The Phoenix Suns (2-8) meet the Boston Celtics (6-4) at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The game is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 8, 2018.
Boston opened as a 9.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 211 points.
Boston Celtics at Phoenix Suns Free Prediction
The last time the Celtics played, they were beaten by the Denver Nuggets, 115-107, and were unable to cover as 1.5-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (222) were over the projected point total of 210.5. One of Denver’s biggest advantages was getting to the free throw line. They made 28 trips to the line, while Boston went just 12 times. Kyrie Irving was Boston’s leading scorer with 31 points on 13-for-17 shooting.
The Suns lost big to the Brooklyn Nets in their last outing, 104-82. They failed to cover as 2-point underdogs. The game’s total points (186) were well under the projected point total of 220.5. Brooklyn’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Phoenix. The Nets had a rate of 9.1 (better than their season average of 13.4), while the Suns posted a mark of 18.2 (above the 11.5 mark opponents have averaged against Brooklyn this season). Phoenix’s Deandre Ayton contributed 15 points and 13 rebounds in the contest.
The ineffective offense of Phoenix (30th in the league with an offensive efficiency of 99.2) will clash against the stingy defense of Boston (first in the league with a defensive efficiency of 98.4). The Celtics figure to have the edge on that side of the ball. Also, second chance points figure to be few and far between for the Celtics. They rank 24th in the NBA in offensive rebounding percentage at 20.6 percent, while the Suns are third-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 80.2 percent).
Boston is 6-4 straight up (SU), but they struggle covering the spread (4-6 against the spread (ATS)). Celtics games have a tendency to finish under the total (60.0 percent).
Meanwhile, Phoenix owns records of 2-8 SU and 4-6 ATS. Coinciding with Boston, Suns games also tend to finish under the total (60.0 percent).
After the Celtics won both contests against the Suns last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, Boston won 102-94. One of Boston’s largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 14-14 (100.0 percent), while the Suns were just 10-19 (52.6 percent).
Celtics vs. Suns ATS Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Boston is 2-4 ATS with 4 unders and 2 overs.
At home, Phoenix is 3-3 ATS with 4 unders and 2 overs.
Boston is 3-1 when they allow under 100 points.
The Suns are 2-3 when they score over 100 points, while the Celtics are 6-3.
Boston ranks third in steals allowed per game (6.3) while Phoenix ranks 29th (11.2).
The Celtics rank first in points off turnovers allowed per game (13.4) while the Suns rank 27th (23.2).
Boston ranks third in assists allowed per game (21.3) while Phoenix ranks 28th (27.1).
The Celtics rank fourth in fast break points allowed per game (11.4) while the Suns rank 28th (21.7).
Boston ranks ninth in points allowed in the paint per game (44.8) while Phoenix ranks 27th (56.8).
The Celtics rank third in three pointers attempted per game (36.7) while the Suns rank 17th (30.5).
Boston ranks first in blocks allowed per game (3.2) while Phoenix ranks eighth (4.8).
The Celtics rank 27th in second chance points per game (10.4) while the Suns rank 28th (9.7).
Bettings Trends:
Over its last five contests, Boston is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Phoenix is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over its last five games.
The Celtics’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.6, up from 2.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Suns have scored an average of 96.4 points per game (4.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 109.6 points per game (4.2 below their season average).
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