The Phoenix Suns (19-55) will attempt to put an end to their 11-game losing streak when they clash against the Boston Celtics (50-23) at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The game will air on NBATV at 10 p.m. ET on Monday, March 26, 2018.
Boston Celtics vs. Phoenix Suns ATS Prediction
The Celtics will be hoping for similar success after beating the Sacramento Kings in their last contest, 104-93. Boston’s 0.167 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Sacramento, who had a mark of 0.122. The Celtics’ mark was below their season average of 0.187, while the Kings’ was below the 0.197 mark opponents have averaged against Boston this season. Boston was led by Terry Rozier, who was the top scorer from either team with 33 points on 12-for-16 shooting.
In the Suns’ last game, they were beaten by the Orlando Magic, 105-99. Orlando’s 31.1 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Phoenix, who had a mark of 20.0. The Magic’s mark was above their season average of 19.9. With 14 points, eight assists and five rebounds, Elfrid Payton had a good performance for Phoenix.
The ineffective offense of Phoenix will square off against the stingy defense of Boston. The Suns rank 30th in offensive efficiency, while the Celtics are first in defensive efficiency. The Celtics figure to have the edge on that side of the ball.
Boston comes into the contest with records of 50-23 straight up (SU) and 43-26-3 against the spread (ATS). Of the Celtics’ 72 games that accepted bets, 36 have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Phoenix owns records of 19-55 SU and 32-40-2 ATS. Vegas is highly accurate when setting the O/U total of Suns games, with an even split between overs and unders.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Rozier (16.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.2 steals) has been great for the Celtics while Josh Jackson (20.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals) has contributed greatly to the Suns.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the Suns lost 116-111 but covered as 12.5-point underdogs. Devin Booker led both teams with 38 points and also had five assists. The game finished with a total of 227 points, which was 9.5 points above the projected point total of 217.5 points. Boston did a fantastic job of making free throws (18-23; 78.3 percent). Phoenix, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.2 vs. 11.4).
Boston Celtics at Phoenix Suns ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Boston is 25-10 ATS with 17 overs, 17 unders and 1 push.
Phoenix is 12-23-1 ATS at home with 18 overs, 17 unders and 1 push.
In games where they hold opponents below 100 points, Phoenix is 6-2 and Boston is 32-4.
In games where they score more than 100 points, the Celtics are 38-10 and the Suns are 15-32.
Boston ranks fourth in fast break points allowed per game (10.2) while Phoenix ranks 29th (14.9).
The Celtics rank sixth in blocks allowed per game (4.4) while the Suns rank last (6.0).
Boston ranks seventh in steals allowed per game (7.2) while Phoenix ranks 29th (8.7).
The Celtics rank eighth in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.1) while the Suns rank 29th (18.9).
Boston averages 44.5 rebounds per game, which ranks eighth in the league. Phoenix ranks 29th in rebounds allowed per game (46.0).
The Suns rank 10th in points in the paint per game (46.0) while the Celtics rank 28th (39.1).
Boston ranks fifth in second chance points allowed per game (11.3) while Phoenix ranks 21st (13.0).
The Celtics average 31.0 three pointers per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. The Suns rank 15th in three pointers allowed per game (29.1).
Boston ranks 20th in assists per game (22.4) while Phoenix ranks 29th (21.1).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Boston is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Phoenix is 1-4 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Celtics’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.4, down from 4.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Suns have scored an average of 95.8 points per game (8.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 116.0 points per game (2.1 above their season average).
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