Celtics vs. Nuggets odds, prediction, spread, time: 2026 NBA picks for Feb. 25 from advanced model
CBS Sports
by
Ross Kelly
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets are set to clash in a highly anticipated NBA matchup on February 25, with both teams looking to build momentum. The Celtics, currently 38-19, have won four straight games, including a strong victory over the Phoenix Suns. Meanwhile, the Nuggets (36-22) are coming off a loss to the Golden State Warriors and face injuries to Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson. The game is expected to draw significant attention as it could serve as a preview of potential NBA Finals showdown.
Denver enters the game as a 3.5-point favorite, with an over/under total of 229.5 points. This number aligns with the model's projection of 237 points, which suggests a high-scoring contest. The model predicts that both teams will showcase their depth, with each likely having six players scoring more than nine points. Additionally, the "over" has been a strong indicator for Denver this season, hitting in 63.8% of its games—more than any other team.
SportsLine's advanced model has simulated the game 10,000 times and predicts that the "over" on total points is the most likely outcome, with a hit rate of 60.1%. This aligns with Boston's recent performances where the over/under split has been nearly even, but Denver has consistently exceeded expectations in its last three contests. The model also highlights that one side of the spread has a success rate of nearly 70%, making this game a key betting opportunity.
Sports fans and bettors should pay close attention to this matchup for insights into team dynamics and potential strategies. With both teams fighting for playoff positioning, the game promises intense competition and could provide valuable data for predicting future outcomes in the NBA season. For those following sports analytics, this clash offers a chance to test their predictions against expert models, enhancing their understanding of how these teams perform under pressure.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/25/2026