The Boston Celtics are geared to dish out another beating on the Phoenix Suns, especially with Kevin Durant sidelined.
Catch the game tomorrow at 7:30 AM, Manila time.
AWAY: Phoenix Suns (35-41, 12-26 AWAY)
Projected starting five:
- Tyus Jones
- Devin Booker
- Ryan Dunn
- Kevin Durant (out) / Royce O’Neale
- Nick Richards
The Suns are in freefall, losers of four straight with a staggering -23.5 net rating during this brutal stretch. With Kevin Durant (ankle) and Bradley Beal still sidelined, Phoenix’s playoff hopes are hanging by a thread as they fight for the final play-in spot in the crowded Western Conference.
Devin Booker now carries an enormous burden as the Suns’ lone remaining star. After being held to just 14 points on 4/13 shooting in their 132-102 blowout loss to Boston eight days ago, Booker must deliver a heroic performance to keep Phoenix competitive. He’ll need significant help from veterans Tyus Jones, Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale, while young bigs Nick Richards, Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro must provide energy against Boston’s deep frontcourt. With their season on the line, the Suns desperately need role players to step up in what appears to be another daunting matchup.
HOME: Boston Celtics (56-20, 24-13 HOME)
Projected starting five:
- Jrue Holiday
- Derrick White
- Jaylen Brown
- Jayson Tatum
- Kristaps Porzingis
The Celtics remain the NBA’s gold standard despite Tuesday’s 124-103 loss to Miami, which marked just their second defeat in 16 games. Even with Jaylen Brown (questionable) potentially sidelined, Boston’s championship-caliber roster features multiple weapons ready to step up.
Jayson Tatum leads a balanced attack with his scoring prowess, plus Kristaps Porzingis who dropped 30 points in the aforementioned win. The Celtics’ elite two-way play – ranking top-5 in both offensive and defensive efficiency – makes them a nightmare matchup. Derrick White, Payton Pritchard and Jrue Holiday provide backcourt stability, while Boston’s switchable defense can throw multiple looks at Booker. With home court advantage and superior depth, the Celtics are heavy favorites to continue their run against the reeling Suns.
This matchup showcases the stark contrast between a championship contender and a team fighting for survival, with Boston looking to make another statement against Phoenix’s depleted lineup.
PICKS:
Spread: Celtics (-14)
Over/Under: Over (228.5)
