Phoenix Suns vs Boston Celtics Prediction, Odds & Betting Trends (Mar. 14)

Odds as of March 14, 2024, at ESPN Bet. Claim the ESPN Bet promo code to bet on Suns vs Celtics. Bettors in North Carolina can register at ESPN Bet North Carolina to place their wagers.

Phoenix Suns Betting Analysis

The Suns are coming off a 117-111 road win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. Devin Booker returned from a four-game absence due to an ankle injury to score 27 points in the victory. Kevin Durant led the way with 37 points, including 19 in the third quarter alone.

Prior to that, the Suns went 2-2 in the four games Booker missed. They suffered a 117-107 road loss in Boston last Saturday without star Devin Booker in the lineup. Durant exploded for 45 points in that contest. Overall, the Suns are 38-27 and tied for sixth in the Western Conference.

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Durant ranks fourth in the NBA in scoring at 28.5 points per game. Booker is also having another outstanding season, averaging 27.5 points and 6.8 assists. The Suns’ offense revolves around their two superstars. The Suns rank in the top seven in both field goal and three-point percentage. Phoenix also moves the ball well, dishing out over 26 assists per game.

The Suns will be without Royce O’Neale, who is out with an ankle injury. Booker and Durant are good to go, which is crucial when making your Suns vs Celtics prediction.

Some key betting trends to note: the Suns are just 1-6 against the spread (ATS) in their last seven games overall. However, Frank Vogel’s team is 11-5 ATS in their previous 16 games vs the Celtics.

Boston Celtics Betting Trends

The Celtics have won three straight games after a rare two-game losing streak. They beat the Utah Jazz 123-107 on the road Tuesday night without Jaylen Brown, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis. Role players like Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman, and Oshae Brissett stepped up with the increased opportunity.

Boston is an NBA-best 51-14 overall and 29-3 at home. They went 3-2 on a recent road trip before returning home for this matchup with the Suns. The Celtics lead the NBA in offensive efficiency, scoring 121.7 points per 100 possessions.

While Phoenix’s Durant and Booker will be a handful, Boston counters with their own dynamic duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Tatum is a frontrunner in the NBA MVP odds, ranking seventh in the league in scoring (27.0 ppg) while also contributing 8.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists. His ability to score from all three levels makes him a tough cover.

In terms of Celtics injuries, Kristaps Porzingis has already been ruled out as he continues to deal with a hamstring strain. He’s missed the last three games. Brown (sacroiliac strain) and Al Horford (toe sprain) are both listed as questionable after sitting out Tuesday. Their statuses are worth monitoring.

The Celtics have been bettors’ friends in the NBA team trends, as they’ve covered the number in nine of their last 11 games overall. The total has also gone under in five of the Celtics’ last six games.

PHX vs BOS Matchup Stats

Phoenix Suns vs Boston Celtics Prediction

This should be a fantastic game between two of the league’s elite teams. The Celtics have the advantage of being at home, where they’ve been dominant. They are also a little deeper and more well-rounded than the Suns.

However, Phoenix has the best player in this game: Kevin Durant. He’s proven time and again that he can take over and win games by himself. If Booker is back in rhythm, too, the Suns will be tough to stop.

Ultimately, I give a slight edge to the Celtics playing at TD Garden. The potential absences of Brown and Horford are concerning, but I still think Boston has enough firepower and chemistry to outscore the Suns.

Six points is too many in the NBA odds, though, and some sharps likely agree, as the line has come down from -6.5 to -5.5. Take the points with Phoenix, as they’ve shown the ability to keep it close against the Celtics.