27 |
| Isaiah Joe | 10 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 20 |
| Luguentz Dort | 9 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 20 |
Celtics vs. Thunder game-day updates and essential details
Thursday's action between the Thunder and Celtics at Paycom Center is scheduled to begin at 9:30 PM ET.
- Who: Boston Celtics vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
- Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
- Time: 9:30 PM ET/6:30PM PT
- Venue: Paycom Center
Conclusion
We predict the Thunder, with a 77% win probability, will likely beat the Celtics on Thursday, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander projected for a game-high 52 fantasy points.
AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Celtics vs. Thunder insights, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are based on the latest data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Dave Garofolo uses sophisticated AI-driven analytics to make predictions and evaluate player performances in the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, NCAAM, and PGA TOUR tournaments, crafting insightful game and prop previews.
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