Forget the discussion about whether the Nets might be a better “team” without Kyrie Irving on the floor. Are they a smarter bet?
It’s an interesting question to ponder with the Nets beginning a quick home-and-home series against Irving’s prior team, the Celtics. The NBA Atlantic Division rivals will play Wednesday in Boston, Friday at Barclays Center.
Boston is 9-5-2 against the spread this season (a 64 percent cash rate) after not retaining the star guard. The Celtics are earning plaudits for teamwork on both sides of the floor. They’ve been a smart bet in 2019-20.