NESN Launches Free-To-Play Celtics NBA Final Game

The Boston Celtics have reached the NBA Finals, giving them a chance to take sole possession of the all-time lead in NBA Championships won. To add some additional excitement for Celtics fans, Boston’s regional sports network NESN has launched a free to play game that allows fans to make various picks for each game for a chance to win prizes.

For Celtics fans who don’t want to bet real money on the game

Excitement is high around Boston as the Celtics prepare to play the Warriors in the NBA Finals. The Celtics have not made it to the Finals in over a decade, with their last appearance being their 2010 loss to the Lakers. Fans will no doubt be looking to test their knowledge and have some action on the outcome. Sports betting, along with the top gambling sites are still illegal in Massachusetts, but there are plenty of options for fans who wish to lay down real cash by taking a short road trip to a neighboring state. For those who don’t want to make the drive or simply prefer to flex their sports knowledge without laying out any actual money, NESN has introduced a free to play prediction game that gives fans a risk-free betting experience that offers the chance to win real money prizes.

The Celtics Playoff Challenge offers fans a new chance to predict various betting markets for each game of the series. A $100 Amazon Gift Card is the daily prize for a knowledgeable fan able to pick a perfect slate, with a tie-breaker to determine the outcome in the event of multiple perfect picks. Markets are as simple as picking a winner against the spread, and as complex as an over/under line of combined points, assists, and rebounds for a specific player.

Betting odds for educational purposes

The game features real betting odds displayed for each market, but the odds do not impact winning picks. They are utilized for educational purposes and to show probability around each market. Fusing the free to play aspect with real market odds that one would find in a real money sportsbook helps new bettors learn and will provide valuable experience should they decide to take the plunge into real money sports betting.

Handicapping sporting events can be challenging even for a knowledgeable sports fan, as the language of odds and betting are a whole new element to learn. Getting some experience without the risk of losing money will help fans to make smarter wagers once Massachusetts finally gives in and legalizes sports betting. The combination of education and entertainment while the Celtics vie for the championship is a great way for NESN to engage with their audience.

Can the Celtics pull off the upset?

The chance to take home a gift card adds some fun, but the real prize for Celtics fans would be seeing the team hang their first championship banner since 2008. The thrilling second half surge by the team and outstanding playoff run has captured the city’s attention. They are still an underdog against a powerful Warriors team that steamrolled their way through the Western Conference, and overcoming the challenge won’t be easy.

NESN’s freeplay game brings fans closer to the feel of gambling at US sportsbooks online as they analyze the game from a statistical standpoint. Knowledgeable fans will have an edge as they make picks for each game for their chance to win.

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