NBA on TNT picks: 76ers vs. Celtics, Trail Blazers vs. Nuggets

The NBA returns to TNT on Thursday night, with another must-see double-header. The fun begins at 8 p.m. ET, with a 76ers-Celtics grudge match in Boston, and continues at 10:30 p.m., with a shootout between the Blazers and Nuggets in the Mile High City. We have odds and picks for both matchups below.

Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics, 8 p.m. ET

One of the NBA's most historic rivalries will be renewed tonight, when the 76ers visit Boston to take on the Celtics. These storied franchises have met 553 times since 1949, and Boston holds a 310-235 advantage. However, it's likely Philadelphia will have the last laugh tonight.

The 76ers have won eight of their last 10 games and are just a few days removed from a 141-94 smackdown of the Cavaliers, in which they shot 63% from the floor and 42% from beyond the arc. Even Ben Simmons hit a three—as sure a sign of the coming apocalypse as any—as Philadelphia breezed to its easiest win of the season.

It's been a different story for the Celtics, who are 6-4 over their last 10 games and are coming off a dispiriting 122-177 road loss to Indiana on Wednesday night. Gordon Hayward left last night's game after he took a hit to his nose, and he and Marcus Smart are both listed as day-to-day. Brad Stevens' team is banged up and highly vulnerable. Expect the Celtics to pick up their first home loss of the season tonight.

NBA free pick: 76ers -1.5 and moneyline

Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets, 10:30 p.m. ET

Few teams could use a win more right now than the Nuggets, whose popgun offense has been held to fewer than 100 points in four of its last six games. No player has been blameless in Denver's current three-game skid, but Paul Millsap has been especially abysmal. The four-time All-Star is averaging just eight points over his last three outings and has looked like a bystander on many nights.

The Nuggets desperately need Millsap to engage on offense this evening, especially if the team is without Jamal Murray. The dynamic point guard suffered a trunk contusion in Tuesday's loss to the 76ers and will be a game-time decision. Murray is second on the Nuggets in points and assists, and Denver will sorely miss his playmaking ability if he is unable to suit up.

Offense hasn't been an issue lately for the Trail Blazers, who are averaging 109.6 points over their past five games and are ninth in the NBA in offensive rating. Portland has been led, as usual, by the dynamic duo of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, who have combined to average 48.5 points per game this season. Seven years into their partnership, Dame and CJ have finally surpassed Steph Curry and Klay Thompson to become the West's best backcourt.

Terry Stotts' club has also gotten an unexpected boost from Carmelo Anthony, who is averaging 15.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. and recently earned Western Conference Player of the Week honors after he was plucked off the NBA scrap heap. Melo has easily been this year's feel-good story and should feast tonight against the reeling Nuggets.

NBA free pick: Trail Blazers +6.5

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