Celtics vs. Suns Betting Preview: Boston Has Edge In Powerhouse Battle

Kenny Ducey previews Wednesday's NBA game between the Celtics and Suns.

Celtics and Suns are playing each other on Wednesday night. Celtics are the team to beat in the Eastern Conference. Suns have the edge in Western Conference and are considered the class of the West.

Celtics beat the Raptors on Monday night. Boston has won 20 games in 25 games this season. Phoenix is currently fourth in the NBA in rebounds per game. Celtics have a better rebounding rate than Suns. Celtics are dependent on the play of Jayson Tatum. Suns have less than half the team's net rating without him. The Celtics' team efficiency is better with him in it. They have better than average Net Rating without Tayson. He has a +12.1 Net rating.

Suns have the third-best record in the NBA and have won seven of their last nine games. They have two losses in their past three games after getting beaten by Dallas. Suns have allowed 110.2 points per 100 possessions over the last six games, but without dominating against the Spurs, it would be worse. Deandre Ayton's defense has been middling, especially when defending shots inside of six feet.

The Suns have struggled on defense over the last six games. Boston Celtics are the perfect team to expose this. The frontcourt play has been improved recently. Tatum is taking 41.9% of his shots inside of 10 feet and shooting 61.6% on those looks. Phoenix is struggling to defend inside and its rim protector is experiencing some regression on the defense. Celtics should bully the Suns down low and take the win.