Suns vs. Celtics Prediction
The Boston Celtics had their big win streak come to and end. Can they avoid having a letdown tonight when they face the suddenly surging Phoenix Suns at 7:30PM ET?
559 Phoenix Suns at 560 Boston Celtics
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
7:30PM ET – TD Garden
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Celtics are favored at home, as they are getting odds of -12 points against the Suns. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 218.5 points. The public betting for this game currently has 57 percent going on the Suns on the road. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NBA Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Suns on win streak
The Phoenix Suns have suddenly caught fire with Devin Booker returning form injury. They have won three straight, winning all three by eight points or more. They have also covered the spread in three of their last four. The Suns are 7-24 overall, 2-13 on the road, 12-19 against the spread and 18-13 with the under.
Phoenix is averaging 103.1 points per game on offense this season while giving up an average of 112.6 per game. Injuries have been a big part of the season for the Suns, but the team is finally getting healthy. Booker is averaging 24.4 points and 6.5 assists per game to lead the team this season while rookie Deandre Ayton adds 15.7 points and 10.2 rebounds per contest.
Celtics end win streak
The Boston Celtics had their eight-game win and cover streak come to an end on Saturday in a 113-104 loss at Detroit. The Celtics are now 18-11 overall, 9-3 at home, 15-14 against the spread and 17-12 with the over.
Boston is putting up 111.5 points per game this season, but it is the defense that has been the strength of the team. The Celtics are allowing just 104.1 points per game while holding opponents to 44 percent shooting from the field and 32.5 percent from the arc. The team continues to be without Al Horford due to a knee injury and Jaylen Brown is questionable for tonight’s game with a hand injury. Kyrie Irving has been leading the team with 22.7 points, 6.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game. Jayson Tatum is adding 16.7 points and 6.5 rebounds per contest.
NBA Betting Trends
Phoenix
The Suns are just 1-5 against the spread in their last six road games and 2-7 ATS in their last nine games following a win.
Boston
The Celtics are 23-6 against the spread in their last 29 home games and 22-8 ATS in their last 30 against a losing team.
Prediction:
The Celtics were rolling, but a long winning streak coming to an end can take the edge of a team. As the streak goes on, the team picks up the intensity to keep it going. I expect Boston to have a little bit of a lull the next few games. Add to that, Phoenix is playing very well right now with Booker returning, and I see this game being competitive. Phoenix can get hot and cause some problems for the Boston defense.
NBA Prediction: Phoenix Suns +12