NBA Odds: Suns (even)
The Boston Celtics (20-32) visit Phoenix to take on the Suns (29-27) in what should be a fast-paced game. Action begins at 9:00 pm ET on Monday, Feb. 23 and can be seen on CSN-NE and FSN-AZ+.
The Suns are expecting a better outcome after their 112-107 loss to the Bulls on Saturday. P.J. Tucker was the team’s leading scorer with 20 points. The Celtics, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after the 109-101 loss against the Kings on Friday. Avery Bradley had a team-high 28 points.
Jared Sullinger has upped his play for the Celtics, averaging 18.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.0 steal, 0.6 blocks, and 0.8 three-pointers over the past five games.
There could be a fair amount of transition offense in a game that features two of the league’s more up-tempo teams. Phoenix is ranked second in the NBA in possessions per game (100.5), while Boston is third (99.8).
This is the second game of the year between these two teams, with the Suns winning the first matchup 118-114. In the victory, Markieff Morris led all scorers with 30 points.
The odds for Phoenix and Boston are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available. The Suns come into this game 29-27 Straight Up (SU) and 28-25-3 Against The Spread (ATS). They are 15-7 SU and ATS against the Eastern Conference. The Suns have no trouble scoring as they rank fourth in the league in offense with 106.0 points per game. The Suns are one of the best in the NBA in terms of free throw percentage, shooting an impressive .780 from the free throw line. Phoenix is one of the league’s top scoring teams off turnovers with an average of 18.5 points per game.
In the other locker room, the Celtics have 20-32 SU and 29-23 ATS records. Boston performed well ATS during its last 10 games, earning a 7-3 record. One advantage for the Celtics could be Phoenix’s high fouls per game average of 22.1.
With the Suns’ last win against Boston, their SU record is now 7-3 over the Celtics in the last 10 games. With a 7-2-1 record, the Suns also have the advantage ATS. In these last 10 matchups, Phoenix held the edge in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers three times, with Boston controlling all three of these areas one time.
Predictions: SU Winner – PHX, ATS Winner – PHX
Notes
On average, Boston puts up 100.8 points per game (ranked 13th). Phoenix ranks 28th in points allowed per game with 105.0.
Boston scores an average of 99.6 points per away game (ranked 11th). Phoenix ranks 28th in points allowed per home game with 103.4.
When allowing fewer than 100 points, the Celtics are 15-5 on the season. When the Suns score fewer than 100, they are an abysmal 4-13.
The Boston Celtics have a subpar 5-27 record in games where they have allowed at least 100 points. The Phoenix Suns are 25-14 when they hit the century mark.
The Suns have a defensive rating of 104.5 (ranked 22nd), while the Celtics rank 21st for their offensive rating of 101.0.
Phoenix has an average field goal percentage of 46.2% (ranked seventh). Boston is a subpar 2-23 when opponents have a similar or higher field goal percentage.
On average, the Phoenix Suns attempt 26.5 three point field goals per game and the Boston Celtics attempt 23.4 per game. In games where they attempt at least 25 threes, Phoenix is 18-21, while Boston has a poor record of 6-11.
The Phoenix Suns rank 25th with an assist to turnover ratio of 1.45. The Boston Celtics have a higher A/TO (1.78), ranking seventh.
The Suns rank 19th in rebounds per game with 42.5, while the Celtics rank 12th with 43.7 per game.
The Boston Celtics rank 14th in offensive rebounding, while the Phoenix Suns rank 20th in defensive rebounding.
Phoenix is one of the top teams in forced turnovers, with opponents averaging a TOV% of 15.3% (ranked eighth). Boston has an underachieving record of 3-11 SU this season when its TOV% reaches 15.3% or greater.
