Thunder Edge Celtics in Nail-Biting Finish
Thursday, March 12, 2026, 9:30 PM ET · Paycom Center
Oklahoma City Thunder 104, Boston Celtics 102, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Boston Celtics vs Oklahoma City Thunder?
Oklahoma City Thunder beat Boston Celtics 104-102 at Paycom Center on March 12, 2026.
Who was favored in Boston Celtics vs Oklahoma City Thunder?
Oklahoma City Thunder were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -345 (about 78% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup at the Paycom Center, the Oklahoma City Thunder narrowly defeated the Boston Celtics with a final score of 104-102. This victory extends the Thunder's lead in the season series against the Celtics, now at 2-0. The game showcased intense competition, especially in the fourth quarter, where both teams exchanged leads and showcased their scoring prowess.
The Thunder entered this game with a strong home record of 52-15 and were riding a six-game winning streak, having won nine of their last ten games. Their recent form was impressive, with an average of 113.7 points scored and 106.9 points allowed over the last ten games. In their last five games, they maintained a perfect record, averaging 110.4 points while allowing 103.6 points. This performance at home has been bolstered by a 5-0 record in their last five home games.
On the other hand, the Boston Celtics, holding an away record of 43-23, had a solid season but faced challenges recently, losing their last game against the San Antonio Spurs. They have a record of 7-3 in their last ten games, with an average of 109.6 points scored and 100.4 points allowed. Their recent form included a mixed bag, with a scoring average of 108.4 points and 104.4 points allowed in their last five games.
In terms of injuries, the Thunder had several players listed as day-to-day, including Isaiah Hartenstein (ankle), Ajay Mitchell (calf), Otega Oweh (lower leg), Thomas Sorber (knee), and Jalen Williams (hamstring). The Celtics also had Jayson Tatum listed as day-to-day due to a knee issue. These injuries could have impacted team strategies and player performances.
The market had set the Thunder as 8.5-point favorites according to DraftKings, with a total points line of 216.5. The odds reflected the Thunder's strong home advantage and recent form, while the Celtics were seen as underdogs in this matchup.
Conditions for the game were typical for a late-night NBA matchup, with both teams looking to capitalize on their respective strengths. The Thunder's ability to control the pace and their home court advantage were key factors, while the Celtics aimed to leverage their experience and depth.
As the game unfolded, key moments defined the outcome. In the fourth quarter, Payton Pritchard tied the game with a 20-foot pullup jump shot, making it 98-98. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander then responded with a 14-foot pullup jump shot, putting the Thunder ahead 100-98. Jaylen Brown's free throws tied the game again at 100-100, but Gilgeous-Alexander's subsequent shot gave the Thunder a slight edge. Chet Holmgren sealed the game with two crucial free throws, bringing the score to 104-102.
This match not only highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams but also showcased individual talents, particularly from Gilgeous-Alexander, who played a pivotal role in the closing moments. The Thunder's ability to execute under pressure proved decisive, allowing them to maintain their strong home record and continue their winning streak.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | OKC -8.5 | 216.5 o -112 / u -108 | Boston Celtics +275 · Oklahoma City Thunder -345 |
Injury report
- Isaiah HartensteinDay-To-DayAnkleOklahoma City Thunder
- Ajay MitchellDay-To-DayCalfOklahoma City Thunder
- Otega OwehDay-To-DayLower LegOklahoma City Thunder
- Thomas SorberDay-To-DayKneeOklahoma City Thunder
- Jalen WilliamsDay-To-DayHamstringOklahoma City Thunder
- Jayson TatumDay-To-DayKneeBoston Celtics
Leaders
- PointsShai Gilgeous-Alexander35Oklahoma City Thunder
- AssistsShai Gilgeous-Alexander9Oklahoma City Thunder
- ReboundsChet Holmgren9Oklahoma City Thunder
- PointsJaylen Brown34Boston Celtics
- AssistsJaylen Brown7Boston Celtics
- ReboundsNeemias Queta10Boston Celtics
Recent form
Oklahoma City Thunder
Last 10: 9-1Streak W6113.7 scored · 106.9 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W129-126vs Denver NuggetsMar 9
- W104-97vs Golden State WarriorsMar 8
- W103-100at New York KnicksMar 5
- W116-108at Chicago BullsMar 4
- W100-87at Dallas MavericksMar 2
- W127-121vs Denver NuggetsFeb 28
- L116-124at Detroit PistonsFeb 26
- W116-107at Toronto RaptorsFeb 25
- W121-113vs Cleveland CavaliersFeb 22
- W105-86vs Brooklyn NetsFeb 21
Boston Celtics
Last 10: 7-3Streak L1109.6 scored · 100.4 allowed per game4-2 away
- L116-125at San Antonio SpursMar 11
- W109-98at Cleveland CavaliersMar 8
- W120-100vs Dallas MavericksMar 7
- L89-118vs Charlotte HornetsMar 5
- W108-81at Milwaukee BucksMar 3
- W114-98vs Philadelphia 76ersMar 2
- W148-111vs Brooklyn NetsFeb 28
- L84-103at Denver NuggetsFeb 26
- W97-81at Phoenix SunsFeb 25
- W111-89at Los Angeles LakersFeb 22
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | - | 26 | W2 | .683 | 56 |
| New York | 3 | 29 | L1 | .646 | 53 |
| Toronto | 10 | 36 | W1 | .561 | 46 |
| Philadelphia | 11 | 37 | W2 | .549 | 45 |
| Brooklyn | 36 | 62 | L3 | .244 | 20 |
| Oklahoma City | - | 18 | L2 | .780 | 64 |
| Denver | 10 | 28 | W12 | .659 | 54 |
| Minnesota | 15 | 33 | W2 | .598 | 49 |
| Portland | 22 | 40 | W2 | .512 | 42 |
| Utah | 42 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
Box score
| Stat | Boston Celtics | Oklahoma City Thunder |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 35-87 | 40-84 |
| Field goal % | 40 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 13-42 | 11-44 |
| Three-point % | 31 | 25 |
| Free throws | 19-20 | 13-17 |
| Free throw % | 95 | 76 |
| Rebounds | 44 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 32 | 28 |
| Assists | 20 | 22 |
| Steals | 8 | 7 |
| Blocks | 4 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 44 |
| Fouls | 18 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 19 | 19 |
| Time in front | 56 | 29 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter69-71Ajay Mitchell makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter71-71Jaylen Brown makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter71-73Ajay Mitchell makes 11-foot pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter74-73Baylor Scheierman makes 29-foot three pointer (Jaylen Brown assists)
- 3rd Quarter77-73Jaylen Brown makes 25-foot three pointer (Baylor Scheierman assists)
- 3rd Quarter77-75Aaron Wiggins makes layup (Ajay Mitchell assists)
- 3rd Quarter79-75Neemias Queta makes 1-foot dunk (Jaylen Brown assists)
- 3rd Quarter79-77Alex Caruso makes 1-foot layup (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander assists)
- 3rd Quarter81-77Jaylen Brown makes 1-foot dunk (Hugo Gonzalez assists)
- 3rd Quarter82-77Hugo Gonzalez makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter83-77Hugo Gonzalez makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter83-80Jaylin Williams makes 26-foot three point jumper (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander assists)
- 4th Quarter83-82Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter83-85Jared McCain makes 27-foot running jump shot (Alex Caruso assists)
- 4th Quarter84-85Jaylen Brown makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter85-85Jaylen Brown makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-85Jaylen Brown makes 1-foot running dunk
- 4th Quarter87-87Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes 1-foot two point shot (Alex Caruso assists)
- 4th Quarter87-89Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes 15-foot step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter88-89Luka Garza makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-89Luka Garza makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-91Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes 2-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter91-91Payton Pritchard makes 12-foot fade away jump shot (Baylor Scheierman assists)
- 4th Quarter91-92Ajay Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter91-93Ajay Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter92-93Jaylen Brown makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter93-93Jaylen Brown makes free throw 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter94-93Jaylen Brown makes free throw 3 of 3
- 4th Quarter94-96Ajay Mitchell makes 22-foot three point jumper (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander assists)
- 4th Quarter94-98Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes 17-foot step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter95-98Neemias Queta makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-98Neemias Queta makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-98Payton Pritchard makes 20-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter98-100Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter99-100Jaylen Brown makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter100-100Jaylen Brown makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter100-102Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter102-102Jaylen Brown makes 19-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter102-103Chet Holmgren makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter102-104Chet Holmgren makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Oklahoma City Thunder, below favours Boston Celtics.
Venue
- Paycom CenterOklahoma City, OK
- Attendance18203
- OfficialsSean Wright, Brian Forte, Natalie Sago
Elsewhere
- 2026 NBA free agency: Grades for offseason signings, extensions
- Stephen A. rips NBA for not giving Kawhi a more severe punishment
- 2026 NBA buzz: Latest free agency and trade updates
- Sources: Rockets' Amen Thompson agrees to 5-year, $208M extension
- 'The Hoop Collective': Episodes of Brian Windhorst's NBA podcast
- Windhorst: Kawhi is an 'unmitigated winner' following NBA's punishments
Picks for NBA
NBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Celtics Defeat Thunder 119-109 at TD GardenMar 25, 2026