The Boston Celtics (48-14) make the 3rd stop on a 5-game road trip against the Phoenix Suns (37-26) Saturday at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Celtics vs. Suns odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Season series: First meeting; Teams split 1-1 straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) in 2022-23, with the Under going 2-0
The Celtics were tripped up 115-109 against the Nuggets Thursday, losing for the 2nd straight game on the trip. Boston was favored in each of the losses in Denver and Cleveland, too. Still, Boston is 11-2 SU in the past 13 games, while going 6-2 ATS in the previous 8 contests. The Under is 4-2 across the past 6 games, too.
The Suns have picked up consecutive wins in Denver, and against Toronto, while splitting against the number. Phoenix is 5-2 ATS in the past 7 tries against Eastern Conference teams. The Under is on a 9-0 run for Phoenix, and the total has gone low in 10 of the past 13 games for the Suns against Eastern Conference foes.
Celtics at Suns odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Celtics -225 (bet $225 to win $100 | Suns+180 (bet $100 to win $180)
- Against the spread: Celtics -5.5 (-110) | Suns +5.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 226.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Celtics at Suns key injuries
Celtics
- G Jaylen Brown (pelvis) questionable
- F Jayson Tatum (ankle) probable
Suns
- G Devin Booker (ankle) doubtful
- G Josh Okogie (abdominal) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Celtics at Suns picks and predictions
Prediction
Suns 111, Celtics 108
Moneyline
The SUNS (+180) are a good value to nearly double up against the visiting Celtics (-225).
While Phoenix has plenty of injury issues, especially with Devin Booker (ankle) likely out at least another 7-10 days, it has picked up wins in the past 2 Games. Boston has struggled against marquee opponents lately, just coming up short in Cleveland and Denver. Look for more disappointment in the Valley of the Sun.
Against the spread
The SUNS +5.5 (-110) are a solid play for the more conservative bettor, if you just can’t bring yourself to take Phoenix straight up.
Seeing Brown and Tatum on the injury report for the Celtics -5.5 (-110) is a little offputting, too, although Tatum is expected to play. Brown isn’t as much of a slam-dunk play, although he certainly didn’t look affected by his ailment much Thursday, going for 41 points and 14 boards in his 41 minutes.
Over/Under
UNDER 226.5 (-110) is quite a high number. Go low, and feel confident in doing so.
The total has gone low in 4 of the past 6 games for the Celtics, while the Under is 8-3 in the past 11 tries against Western Conference teams for Boston.
As far as Phoenix is concerned, the Under is on a 9-0 run, while cashing at a 10-3 clip in the past 13 outings against teams from the Eastern Conference.
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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