Boston Celtics Primetime Underdog Betting Trend
ATS Record, ROI Analysis & Historical Performance Data (2014-2024)
The public often underestimates the Boston Celtics in this spot. Since 2014, when playing as primetime underdog, the Boston Celtics hold a record of 130-102-0 against the spread. That's a 0.0% win rate and a +7.0% return on investment—meaning a bettor wagering $100 per game would be up $16 over this period.
Year-by-Year Performance
| Season | Record | Win % | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 9-8-0 | 0.0% | +1.1% |
| 2015 | 5-14-0 | 0.0% | -49.8% |
| 2016 | 15-4-0 | 0.0% | +50.7% |
| 2017 | 13-8-0 | 0.0% | +18.2% |
| 2018 | 12-11-0 | 0.0% | -0.4% |
| 2019 | 18-7-0 | 0.0% | +37.5% |
| 2020 | 15-15-0 | 0.0% | -4.5% |
| 2021 | 9-6-0 | 0.0% | +14.6% |
| 2022 | 12-8-0 | 0.0% | +14.6% |
| 2023 | 11-14-0 | 0.0% | -16.0% |
| 2024 | 11-7-0 | 0.0% | +16.7% |
Why This Trend Exists
The Celtics' strong performance as primetime underdogs stems from their organizational culture of rising to marquee occasions, particularly when public perception undervalues their capabilities. Boston's roster construction typically features versatile defenders and high-basketball-IQ players who thrive in the tactical chess matches that define nationally televised games. When oddsmakers install them as underdogs in these spots, it often reflects temporary narrative-driven market inefficiencies rather than true talent gaps. The psychological edge becomes pronounced when the Celtics face teams with higher public profiles or recent hot streaks. Boston's coaching staff historically excels at game-planning for specific opponents, and the extra preparation time that comes with scheduled primetime games allows them to exploit matchup advantages that casual bettors overlook. The team's veteran leadership and playoff-tested core respond well to the heightened intensity of national television games, treating them as playoff-like atmospheres. Smart bettors should focus on Celtics primetime underdog spots when they're facing teams coming off impressive recent performances, as the market often overreacts to short-term momentum. This trend carries the most weight during the regular season's second half when Boston traditionally elevates their play and opponents may be dealing with fatigue or complacency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Boston Celtics's ATS record as primetime underdog?
The Boston Celtics have an ATS record of 130-102-0 as primetime underdogs from 2014-2024. This translates to a 56.0% ATS win rate over 232 games.
Is betting on the Boston Celtics as primetime underdog profitable?
Yes, betting on the Boston Celtics as primetime underdogs has been profitable with a 7.0% ROI from 2014-2024. Their 56.0% ATS win rate indicates consistent value when getting points in nationally televised games.
How does this compare to the league average?
This performance is significantly above the league average, as most teams struggle to cover spreads consistently as underdogs. A 56% ATS win rate with positive ROI demonstrates the Celtics have been undervalued in primetime spots.
BACK This Trend
This trend shows a historically profitable pattern. Compare odds across sportsbooks to find the best line.
Compare Sportsbook OddsMethodology
All trends in The Archives are calculated from official game results and closing point spreads from 2014 to 2024. ROI assumes a flat $100 bet at standard -110 juice. Win rate is calculated as wins divided by total decisions (pushes excluded). A minimum of 10 games is required for a trend to be published. Data is sourced from The Odds API and verified against official league records.