Boston Celtics vs Phoenix Suns Prediction, Odds & Player Props to Bet (Mar. 9)

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 9, 2024

The Celtics are an offensive juggernaut led by the superstar duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Tatum is a frontrunner in the NBA MVP odds, averaging over 30 points per game, while Brown is an elite second option who can take over when needed, as evidenced by his 41-point outburst against Denver.

Adding Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday has taken Boston’s offense to another level. Porzingis provides floor spacing and rim protection, while Holiday is a perfect fit as a two-way playmaker. The Celtics’ starting five, with those four plus Derrick White, is the best unit in the NBA.

For the season, the Celtics boast the NBA’s best record at 48-14. They rank first in the league in offensive rating (120.8 points per 100 possessions), second in defensive rating (110.1), and first in net rating (+10.7). Boston is 29-32-1 ATS overall and 12-15-3 ATS on the road.

Celtics Injury Report

• Jayson Tatum (ankle) probable
• Jaylen Brown (sacroiliac) questionable

Suns Betting Trends

The Suns enter this matchup riding a two-game winning streak after beating Denver 117-107 in overtime on Tuesday and Toronto 120-113 on Thursday. Kevin Durant led the way in both victories, scoring 35 points in each contest.

Phoenix has won six of its last eight games overall to improve to 37-26 on the season, good for sixth place in the Western Conference. The Suns are 25-36-2 ATS for the year, including a dismal 12-21-1 ATS mark at home.

The Suns rank seventh in the NBA in offensive rating (117.1) and 17th in defensive rating (114.1) for a net rating of +3.0 (10th). They play at the league’s second-slowest pace.

The Suns are hoping to have Devin Booker back in the lineup after he missed the last three games with an ankle sprain. Booker’s availability completely changes the dynamic of this matchup, as he forms a nearly unstoppable offensive trio with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.

Even if Booker can’t go, the Suns still have enough firepower to keep up with the Celtics. Durant hasbeen on a tear since joining Phoenix, averaging 29.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists since arriving at last year’s deadline. He’s a matchup nightmare for any defender with his size and skill.

The X-factor for Phoenix could be Grayson Allen, who has been on fire from three-point range. Allen has made 15 triples in his last two games and is shooting a blistering 47.5% from deep on the season. His ability to space the floor is crucial for the Suns’ offense.

Suns Injury Report

• Devin Booker (ankle) questionable
• Josh Okogie (abdomen) out

Celtics vs Suns Player Props

Celtics vs Suns player props are available at a wide variety of sports betting apps. Oddsmakers are expecting Tatum and Durant to light up the scoresheet on Saturday, as both stars have projected point totals near the 30-range.

NBA player props collected from a variety of the best sports betting apps.

One intriguing player prop to consider is Kristaps Porzingis over 21.5 points. Porzingis has been on a tear lately, scoring over 21.5 points in each of his last five games. With his ability to stretch the floor and score inside, he should have plenty of opportunities against the Suns’ defense.

Another prop to look at is Kevin Durant under 28.5 points. While Durant has been sensational since joining the Suns, the Celtics have the defensive personnel to make things difficult for him. With long, versatile defenders like Tatum, Brown, and Porzingis, Boston may be able to limit Durant’s efficiency and keep him under his scoring prop.

For a higher risk, higher reward option, consider Grayson Allen over 3.5 made three-pointers. Allen has been scorching hot from deep, draining eight triples in each of his last two games. If he continues to get open looks and shoot with confidence, Allen could easily surpass 3.5 made threes, especially if the Celtics focus their defensive attention on Durant and Beal.

Boston Celtics vs Phoenix Suns Prediction

This should be a highly entertaining matchup between two of the most talented teams in the NBA. The Celtics are rightfully favored on the road, as they’ve been the best and most consistent team all season. The potential absence of Devin Booker also looms large for Phoenix.

However, the Suns have been tough to beat at home and will be extremely motivated to prove they can hang with the NBA’s elite. Kevin Durant is more than capable of putting the team on his back, and guys like Beal and Allen are very dangerous as complementary scorers.

Ultimately, the Celtics just have too much firepower and defensive versatility. Expect a high-scoring affair, but for Boston to pull away late for a 5-10-point victory and cover the 5.5-point spread. The over 226.5 points also looks like a good bet given the offensive talent on both sides.

• Celtics -5.5 (-105)
• Over 226.5 points (-110)