Back from rest

The 7-4 Phoenix Suns have been on and off as of late, as they have alternated wins for the past five games. The good thing, however, is that they are returning from a four-day rest and an easy, 128-112 win over the Atlanta Hawks. That win may provide a much-needed confidence boost for when they face a great team like the Boston Celtics.

Devin Booker (25.9 PPG), currently one of the best young scorers today, is in for a night of intriguing match-ups. He will be going head-to-head against one of the best defenses in the league, and he, in turn, will be providing a tough challenge as well. In last year’s season series with Boston, Booker averaged 31.5 points and 8.5 assists per game.

With five other players averaging in double figures and a fine ball movement that ranks fifth in the league in assists (28.8 APG), the Suns are armed to counter the Celtics’ defense.

The Suns weren’t expected to be in the playoff hunt this season, but are in fifth place in the West and already have victories over elite teams like the LA Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers.

Coming off a heartbreaking loss

The 10-2 Celtics got their 10-game winning streak snapped in heartbreaking fashion Monday, as they lost to the Sacramento Kings, 100-99, after Marcus Smart’s would-be game-winner crawled out of the rim as time expired.

With that, tomorrow’s performance may be a good first indication as to how mentally tough this Celtics team really is. The obstacles are stacked high – they are on the heels of a frustrating defeat, the game is on the road and on the second night of a back-to-back, and the Suns are rested and run a smooth-passing offense – so it will be interesting to see how well they can respond.

Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kemba Walker, and Smart ought to dig deep and have a bounce back game. They all played mediocre in the Kings loss and scored below their respective averages.

PREDICTION:

The Suns earn a close win and the match-ups should be a fun watch. Booker and Kemba may have a scoring duel, while the fiery Kelly Oubre Jr. versus Tatum, Brown and the Celtics’ swingmen could be intense.