Boston Celtics vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Prediction

Victor TrejosBasketball, NBA

The Phoenix Suns (2-8) will be 9.5-point underdogs at home in Talking Stick Resort Arena when they take on the Boston Celtics (6-4). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 211 points and action starts at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 8, 2018.

Boston Celtics at Phoenix Suns Betting Odds

Both teams did not cover as underdogs in their last outing. The Celtics (1.5-point underdogs) were defeated by the Denver Nuggets, 115-107, while the Suns (2-point underdogs) fell to the Brooklyn Nets, 104-82. The Boston game finished 11.5 points over the projected point total of 210.5, while the Phoenix game went 34.5 points under the projected point total of 220.5.

Boston had an effective field goal percentage of 0.557 (above their season average of 0.497) while Phoenix did a great job of converting from the charity stripe (17-20; 85.0 percent). Deandre Ayton had a good outing for Phoenix with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Boston, meanwhile, was lifted by Kyrie Irving, who contributed 31 points, five rebounds and five assists.

The Celtics dominated this series last year, taking both games. In the last matchup, Boston won 102-94. Converting at the free throw line was one of Boston’s largest strengths. They were 14-14 (100.0 percent), while the Suns were just 10-19 (52.6 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.

Of the Celtics’ 10 games, six have finished under the total. Boston is 6-4 straight up (SU), but they struggle covering the spread (4-6 against the spread (ATS)).

Much like Boston, Suns games also have typically finished under the total (60.0 percent). Moreover, Phoenix owns records of 2-8 SU and 4-6 ATS.

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 NBA with a defensive efficiency of 98.4). The Celtics should have the edge on that end of the court. Also, the Celtics, who rank 24th in offensive rebounding percentage (20.6 percent), might have a tough time getting put-back points against the Suns, who rank third in defensive rebounding percentage (80.2 percent).

Celtics at Suns Odds Pick

NBA Pick: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • The Celtics are 27th in the league with 10.4 second chance points per game while the Suns are 28th with 9.7 second chance points per game.
  • Boston ranks third in steals allowed per game (6.3) while Phoenix ranks 29th (11.2).
  • 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).
  • Boston ranks first in blocks allowed per game (3.2) while Phoenix ranks eighth (4.8).
  • The Celtics rank first in points off turnovers allowed per game (13.4) while the Suns rank 27th (23.2).
  • The Celtics rank third in three pointers attempted per game (36.7) while the Suns rank 17th (30.5).
  • Boston ranks third in assists allowed per game (21.3) while Phoenix ranks 28th (27.1).
  • Boston is 3-1 when they hold opponents below 100 points.
  • When reaching 100 points, the Suns are 2-3 and the Celtics are 6-3.
  • Boston is 2-4 ATS on the road, while Phoenix is 3-3 ATS at home.
  • The total has gone under in 4 of the Suns’ 6 home games, while 4 of the Celtics’ 6 road games have gone under.
  • Bettings Trends:
  • The Suns are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Celtics are 2-3.
  • In their last five games, Phoenix has 4 unders and 1 over, while Boston has 3 overs and 2 unders.
  • 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).
  • The Celtics’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.6, up from 2.9 for the season.
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