Boston Celtics vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Preview 3/9/24

Boston Celtics (48-14 SU, 29-30 ATS) vs. Phoenix Suns (37-26 SU, 25-37 ATS)

When: Saturday, March 9th, 8:30 PM (ET)

Where: Footprint Center, AZ, Phoenix

TV: ABC

Point Spread: Bos -5.5/Pho +5.5

Total: 227.5

Money Line: Boston Celtics -218/+179

Notable Injuries

Celtics

• Jaylen Brown (Questionable) Back
• Jayson Tatum (Probable) Ankle
• Neemias Queta (Probable) Right Knee

Suns

• Devin Booker (Questionable) Ankle
• Damion Lee (Out) Knee
• Josh Okogie (Out) Hip
• Nassir Little (Out) Left Knee

Tip-off for this non-conference matchup between the Celtics and Suns is set for 8:30 ET. The Celtics (-218) are 5.5-point favorites over the Suns (+179), and the over/under line is 227.5 points.

Boston is currently on a two-game losing streak and owns the best record in the Eastern Conference at 48-14. Phoenix is on a two-game winning streak and sits sixth in the Western Conference at 37-26.

Recent Form

Today, the Celtics are looking to bounce back from a 115-109 loss to the Nuggets. The O/U line for that game was 222.5, and the teams combined for 224 points. Boston was favored by 2.5 points in that game, giving them an ATS loss.

This season, the Celtics have an O/U record of 30-32 and an average over/under line of 230.8. In their games, the average combined scoring total is 230.7.

In the Eastern Conference, the Celtics are in 1st place with a record of 48-14. Against the East, they are 33-7 and 15-7 against the West. On the road, they are 19-11.

Boston’s ATS record for the season is 29-30, and they are 12-16 ATS on the road. Currently, they have won 7 straight games straight-up on the road.

This season, the Celtics have been favored in 59 of their 62 games and have a record of 46-13 as the favorite. Their ATS record as the favorite is 27-29 and 2-1 as the favorite.

Today, the Suns are looking to extend their win streak to three games after defeating the Raptors 120-113. The combined scoring in that game was 233 points, which was under the O/U line of 237.

As the favorite in that game, the Suns were giving 10.5 points on the spread, and they are 18-28 ATS as the favorite this season. Overall, their ATS record at home is 12-21, and they have failed to cover in four straight home games.

Phoenix’s O/U record for the season is 27-35-1, and their games have averaged 231.4 points per game. Today’s O/U line is set at 227.5, with their average O/U line for the season being 232.8.

In the Western Conference standings, the Suns are currently in 6th place with a record of 37-26. Against the West, they are 22-19 and 7-8 in their division. At home, they are 21-13 compared to 16-13 on the road.

The Historicals

In terms of betting, Boston has an ATS record of 3-2 in the previous 5 matchups vs Phoenix. This mark has come on an average scoring margin of +5 points per game in favor of the Celtics. In these matchups, the teams have put together an over-under mark of 1-4. Combined, they averaged 207 points in these games.

Analysis

The Celtics are one of the top offensive teams in the league, averaging 120.8 points per game (3rd). However, they have scored slightly less on the road, averaging 118.0 points per game (5th).

When it comes to three-point shooting, the Celtics lead the league in both attempts (42.2 per game) and make (16.3 per game). Overall, they are shooting 38% from beyond the arc (4th).

In terms of two-point shooting, the Celtics are 3rd in the league with a 57% shooting percentage. However, they are one of the worst teams in the league in two-point attempts (30th).

Coming into today’s game, the Celtics’ defense is giving up an average of 109.9 points per contest. On two point field goal attempts, the Celtics’ defensive unit is allowing a field goal percentage of 51.7% and allowing 34.3% from beyond the arc.

Heading into their matchup with the Celtics, the Suns are one of the most efficient offenses in the NBA. They are currently 4th in field goal percentage and 5th in true shooting percentage. Phoenix is also 1st in free throw attempts per game and 2nd in free throws made.

In terms of scoring, the Suns are 12th in the NBA with an average of 117.1 points per game. At home, they are 14th in scoring, while on the road, they are 7th. So far this season, they have outscored the NBA scoring average in 54% of their games.

When it comes to three-point shooting, Phoenix is 9th in three-point percentage but just 21st in three-pointers made per game. In terms of pace, they are 15th in the league. Overall, the Suns are 10th in two-point field goal percentage and 13th in assists.

So far, the Suns’ defense is ranked 16th in the league at 114.3 points per contest. Inside the arc, the Suns defense is giving up a shooting percentage of 53.0% and 36.4% from three-point territory.

Betting Trends

• Although Boston has a straight up record of 3-2 in their last five road games, they have not held up as well vs. the spread going 2-2-1. The team averaged 115 points per game in these games.
• When looking at their past five home matchups, Phoenix has an ATS record of 2-3 while averaging 118 per game. The team went 2-3 overall in these games.
• Looking back on the team’s last ten games as the underdog, the Suns have a straight up record of 4-6. Their record vs the spread in these games was 4-6.
• In their last three games as the betting favorite, the Celtics have a straight up record of 1-2 and an ATS mark of 1-2.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

The Celtics are coming off a few tough losses, while the Suns have rattled off two straight, including a big road win over the Nuggets on Tuesday. I’d recommend looking at the O/U line in this one, and I like the over at 227.5. I think this game is going to come right down to the wire, with the stars from each side putting on a show. Look for this to be a high-scoring game that goes over 227.5.