Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Phoenix Suns vs. Boston Celtics
How To Watch:
Date: Friday, February 3rd
Game Time: 7:30 pm EST
Venue: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
TV: NBA TV
Record: Celtics (37-15, first in the Eastern Conference), Suns (27-26, eighth in the Western Conference)
Things To Know:
-The Celtics took the first matchup between the two teams, 125-98, on December 7, in Phoenix. Behind a strong performance from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, each scored 25 points, the Celtics took advantage of a sloppy Suns team.
-The Suns are 8-17 on the road this season, while the Celtics have been nearly unbeatable at home, going 20-6.
-Boston, at home, is 14-12-0 against the spread this season.
-Phoenix, on the road, is 12-13-0 against the spread this season.
Why The Celtics Can Win
The Celtics stumbled out of January, losing three out of their last four, but started February with a thrashing of the Brooklyn Nets 139-96 on Wednesday night. The NBA’s best team, led by MVP Candidate Tatum, will continue their march to finish the first half strong. The Celtics have been nearly unbeatable at home and hit 53.9% of the time, against the spread, when a home favorite.
“This dynamic duo of Tatum and Brown is legit. We’re seeing the maturation of that law firm, Tatum, Brown and Associates. They’re getting better and better.”
@ShannonSharpe reacts to the Celtics 125-98 blowout win vs the Suns pic.twitter.com/AvItE6eOF6— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) December 8, 2022
The Suns will be without Cameron Payne (foot), Landry Shamet (foot), and Jae Crowder (team decision). Devin Booker (groin) looks to return soon, possibly as early as tonight against the Celtics.
Why The Suns Can Win
The Suns have hit 53.9% of the time against the spread when an away underdog. The Suns will need a strong performance out of scoring leader Deandre Ayton, who is averaging 17.4 points per game, and limit turnovers. The Suns 13.7 turnovers per game on the road this season is above their season average. The Celtics will be without Marcus Smart (ankle), and Danilo Gallinari (knee).
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