The Boston Celtics need a win to restore their confidence that has taken quite a hit after back-to-back losses in Tinseltown. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns return to action after an extended rest. Who gets the W?
Catch this game live on Saturday, December 11, at 11 AM, Manila time
Away: Boston Celtics (13-13/7-9 on the road)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Marcus Smart
- SG: Dennis Schroder
- SF: Jayson Tatum
- PF: Al Horford
- C: Robert Williams
Boston hasn’t been right of late, having lost three of their last four games, including two in Hollywood. The Celtics lost to the Los Angeles Lakers last Wednesday (117-102) then absorbed a 114-111 road loss at the hands of the LA Clippers on Thursday. Among the reasons for their recent struggles is their sloppiness with the leather. The Celtics have committed a total of 35 turnovers in their last two games. Against the Clippers, Jayson Tatum and Robert Williams III each turned the ball over six times.
Perhaps, getting out of LA will help Boston turn things around, especially in Phoenix, where the Celtics have won three of their last four visits there, dating back to 2018. The Celtics also hope that Jaylen Brown will finally return to action this Saturday after the forward missed all of the team’s past four games. Brown is nursing a hamstring issue, but a full day of rest Friday could be enough for him to get back on the floor for the Celtics, who have seen the total go 3-1 in their last four games away from TD Garden.
Home: Phoenix Suns (20-4/11-2 at home)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Chris Paul
- SG: Cam Johnson
- SF: Mikal Bridges
- PF: Jae Crowder
- C: Deandre Ayton
Phoenix is coming off a lengthy rest. By the time the Suns face off with Boston this Saturday, they would have had three full days of rest. Before that break, Phoenix took care of business at home by defeating the San Antonio Spurs at home last Tuesday, 108-104, to immediately rebound from a 118-96 road loss to the Golden State Warriors. The biggest question right now for Phoenix is whether Devin Booker is going to be available against the Celtics.
Booker has missed the last three games with a hamstring issue, but could potentially return Saturday. If Booker fails to get a green light, the Suns should still have enough weapons to make life hard for Boston. Chris Paul is playing elite basketball. Deandre Ayton has been a problem all season long for opponents. Mikal Bridges and Jae Crowder have been excellent in fulfilling their complementary roles. As a team, the Suns have averaged 106.0 points and shot 41.7% from deep in their last three games. They are also 11-8 ATS this season in games after a win.
PREDICTIONS:
Spread: The Suns are well-rested, but they could also be a little bit cold because of that. Take the Celtics to cover (+6).
Over/Under: Boston’s defense has been porous of late, but they can also take advantage of a potentially rusty Suns’ defense. Take the Over (216.5).
