Closing the books on a three-day hiatus, the Phoenix Suns return to the hardwood tonight, facing a less familiar, but still exciting Boston Celtics team. As it stands now, the Celtics own a 13-13 record, with signature wins thus far coming against the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, and Charlotte Hornets.
With their 20-4 record, we know the Suns enter this bout as the far more superior squad. But with a fully automatic gun at their hip named Jayson Tatum, they still embody a solid challenge for the Valley Boys.
Phoenix Suns vs Boston Celtics Odds, Moneyline, Over/Under
According to WynnBET, Phoenix is favored by a +5.5 point spread. Their moneyline odds are at -210, and the over/under currently sits at 211.5 points.
As the team with more wins and while coming off a well rested stretch, the Suns undoubtedly deserve this nod from the oddsmakers. The +5.5 spread even feels a bit generous for the Celtics given their inconsistency as a team compared to Phoenix’s rock solid play.
Devin Booker’s ongoing absence certainly factored into that, but the Suns still carry more momentum and more talent than Boston even without him.
Phoenix Suns vs Boston Celtics Lineups
Since Booker’s injury, Landry Shamet has stepped up to the plat as a starter. Deandre Ayton will not play due to a non-COVID illness, but everything else will look familiar.
- PG: Chris Paul
- SG: Landry Shamet
- SF: Mikal Bridges
- PF: Jae Crowder
- C: JaVale McGee
The Celtics ruled out Jaylen Brown, as he continues to deal with his own hamstring injury. After losing him though, Boston chose to run with this lineup three out of the four games played, including their last two. They likely do the same tonight.
- PG: Marcus Smart
- SG: Dennis Schröder
- SF: Jayson Tatum
- PF: Robert Williams
- C: Al Horford
Phoenix Suns vs Boston Celtics Prediction
The injuries to Booker and Brown handcuff both these teams to a certain degree, mainly at the offensive end. But when moving on from that, the Suns still carry a far more dynamic group than the Celtics.
Going up against the undersized and less athletic Al Horford at center, watch for JaVale McGee to wreak havoc inside. With his crafty play, Chris Paul likely bests the often over-aggressive Marcus Smart as well, setting himself up to create both for himself and McGee.
The Celtics playing this game as their third contest in four days also puts them at a disadvantage. Additionally, their only remaining superstar in Tatum finds himself slated to go up against an all-league defender in Mikal Bridges.
The Suns not only win this contest, but easily cover their five and half point spread.
Final: Phoenix Suns 110, Boston Celtics 96
Phoenix Suns Up Next
Following this game, the Suns hit the road to face off against the Los Angeles Clippers for the first time since defeating them during the Western Conference Finals. With Paul George torching the league right now and his rivalry with Devin Booker considered, Booker’s injury now feels like a shame more than ever.
But regardless, this game likely brings fans box-office entertainment either way. The Clippers once again represent a strong Western Conference team, making up a fun challenge for Phoenix to begin their brief road trip with.