Boston Celtics vs Phoenix Suns betting tips and predictions for Friday’s NBA on ESPN game. Boston looks to end a 2-game losing streak as they travel to Arizona to take on the Phoenix Suns. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics have fallen to just 1-3 on their current 5-game road trip which ends tonight. In their last 2 games they lost to the both LA teams by 15 and 3 points while playing without Jaylen Brown in both those games. The loss against the Clippers hurt in particular as LA played without their star Paul George and yet the Celtics fell short in the end. As a result now Boston ranks 10th in the East and would be part of the play-in tournament if the regular season ended today. There are encouraging signs ahead of tonight’s game though, the Cs have beaten the Suns 9 times in the last 13 games and have gone 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games vs Pacific Division opponents. Not having Jaylen Brown could be an issue once again though as he has been ruled out with his lingering hamstring injury.
Phoenix Suns
The loss at Golden State which ended the 18-game win streak didn’t bother the Phoenix Suns all that much, they’ve bounced back in their next game by beating the San Antonio Spurs 108-104 at home. Chris Paul turned on the jets and had 21 points plus 10 dimes, as the Suns defense stepped up and held the Spurs to just 43% shooting. Devin Booker missed yet another game due to his hamstring injury against Golden State, he is out indefinitely and there is no timetable set for his return. Phoenix is ridding a 10 game home win streak, they’ve covered the spread an impressive 8 times in the last 10 meetings with the Celtics.
Boston has been a major letdown, I though they were going to beat at least one of the LA teams, but that hasn’t been the case. Playing on the road hasn’t been kind to them, they are 7-9 on the season, against a shorthanded Suns team I don’t give them much of a chance. Let’s back the Suns to cover here.
Phoenix Suns – Boston Celtics Predictions & Odds
Suns -5.5 Point Spread is available at -110 odds on bet365
Just 206 points have been averaged in the last 3 meetings between these two sides and thee total has gone under twice. That’s been the general trend in recent head-to-head meetings, the last 6 of 10 games have gone under as well and only 212.9 points have been averaged in those games. With the new rule changes in place I think we can expect a bit of a dip on that amount of points tonight. The Celtics have gone under in 9 of 16 road games this season, while the Suns are 6-7 on the O/U at home. It’s also worth noting that the last 5 of 6 meetings played in Phoenix have gone under the total and with both teams missing a 20+ point per game scorer, I think it’s reasonable to take the under here. Celtics rank only 20th in pace of play this season, so don’t expect too many fast break points here. Whoever wins the battle on the defensive end will come out on top. Back the under.
Under 216.5 Total Points is available at -110 odds on bet365
